With back-to-school routines now in full swing, it’s a great time to remember good oral health practices for the whole family.
Good oral health is an important part of a child’s overall health and well-being. Healthy teeth and gums can help children eat, speak, learn and feel their best every day.
Small daily choices can make a big difference when it comes to protecting growing smiles.
Start each day with a healthy smile by brushing your teeth twice a day, especially before school and again at bedtime. And remember, regular dental checkups and preventive care are an important part of keeping those smiles healthy all year long.
Parents and caregivers can support their child’s oral health by packing nutritious foods in school lunches and encouraging children to drink water throughout the day instead of sugary drinks.
Throughout the school year, our Oral Health team will be visiting schools to provide dental screenings. These quick visual assessments help identify children who may have oral health concerns and connect families with information, resources and follow-up care when needed.
If your family needs support accessing dental care, Healthy Smiles Ontario is a program that provides free preventive, routine and emergency dental services for eligible children and youth 17 and younger.
For more information about oral health services and Healthy Smiles Ontario, visit durham.ca/OralHealth.
Here’s to lots of healthy smiles this school year!