April highlights good oral health: Health unit

By Lindsay Advocate

Time for a checkup on your child’s oral health. April is Oral Health Month, and local parents and caregivers are encouraged to make the link between oral health and their child’s healthy growth and development.

It’s part of the Ontario-wide Brush Up on the Facts: Keep Kids’ Teeth Healthy campaign that the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is promoting this month in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

“When children have dental pain, it is more than just a cavity,” says Anna Rusak, a health promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit.

“Cavities can be painful, limiting a child’s ability to chew foods properly and interrupting them from fully paying attention at school or enjoying activities.”

Good oral health is also important for a child’s self-esteem, well-being and overall health, she adds.

To brush up on the facts, families are encouraged to get children to:

  • Brush teeth twice per day, in the morning and night.
  • Spend at least two minutes brushing each time.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste each time you brush.
  • Floss daily.
  • Choose a healthy diet and limit sugary drinks and sticky candy.
  • Visit a dental professional on a regular basis.

To help families access dental care, families can see if they are eligible for the Healthy Smiles Ontario program by calling the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1247Healthy Smiles Ontario can cover regular checkups, preventive care and treatment for eligible children and youth who are 17 years of age and younger.

“Small changes today can help to prevent tooth decay, pain and discomfort, making a big difference for your child’s health tomorrow,” Rusak notes.

For more Brush Up on the Facts information and resources, visit the Ontario Association of Public Health Dentistry.

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