17 Feb 2009
Since 1987, the Ontario provincial government has provided financial support to low-income families so that their children—up to age 14 years—can get urgently needed dental treatment. This coverage has now been extended to those up to their 18th birthday beginning January 1, 2009.
This is great news because a healthy mouth is important for a healthy body. Research shows that poor oral health is associated with heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases and premature and low-weight babies. Untreated cavities can also be painful and lead to serious infections.
Tooth decay is preventable, but some people are at more risk than others because they do not have easy access to oral health care. The recent announcement of the expansion of the Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) program will help some of our citizens most at risk of poor oral health.
The expansion of CINOT is part of the provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy, and specifically addresses oral health services for low-income families. Children and youth up to their 18th birthday are covered if they have dental pain, infection, large cavities, bleeding gums or have injured their mouth, and if their parents do not have a dental plan and cannot afford to pay for their child to go to the dentist.
Children and youth can be enrolled in CINOT after being screened by a registered dental hygienist, either at school or by making an appointment to see the dental hygienist at a health unit office. Adolescents do not have to be in school to qualify for the program.
While getting needed dental care is important, prevention is key to good dental health and should begin early. Parents can help their children take care of their teeth by encouraging them to practice brushing their own teeth a minimum of two times a day—morning and bedtime, using a small amount of toothpaste containing fluoride.
Regular visits to the dentist should begin early to both reduce the risk of cavities and to help get children in the habit of caring for their teeth. The Canadian and Ontario Dental Associations recommend a first visit to the dentist by the age of one. Children who wait until they are older for the first check up may have already developed cavities and treatment can often be stressful for the child and parent.
Good nutrition also has a key role in building strong teeth and gums that resist disease, and it’s important that children develop habits that are good for their teeth. Eating or drinking sugary foods and drinks often will weaken teeth and lead to tooth decay.
For more information about dental health or the CINOT program, check www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, extension 8804, Monday to Friday.
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