Tennant Creek’s famous Cheeky Dog has joined the fight against tooth decay in Territory children.

Created by Tennant Creek artist Dion Beasley, Cheeky Dog and his mischievous friends are well-recognised characters whose exploits appear in books and on merchandise.

Through a partnership with the NT Government’s Oral Health Services Central Australia (OHSCA), the much-loved characters are now using their fame to encourage children to take care of their teeth.

The OHSCA Cheeky Dog campaign was launched today at Sadadeen Primary School in Alice Springs. Its main messages are: Brush Well, Eat Well, Drink Well, Play Well and Stay Well.

The colourful campaign promotes good oral health care from a holistic perspective while engaging children with the antics of Cheeky Dog.

It has been developed in consultation with the communities of Canteen Creek, Docker River, Nyirripi and Laramba, to ensure it is culturally appropriate and as effective as possible.

Quotes from Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory Labor Government promotes good oral health care by providing free public dental care for children up to the age of 18, and through the ‘Healthy Smiles’ program in remote communities, which saw 5000 children receive 5600 protective fluoride varnishes in 2017.

“But good dental health begins at home, so we have recruited the loveable Cheeky Dog to help children and families understand simple ways they can get a head start on good oral health.

“Good oral health often equates to good overall health, so the main message of the Cheeky Dog campaign - that Mouths Matter – is important for much more than our children’s teeth.

“Research shows Territory children experience higher rates of tooth decay than those in other jurisdictions, and this campaign is one way we are working to change that.”

Media Contact: Leanne Hudson 0427 687 079

Photo caption: Jada Fojo from Sadadeen Primary School with a Cheeky Dog Campaign water bottle