Recent data shows a concerning increase in tooth decay among school-aged children.
KFL&A Public Health’s school dental screening results from last year show that 40 per cent of children in senior kindergarten have experienced tooth decay. This is an increase of 60 per cent since 2019.
“Local dentists are seeing first-hand the dramatic increase in severe tooth decay among children and youth,” said Dr. Jennifer Archibald, pediatric dentist in Kingston. “Untreated tooth decay can significantly impact children’s health and well-being, and many children experience dental pain while waiting for dental treatment. This can affect all aspects of their lives, including the foods they are able to eat, their quality of sleep, focus at school, and overall enjoyment of daily activities”.
Tooth decay is painful and can lead to serious infection if left untreated. There are many actions that can be taken to help improve oral health in our community.
“Tooth decay is a complex problem, and we need several layers of prevention,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, medical officer of health at KFL&A Public Health. “It is important to take care of children’s teeth by helping them brush their teeth twice a day, floss every day, and limit sugary drinks. Regular visits to the dentist are another important action to take.”
Municipal water in the KFL&A region does not have optimal levels of fluoride, which puts residents at higher risk of tooth decay. Community water fluoridation is an additional layer of prevention that helps limit tooth decay. This layer of prevention doesn’t require action by individuals and benefits everyone.
KFL&A Public Health offers dental services and education to promote oral health in our region. Dental hygienists visit elementary schools to provide dental screening, which is mandated across Ontario. KFL&A Public Health also offers fluoride varnish and education in schools and community clinics.
There is funding to help families with the cost of taking their child to the dentist. Families can contact KFL&A Public Health’s dental team for help accessing dental care:
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) provides free dental care for eligible children 17 years of age and under. Children with urgent dental needs can receive one year of free dental treatment if families are unable to pay, even if they don’t qualify for ongoing HSO services.
For children under 12 years of age, the Canada Dental Benefit provides a tax-free payment, based on income, for families without any existing dental coverage.
KFL&A Public Health offers a dental hygiene clinic for children 17 years of age and under whose families are unable to pay. At this clinic, dental hygienists offer cleaning and fluoride treatments.
For more information about these programs, please contact the KFL&A Public Health dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218 or visit kflaph.ca/PreventToothDecay.