April is Oral Health Month: Oral Health for Total Health
Oral Health Month is a perfect time to remember that taking good care of our mouth, teeth, and gums, every day, benefits our overall physical and mental well-being
Oral Health
Oral Health Data Dashboard
The purpose of this dashboard is to provide an overview of the oral health status in Windsor and Essex County. Population health data and information relevant to Ontario Public Health Standards is presented, along with screening and preventive services offered to our local residents.
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is available across the province for eligible seniors. This program provides eligible seniors with free routine dental care in Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres.
Oral Health
Oral health is important to overall health and well-being for children and youth. Poor dental health can lead to negative health and social outcomes for young people and is important to many aspects of a child’s development (Rowan-Legg, 2013).
CareLink Health Transit
The Community Support Centre of Essex County provides CareLink Health Transit services. Please call 1-855-728-1433 for more information.
December 2019 Board Meeting - Healthy Smiles Ontario Funding Resolution
ISSUE
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a publically funded dental care program for children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households. The Ministry of Health introduced HSO in 2010 as a 100% provincially funded mandatory program for local health units, providing $1,529,700 in funding for children in Windsor-Essex (2019). HSO covers regular visits to a licensed dental provider within the community or through public health units.
Why is oral health important for your health?
Research has found that tooth decay, such as cavities, and gum disease can be a cause of other serious health problems. In the case of an oral infection, bacteria can travel through the blood stream or airways to other parts of the body. Health conditions such as heart disease and stroke are linked to oral health problems.
What are some ways to improve your oral health?
Taking care of the teeth and mouth on a daily basis is the first step which can be done at home.
How does oral health affect students in school?
Oral heath is a key part of a child’s overall health and well-being. Students with dental pain or dental disease may have problems eating, issues with speech development, and low self-esteem.
How common are oral health problems among children?
Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease in Canada, with more than 50% of children between the ages of 6 to 11 having had a cavity. Cavities are also increasing in toddlers between the ages of 2 to 4 years.