Dental Health Week (DHW), the Australian Dental Association’s major oral health campaign, runs from 4–10 August.

This year focuses on children’s oral health milestones and the steps parents can take to keep their kids’ smiles healthy for life.

The theme, “Reach Every S-milestone,” highlights the importance of good habits from birth through the eruption of the first teeth and beyond.

The campaign educates parents and caregivers on what to do at each stage when to start brushing, the importance of dental check-ups, and how to establish routines that will last a lifetime.

The ADA reinforces four key elements of oral health care:

Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste.

Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.

Eat a nutritious, low-sugar diet to protect teeth from decay.

Visit your dentist regularly to catch problems early and maintain healthy smiles.

Building these habits early is essential to preventing issues like cavities and gum disease.

Parents are encouraged to supervise toothbrushing until at least age eight, introduce healthy food choices, and ensure children have their first dental visit by their first birthday.

Dental Health Week serves as a reminder that oral health is part of overall health and a confident smile begins with the right care at every milestone.