National Oral Health Day Colouring-in Competition Winners

Congratulations to all the entrants and winners from Otago schools who participated in the National Oral Health Day colouring-in competition that was run across Southern. 

National Oral Health Day is one of the significant events during November that celebrates Oral Health Awareness month.  

The competition is a positive reminder for children of the importance of looking after their teeth and having good daily oral health routines.

Last year, two thirds of children in Southern remained free from tooth decay by Year 8 (age 12-13). The small things we do every day can really make a difference to keep our teeth healthy throughout our lifetime.

Both children and adults are encouraged to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially last thing at night with no food or drink afterwards, as one of the best steps to look after their oral health. 

Southern Community Oral Health Service Health Promotion Advisor Sarah Chisnall says it was heartening to receive hundreds of very impressive entries from across Otago.  

“Selecting winners was a hard job, and it was the creativity and use of colour that made the winning entries stand out.  

The overall category winners will each receive a prize pack featuring an electric toothbrush, along with toothpaste, a drink bottle, toothbrushing challenge charts, fun stickers, and dental floss or tooth necklace.  

Additional highly commended winners from each school/Kura will receive similar prize packs featuring a standard toothbrush, to support good oral health habits. 

The Otago and West Otago overall winners are: 
Emily Zhang (age 6) George Street Normal School 
Emmerson Dunning (8) Grants Braes School
Katie Brooks (10) Heriot Primary School
Teyah Alniaami (12) Maniototo Area School

The prize pack the overall winners received.