A healthy mouth not only leads to strong teeth and a nice smile, but is critical to good health and wellbeing.

Unfortunately diseases due to unhealthy mouths are among the most prevalent chronic diseases in New Zealand. These diseases lead to pain and infection, poor smiles and inability to chew, and at times to hospital.

Many of these diseases can be easily reduced or prevented by following the Ministry of Health recommendation - brush teeth twice a day with fluoride tooth paste.

Around half of New Zealanders do not brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride tooth paste. This figure is higher in certain groups and these at risk groups have more dental disease.

Byte charitable trust wants to help everyone have a healthy mouth. Free byte packs,
containing a tooth brush, tooth paste, and simple instructions will be supplied to any group that needs them. Text message reminders will be sent to help develop healthy habits.

The message is simple:
Brush Your Teeth Every day (BYTE).