A healthy mouth means a healthy you…

Smile – April is Oral Health Month!

Durham Region Health Department supports the efforts of all area residents to have good oral health – the health of your mouth directly affects your overall health and well-being. A clean, healthy pain free mouth contributes to better chewing of healthy food, speaking clearly, sleeping well, and feeling good about yourself.

Having good oral hygiene habits are just as important as healthy eating and being active and contribute to both disease prevention and healthy living. The following are key recommendations in helping to ensure good oral health:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste, and floss at least once a day to remove the plaque between your teeth to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods each day. Follow recommendations from Canada’s Food Guide and drink plenty of water.
• Limit sugary drinks. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth helping to create acid, and the acid wears down your enamel. To quench your thirst, choose water first. Water helps flush food debris, acid, and bacteria from your mouth.
• Check your mouth regularly for signs of oral cancer. For more information visit durham.ca/OralCancer.
• Limit alcohol intake and avoid all tobacco and vaping products.
• Visit your dentist regularly to check the health of your teeth and mouth.

The Health Department’s Oral Health division administers two provincially funded dental programs to help eligible children and seniors access dental care. Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) offers free dental care for eligible children and youth 17 and under. HSO covers basic or emergency dental needs.

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program covers basic dental care, including services such as examinations, x-rays, preventive services, fillings, extractions and denture care for eligible seniors.

For more information about Durham Region Health Department’s oral health programs and services, visit durham.ca/OralHealth – and remember, a healthy mouth means a healthy you!