April is Oral Health Month in Canada and an opportunity to highlight the importance of maintaining good oral health as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Practising good oral hygiene is an important factor in preventing some chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes as well as serious health conditions such as respiratory, cardiovascular and brain diseases.
Oral diseases and conditions are common and widespread across Canada; however, brushing and flossing your teeth daily; drinking fluoridated water; and avoiding tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes, alcohol, sugary beverages and foods can help to prevent them. It's also important to check your mouth regularly for any signs of oral diseases and conditions, and to schedule regular visits with an oral health professional.
The Government of Canada is taking several steps to support Canadians with maintaining good oral health. Following the adoption of the WHO Global Strategy on Oral Health in 2022, Canada has joined other Member States in contributing to the development of the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan (GOHAP), to be considered at the 76th World Health Assembly in 2023. The GOHAP will translate the Strategy's objectives into a set of evidence-based actions and will include a framework to prioritize efforts and assess the progress made by 2030.
Every Canadian deserves good oral health care, yet one-third of Canadians are unable to visit an oral health professional because they do not have dental insurance. Last December, the Government of Canada launched the Canada Dental Benefit, which allows eligible families to receive financial support to offset dental expenses for children under 12 years of age. To date, it has helped more than 250,000 children get brighter smiles and healthier teeth. This is the first step in improving access to dental care services for those who need it most.
However, it is not just children who need affordable dental care. This is why Budget 2023 announced a transformative investment to implement the new Canadian Dental Care Plan. Once implemented, it will support up to 9 million uninsured Canadians, with annual family income of less than $90,000, in getting the dental care they need.
This month is also a time to acknowledge the outstanding care which the members of Canada's six regulated oral health professions provide every single day. Thank you for working together to provide exceptional services to Canadians.
