Brushing

• Step 1: Brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Brush in a gentle, circular, up and down. Don’t scrub. Receding gums can be a result of years of brushing too hard.
• Step 2: Clean every surface of every tooth.
• Step 3: Take 2-3 minutes to brush and change up your brushing pattern. Using the same pattern can result in the same spots being missed.  
• Step 4: There are many different types of brushes, so ask your dentist to suggest the best one for you. In general, a soft brush with rounded bristles and with a size/shape that allows you to reach the way to your back teeth is best.
• Step 5: Canadian Dental Association recommends you replace your toothbrush every three months.

Flossing

• Step 1: Wrap floss around your fingers and leave about 2 inches between your hands
• Step 2: Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a “C” shape around the base of the tooth. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times.
• Step 3: Floss both sides of every tooth. Make sure to use a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles. After flossing, put it in the garbage, never flush floss down the toilet.
• Step 4: Brush your teeth after you floss – it is a more effective method of preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral that plays a role in strengthening tooth enamel. Fluoride has a positive effect on oral health by helping prevent tooth decay. It does this by:

• Making teeth strong and more resistant to acid
• Stop tooth decay by putting minerals back into teeth and,
• Interferes with bacteria's ability to make acid

For more information check out the video below!

Poor oral health can cause periodontitis (infection of the bone holding the tooth in place). This type of infection can cause:

• Delivering a pre-term baby
• Delivering a baby with a low birth weight
• Preeclampsia
• Bleeding gums (Pregnancy increases your estrogen and progesterone which can cause your gums to bleed, even if you have good oral hygiene. You may experience “pregnancy gingivitis” which would be when your gums are swollen, red or irritated from bacteria).

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness exposes your teeth to your stomach acid which demineralizes your teeth and weakens them. This would put you at risk of erosions and tooth decay.

Tips for morning sickness:

• • After vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or fluoride wash. Wait 30 minutes so the acid in you mouth reduces and the brush your teeth

What to look for: 

• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth 
• Changes in taste or tongue sensation 
• Lumps on lips, tongue, and neck 
• Sores or patches in the mouth that do not heal 
• Lumps or changes in the texture or colour of the mouth tissues 
• A sore that is persistent and/or difficulty with swallowing 
• Dark red or white patches in the mouth or on your lips or tongue 

How to prevent: 

• Brush and floss your teeth daily 
• See an oral health professional for regular checkups 
• Use lip balm with UV protection when going out in the sun 
• Use a condom or a dental dam when you’re performing oral sex  

• Follow Canada’s food guide  
• Reduce alcohol consumption 
• Reduce/quit smoking and using tobacco products

Children and youth 17 and under may qualify if they:

• Live in Ontario
• Meet the income eligibility requirements and/or have an urgent dental need.
• Are automatically enrolled if their family receives:
• Ontario Works
• Temporary Care Assistance
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

Even if a child has other dental insurance, they may still be eligible for HSO.

• Contact the Health Unit by email Oralhealth@hkpr.on.ca or call us at  1-866-888-4577 ext. 1247
• Go to ontario.ca/healthysmiles or  Call ServiceOntario at 1-844-296-6306 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559)

After enrollment, children receive an HSO dental card, which must be presented at each dental visit.

Some dental offices now require children on HSO to also be approved for the CDCP. To ensure your child continues receiving coverage, apply for the CDCP as soon as possible.

For further assistance regarding this you can contact us at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1247.

You may qualify for the CDCP if you:

• Have an annual adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
• Do not have access to private dental insurance (Individuals on government programs like HSO or the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program can still enroll)
• Are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• And your spouse (if applicable) have filed your tax return for the previous year

For more details on eligibility, including definitions of adjusted family net income and dental insurance access, visit Canadian Dental Care Plan - Canada.ca.

Application Schedule

• Online: Canadian Dental Care Plan - Canada.ca
• By Phone: Call 1-833-537-4342 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM local time)
• TTY Service: Call 1-833-677-6262 (Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM Eastern Time)

After applying, you will receive a confirmation letter within a month. However, you must wait for your enrollment package and CDCP member card (which arrives approximately three months after enrollment) before accessing dental services.

To find a participating provider, ask your dental office if they accept CDCP or visit Sun Life's CDCP Provider Search or call 1-888-888-8110.

You will receive a letter confirming your enrollment approximately one month after enrolling. This letter does not entitle you to seek dental services, it only confirms you are enrolled. You will receive an enrollment package from Sun Life approximately 3 months after enrolling. Once you receive this package with your CDCP member card, you are eligible to see a participating provider.

To find a participating dental provider, please visit Sun Life's CDCP Provider Search.

You can also call the Sun Life CDCP Contact Centre at 1-888-888-8110 for help.

Full details about the Canadian Dental Care Program including what services are covered, how to apply through a delegate or a trusted person, please visit Canadian Dental Care Plan - Canada.ca.