News

Simcoe, ON April 4th, 2018 The Ontario Association of Public Health Dentistry (OAPHD), along with public health units across Ontario, has launched an awareness campaign for Oral Health Month. The “Brush Up on the Facts: Keep Kids’ Teeth Healthy” campaign is geared to parents and focuses on the impact dental health has on kids’ healthy growth and development and the free dental programs and services that are available for eligible kids 0-17.

Good oral health is important for a child’s self-esteem, sense of well-being and overall health. Cavities can be painful, impact a child’s ability to chew foods properly, and may affect their ability to pay attention at school or enjoy activities.

“When kids have dental pain,” said Tricia Atkinson, dental hygienist at the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. “It’s more than just having a cavity. Children need to keep their teeth healthy for their overall health. That’s why we want everyone to Brush Up On The Facts to help keep kids teeth healthy.”

It is important for children to visit a dental professional annually to prevent issues from starting. Get dental issues checked immediately regardless if they have “baby teeth” or “adult teeth”.

Other tips for keeping kids’ teeth healthy include:

• Brush twice daily, morning and night.
• Brush for at least two minutes.
• Floss daily
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
• Choose a healthy diet, limit sugary drinks, sticky candy and snacks.
• Visit a dental professional at least once a year.

Please visit oaphd.on.ca for more information, or contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit Dental Team at 519-426-6170 Ext. 3293.

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Kimberly Dias
Manager of Health Promotion
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
519-426-6170 Ext. 3152
[email protected]