Tooth decay (cavities) in baby (primary) teeth is the most common chronic disease affecting children in Canada. Healthy teeth and gums are important as a child grows to help them develop good speech, healthy eating habits, good social skills and to keep a place for adult teeth as they grow in.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s Fluoride Varnish Program can help reduce early childhood cavities. Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is painted onto the teeth. This coating makes teeth stronger to help prevent cavities from starting.
Start Early Fluoride Varnish Program
The TBDHU offers fluoride varnish before starting school (until the age of 4). This program is offered on-site at our TBDHU dental clinic as well as at several local Early Years sites.
- Fluoride varnish can be applied as soon as the first baby teeth appear. It is fast, easy and painless.
- On your child’s first visit, a registered dental hygienist will check your child’s teeth and gums.
- They will ask questions about you and your child’s habits, which will help us to assess your child’s risk for cavities.
- They will provide guidance on such topics as cleaning teeth and gums, teething and feeding practices as well as answering any questions.
- For best results, we recommend the varnish be applied at least two times per year.
- To book an appointment please call the TBDHU Oral Health Program at (807) 625-5984 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630 ext. 5984.
School Based Fluoride Varnish Program
The TBDHU Oral Health team offers a free school-based fluoride varnish program. This program provides two annual fluoride varnish applications to children in select grades at elementary schools across Thunder Bay and district communities. In coordination with the schools, a dental health educator will plan two visits during the school year to provide fluoride varnish treatment to the students who have registered for the program.
For Further Information
Call the Oral Health Program: (807) 625-5984
or toll-free 1-888-294-6630 ext.5984.