Families are being asked to contact their local health unit to find out what dental programs are available in their community.
Manager of Dental Health Dawn Sauve says tooth decay is the most common disease among children and is leading cause of day surgery among children 1 to 5 years of age.
Sauve says, “We know in Ontario that every nine minutes someone goes to the ER and every three minutes someone goes to a doctors office for oral health problems.”
However, she notes that OHIP doesn’t cover the cost to care for our teeth and gums and 1 in 5 people in Ontario don’t visit a dentist because of costs.
Sauve says poor oral health and tooth decay can cause problems with eating, speech, sleep, self-esteem, and even finding a job.
She adds kids are missing school and adults are missing work because of toothaches.
Sauve notes tooth decay is completely preventable and programs are available at a local level.
She talks about the New program in Dryden
