May 5th, 2021

In partnership with Region of Waterloo Public Health, we want to help highlight the benefits of flossing, brushing, and routine dentist check-ups for our students and their families. Below, you’ll find a selection of resources to help you prioritize oral health in your family.

Information for Families

Brush-Off Challenge

Challenge your children and other family members to brush their teeth simultaneously for 2 minutes. This provides a fun and entertaining way to encourage young children to attend to their hygiene.

Tooth Tips

  • Did you know that eating hard cheese after meals or as a snack can help prevent tooth decay? Cheese is a healthy snack to protect your teeth from bacteria and the calcium it contains helps rebuild those smiley teeth.
  • Did you know that you only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to put on your toothbrush?
  • It is recommended to brush your teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes 2 times a day. That’s why we call it the 2 for 2 method so it is easy to remember.

Signs to Watch Out For

Public Health wants parents to know the signs of poor oral health. During the pandemic, it may have been hard to see a dentist. That is why it is important to continue to brush and floss and to stay alert for signs of poor oral health. Look for teeth with white spots or light brown in color. These are early signs of a cavity. Dark brown to black spots means the cavity has become deeper. Pain or sensitivity is a concern.

If your child presents with any of these symptoms, call a dentist in your area and schedule a time to visit.

For more information on oral health tips during the pandemic, please visit Dental Hygiene Canada.

Consider the Healthy Smiles of Ontario program to see if you qualify for free dental care. Details are below.

Finding a Dentist

Having trouble finding a dentist office? The Dentist Directory Canada will help you locate dentist offices in the Region of Waterloo area. Try it out and give an office a call to schedule your next appointment.

For children with emergency dental needs, appointments with the Region of Waterloo Dental Health Clinic may be an option. Call for more information:

  • Cambridge Clinic (150 Main Street, Cambridge) – 519-575-4400 ext. 3088 to book an appointment
  • Waterloo Clinic (99 Regina Street South, Waterloo) – 519-575-4400 ext. 3086 to book an appointment

Healthy Smiles Ontario

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a government-funded dental program that provides free preventative, routine, and emergency dental services for children 17 years old and under.

Some of the benefits include checks-ups, cleaning, fillings for cavities, x-rays, scaling, tooth extraction and urgent or emergency dental care.

To see if your child is eligible, refer to the Healthy Smiles Ontario website or call Public Health Dental Clinic at 519-575-4400 x 3086.

Questions?

If you want additional information on oral health, please visit Region of Waterloo Public Health’s website.