Your HealthOral Health
Oral Health
Do You Have Any of These Cards?
Healthy Smiles Ontario Card:
Call your dentist to make an appointment. If you do not have a dentist, please contact us.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan Card:
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Card:
Call your dentist to ask if they accept the CDCP. If your dentist will not accept CDCP, use this search tool to find a dentist near you that accepts CDCP.
I Don't Have Any of These Cards and I Can't Afford Dental Care
Services Offered
Children & Teens
Our team of Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants take care of kids' and teens' teeth, from 6 months to 17 years old. We help prevent problems before they start. Some of the things we do include:
- Cleanings (scaling)
- Tooth polishing
- Sealants to protect teeth from cavities
- Fluoride varnish to help protect teeth
School Dental Screening
About the Program
Registered Dental Hygienists from CK Public Health visit elementary schools during the year to check students' teeth. This is called a dental screening. A Registered Dental Hygienist will look inside your child’s mouth using a clean mirror. This is just a quick check and does not take the place of a regular dentist visit.
These screenings help make sure all kids get checked for tooth problems. They can also help stop tooth decay before it gets worse. The Ontario Public Health Standards require health units to do these screenings every year. If a child needs dental care, parents may be able to get help paying for it through programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario and Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Each school picks the date and time for the visit. You’ll get a notice from the school at least two weeks before the screening happens.
If the screening shows that your child needs care right away, a note will be sent home that day. A Parent Notification form will also be mailed to you. You must fill it out and send it back to CK Public Health. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care requires us to make sure children get the dental treatment they need.
Oral Care by Age
Infants aged 0-2
- Clean your infant’s mouth with a soft cloth after every feeding.
- Avoid passing cavity-causing germs to your child, which can happen when you lick your child’s pacifier or share eating utensils.
- Do not let your child fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water.
- Offer a clean teething ring or cold, wet cloth to relieve your child’s tender gums as teeth erupt.
- Begin regular dental hygiene visits by age one.
- Check for decay once a month by lifting your baby’s top lip to see the front and back of all teeth. If there are any white or brown spots, consult a dental professional.
If you would like more information about how to take care of your infant’s mouth, please contact us. We are happy to help!