NIAGARA REGION
PRESS RELEASE
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The Niagara Peninsula Dental Association and Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services have launched an awareness campaign to promote the importance of fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay.
“Everyone in Niagara deserves to know about topical fluoride options and benefits,” said Dr. Andrea Feller, associate medical officer of health, Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services. “Beyond effective brushing with fluoride toothpaste and appropriate flossing, topical treatments for all young children are recommended since our water does not have fluoride added.”
Fluoride prevents cavities by making the tooth enamel (the outside of the tooth) stronger. In adults, fluoride can help teeth to repair or remineralize (restore strength in the tooth) themselves. It can reverse low levels of tooth decay and thus prevent new cavities from forming.
Important dental tips:
- Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Children up to three years of age should have their teeth brushed by an adult, using a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Children three to six years of age should be assisted with brushing their teeth by an adult using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Talk to your dental professional or health care provider about fluoride treatment options such as fluoride varnish. Fluoride varnish is a topical product that is painted on teeth.
Of course, regular dental appointments and a healthy diet are key..
For more information, please visit niagararegion.ca/health or call the Niagara Region Public Health Dental Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-800-263-7248 ext. 7399 to see if your child (17 years of age and under) is eligible for free dental care.
For information on the Niagara Peninsula Dental Association, visit www.npda.ca.
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