Kiwis rugby league halfback Shaun Johnson fronted a ''dental fitness'' campaign yesterday as the Government urges more children to enrol for free dental services.
His appearance marked the inaugural National Oral Health Day, of which he is the New Zealand Dental Association ambassador.
Johnson said the day highlighted the importance of being ''dentally fit'' to maintain physical fitness.
''Daily care, healthy diet and regular check-ups are important to keep [teeth] in perfect condition.''
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said more children had benefited from the free dental services provided by Community Oral Health Service and there had been a decline in tooth decay rates but he wanted more youth to enrol.
Five-year-olds free of tooth decay had increased from 52% to 57.5% between 2005 and 2013, he said.
Year 8 pupils without decay had increased from 44% to 54% and the Maori 5-year-olds who were decay or cavity-free had increased from 30% to 37%, Mr Dunne said.
''We know we need to maintain this momentum by ensuring our children are enrolled with the free oral health services and that they get the right support to help them develop and maintain good oral hygiene and good oral health.''
District health boards focused on increasing the number of teenagers and preschool children enrolled in the service. Last year, 73% of pre-schoolers were enrolled, compared with 49% in 2009, he said.
Nearly 75% of adolescents - aged between year 9 and their 18th birthday - were enrolled for the publicly funded dental service.
Enrolments could be made by calling 0800 825-583 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Fit teeth
How to maintain dental fitness.-
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily.
• Have a healthy diet.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Stop smoking.
