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Each year, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit Oral Health Team visits elementary schools across the district to screen children in selected grades. This team consists of a Registered Dental Hygienist and a Dental Health Educator. The hygienist does a visual check of the child’s mouth to identify…
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit offers free dental services for eligible children and youth 17 and under.
Dental Screening
Screening consist of a visual inspection by a registered dental hygienist to identify obvious dental conditions that are causing or will cause pain and will…
The best thing you can do for your child’s oral health is to be a good example. If you are brushing and flossing daily, your child will learn that taking care of their mouth is part of daily hygiene. But, until they are old enough, you will have to look after their oral health for…
Oral health (dental health) involves the health of your mouth. This includes your teeth, gums, jaw bone, palate (roof of the mouth), tongue, lips and the inside of your cheeks. It deals with “More Than Just Cavities” (PDF).
Many people don’t realize that good oral health is important for…
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit provides information on a large number of infectious diseases. Diseases are listed from A-Z below for your convenience.
Vaccine Protection Against Pertussis
TBDHU recommends adults receive vaccine protection against pertussis (whooping cough) so they do not spread the infection to infants who will not be protected until they receive their infant vaccine series.
The FREE Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria,…
Under the Child Care and Early Years Act, all children attending a licensed child care centre (daycare) must be immunized as required by the local Medical Officer of Health (MOH). The operator of the licensed facility has a legal obligation to make sure that all the children in their care are…
Welcome to Get Mouthy! Get Mouthy is for 12-17 year olds and is all about protecting your mouth by making healthy choices. Click on each image to learn more!
*Have pics from the Get Mouthy photo booth at your high school? Share them with us by tagging @TBDHealthUnit on Instagram - we'd love to see…
Did you know? Research shows that good oral health is also linked to good overall health. Gum disease and cavities can actually lead to severe illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and infections. Taking care of your mouth by brushing and flossing regularly and correctly will go a long way in…
Energy drinks can hurt your mouth. They can cause:
Breakdown of your tooth’s surface from the high acidity and sugar, leading to less protection for the tooth and tooth decay
Sensitive teeth
Cavities from tooth decay
They can also cause:
Irritation, anxiety, aggression,…
The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex, or any intimate contact with an infected partner.
Did you know? 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. There are many types of HPV, and some of…
expand_moreSmokes
Smoking hurts more than your lungs. Smoking can cause many oral health problems, including:
Inflamed gums and mouth tissue
Tooth decay (cavities)
Increased plaque
Bad breath
Stained teeth
Decreased sense of smell and taste
Sensitive teeth
Oral and throat cancers
Mouth sores…
Mouth piercings include piercings of the:
Tongue
Lips
Cheeks
Other areas inside the mouth, like the uvula
Did you know? Mouth piercings can cause:
Infections
Cracked teeth
Damaged gums
Difficulties with keeping your mouth clean
I’d like to get a mouth piercing. How can I keep…
Taking care of your teeth is important!
Regular dental care helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay in your mouth. Dental professionals (like dentists and dental hygienists) work with you to help keep your mouth healthy by cleaning your teeth, looking inside your mouth, and teaching you…
Mouth injuries are common when playing sports; but there are ways you can prevent them. A mouth guard can protect you from mouth injuries and concussions by absorbing the impact. That’s why it’s important to wear a mouth guard if you’re playing any sports.
How can I protect my teeth with a mouth…