April is Oral Health Month

YELLOWKNIFE (April 21, 2009) – The Department of Health and Social Services is distributing more than 2,500 dental kits throughout the Northwest Territories (NWT) in recognition of Oral Health Month across Canada.

The kits consist of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, an information brochure and dental cloths for cleaning babies’ teeth and gums. They are designed to educate expectant and new parents and young children about oral health and to prevent dental disease and other associated health conditions.The Honourable Sandy Lee, Minister of Health and Social Services, said infants and young children need a head start when it comes to good oral hygiene and cavity prevention.

“Each year in the NWT, approximately 300 children require general anaesthetic for dental surgery because of poor oral health,” said Minister Lee.

Promoting healthy choices and lifestyles as a means of prevention is a key priority in the 16th Legislative Assembly’s goal of realizing a Territory of healthy, educated people and communities.

Dental kits will be distributed to preschool children up to age six and sent to Early Childhood programs, Health Centres, community centres, Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Programs, family resources centres and dental therapist offices.

Media interested in arranging a photo opportunity during the distribution of the dental kits or for more information about this initiative are invited to contact the NWT Department of Health and Social Services.

For more information contact:

Damien Healy
Communications
Department of Health & Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8927
E-mail: damien_healy@gov.nt.ca