Prevent Cavities Before They Start

Micheline Geoffroy CDA

Did you know?

Dental cavities are a preventable disease.  However, in Canada dental cavities are the leading cause of day surgery for children 1-5 years old.  In fact, 31% of all day surgeries in 1 to 5 year olds are due to dental cavities, with almost all under general anesthesia.

Cavities and gum disease can be painful and may lead to serious infections, which could affect the growth of adult teeth.  Pain can result in loss of sleep, impact on the ability to eat, and can affect a child’s ability to learn and attend school.  The Porcupine Health Unit has collaborated with the Ontario Association of Public Health Dentistry to share tips on how to keep kids’ teeth healthy.  This new campaign called “Brush up on the Facts” http://www.oaphd.on.ca/index.php/brush-up-on-the-facts, helps us link eligible children to the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.

Healthy Smile Ontario (HSO) is a no-cost dental program for children 17 years of age and under.  This program includes check-ups, fillings, x-rays and more.

Children 17 and under may be eligible if:

-They are residents of Ontario;

-They are members of a household with an Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) at or under the levels shown in the Table below:

*Add $ 1,754 for each additional dependent to determine the income level at which a family would qualify for the Healthy Smiles Ontario program