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Tooth decay is increasing

HomeHealth TopicsDental healthTooth decay is increasing
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Child with hand on cheek

Tooth decay is increasing in children in KFL&A

Dental hygenist looking in child's mouth

Each year KFL&A Public Health provides school dental screening to approximately 6,000 elementary school students in our region.

Child's mouth with dark spot on tooth

Tooth decay has increased by 60% in senior kindergarten children since 2019.

Child laying on couch

Last year 40% of senior kindergarten children experienced tooth decay, with an average of four teeth affected.

Many adults also suffer from tooth decay

Over 1,400 local emergency room visits per year for dental pain and infection.

Almost one in four adults avoid the dentist due to cost.

One in three adults do not have dental insurance or benefits.

Tooth decay causes pain. It can impact all parts of life.

Child holding apple against outer cheek.

Eating

Child in bed crying.

Sleeping

Adult arm resting on crying child's shoulder.

Focusing

Adult holding crying child.

Attending school

Many actions help to prevent tooth decay in our community.

Healthy habits, dental visits, community water fluoridation

Actions to prevent tooth decay include healthy habits, dental visits, and community water fluoridation.

Healthy habits for healthy teeth

Adult brushing child's teeth

Children should have their teeth brushed two times a day every day and flossed daily.

Child drinking water

Drink water and limit sugary food and drinks.

Adult hands pushing back child's lip to see gums.

Parents can lift the lip and look at their children’s teeth to check for signs of tooth decay.

Visit the dentist for regular check-ups and fluoride treatments.

Child in dentist's chair while hygentist uses mirror to look in child's mouth
There is funding to help with the cost of going to the dentist.
  • Healthy Smiles Ontario program
  • Canada Dental Benefit
  • Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Community water fluoridation would help to prevent tooth decay for everyone.

Child drinking water.
Municipal water supplies in our region do not contain enough fluoride to protect teeth. This means residents in our region are at higher risk of tooth decay.
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