Dental Health

Here are some helpful resources to share at your centre about the importance of dental health in children.

Caring for Children’s Teeth

Even though baby teeth are temporary, they are still important and are at risk of developing cavities. Children need strong healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a confident smile.

Their first teeth also help make sure their adult teeth come in correctly.  Find out more information on keeping baby teeth healthy.

Download a poster to hang in your centre about the importance of baby teeth.

2 for 2

Brushing two times a day for two minutes is the goal for brushing.

Download and print off this handy brushing chart.

Download and print off these instructions for how to brush teeth.

Child’s First Visit to Dentist

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that kids have an assessment by a dentist within the six months of the eruption of the first tooth or by the age of one year old. The goal is to have a child seen by a dentist before there is problem.

Three reasons to take a child for a dental exam:

• You can find out if the cleaning you do at home is working
• Your dentist can find problems right away and fix them
• Your child can learn that going to the dentist helps prevent problems

Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Learn about what to do for various dental emergencies.

What free dental services can a child have?

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit offers many FREE services to families if there are concerns with the cost of dental care:

Download and print our poster or brochure about these free services from the Health Unit.

HEALTHY Smiles Ontario

Healthy Smile Ontario is a free Dental Care Program for eligible children and youth 17 and under.

Healthy Smiles Ontario can offer…

• Regular visit to a dentist or dental hygienist
• Cleaning
• Fillings
• X-rays
• Scaling
• Treatment for urgent and emergency oral health issues

How do I enroll?

Contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health unit for more information 519-426-6170 ext 3293

For more information visit:

• Healthy Smiles Ontario Website
• Healthy Smiles Brochure

Fluoride Varnish

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health unit offers free varnish application to families.

What is it?

Fluoride Varnish is brushed on teeth. It helps make children teeth strong and helps prevent cavities.

How is it put on the teeth?

Fluoride varnish is brushed on the teeth by a dental professional. The treatment is:

• Free
• Quick
• Does not hurt
• Safe

Contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit at 519-426-6170 ext. 3293 for more information on bringing the fluoride varnish program to your centre.

Dental Health Activities

Fun activities, songs and colouring sheets that promote good dental health. Download for free and use at your centre:

• Brush before bedtime
• Brush in the morning
• Monthly Brushing Chart
• Be a Magician
• Songs
• Timmy Tooth maze
• Use Only a Pea-sized Drop of Toothpaste
• When I visited the dentist

Page last updated: April 2017