Thanksgiving schedule changes: Dental clinics will be closed.
For more information, please call the Dental Information Line at 613-580-6744 at extension 23510.
Find a Dentist
If you have access to private dental insurance or you can afford paying for the dental health services, Visit the Ottawa Dental Society website to find a dentist near you or call 613-523-3876.
Need Help Accessing Dental Care?
For Children
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a free dental program that covers regular and emergency dental care for children 17 and under.
Who is Eligible?
Children and youth 17 and under may be eligible if:
They are residents of Ontario; and
They are members of a household that meets the income eligibility requirements.
Note: If your family is covered by Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, your children 17 and under are automatically enrolled in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. You will receive a Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card in the mail. The dental card must be presented to your dental provider at each dental visit.
What Services are Covered?
Regular visits to a licensed dental provider, such as a dentist or dental hygienist
Dental services including check-ups, tooth cleaning, fillings and extractions
Call ServiceOntario INFOline toll-free at 1-844-296-6306 (TTY toll-free at 1-800-387-5559)
Once enrollment has been confirmed you will receive a Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card. The dental card must be presented to your dental provider at each visit to receive dental care under the program.
How do I Access Urgent or Emergency Dental Care?
If your child is already enrolled in the HSO program, contact your dentist.
If your child is not already enrolled in the HSO program, call your dentist to find out if they participate in Healthy Smiles Ontario and book an emergency dental appointment.
If you don't have a dentist or your dentist does not participate in the HSO program, you can:
visit the Ottawa Dental Society webpage or call 613-523-3876 to find a list of dentists who participate in the HSO program.
call the Ottawa Public Health Dental Information Line at 613-580-2424, ext. 23510
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is helping make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents. Applications are now open for children under the age of 18 and do not have access to a private dental insurance plan.
Urgent dental care is provided for Ontario Works recipients. Call the Ottawa Public Health Dental information line at 613-580-2424 ext. 23510 for more information.
Limited emergency dental care may be available for low-income adults and older adults who qualify for the Essential Health and Social Supports (EHSS) Program. For more information and how to apply, Call the Community and Social Services Department at 3-1-1 or 613-580-2400.
*These programs cover denture benefits for adults and older adults under certain conditions.
For Seniors
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a government-funded dental care program. It provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older. To learn more about this program and how to apply, visit ontario.ca/seniorsdental.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is helping make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents. Applications are now open for Seniors aged 65 and over and do not have access to a private dental insurance plan.
Free Dental Screenings at Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs
Neighborhood Health and Wellness Hubs are easily accessible places offering free drop-in services to all residents across the City of Ottawa. These hubs provide the opportunity to speak in person with Ottawa Public Health and City of Ottawa staff about vaccination, mental health and wellbeing, parenting, dental health, and financial assistance. Please see below for the list of clinics and services provided.
Place the bristles of the toothbrush where the gums and teeth meet. Gently brush in small circles, and then sweep away from the gum. Repeat method to all outside (cheek side) surfaces.
Brush the inside (tongue side) surfaces using the same method.
To clean the inside surface of the front teeth, tilt the toothbrush vertically and sweep away from the gum.
Scrub the top (chewing) surfaces back and forth.
Brush your tongue gently from back to front.
Helpful suggestions
Use a small, soft bristled toothbrush to easily move around your mouth
Use no more than a pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste
Brush twice a day (in the morning and before bedtime)
Gently brush for 2 to 3 minutes, no hard scrubbing
Rinse toothbrush after use and let air-dry
Change toothbrush every 3 months. Replace it sooner if you are sick or if bristles are worn
Floss once a day
Visit your dentist or hygienist regularly
Flossing Method
Helpful steps on how to floss your teeth
Measure and cut a piece of floss equal to the distance of your hand to your elbow. Wrap the floss three times around the tip of the middle finger and the remaining floss around the opposite middle finger.
Use the index finger or the thumb to guide and slide the floss between your teeth.
Gently insert the floss between the teeth by moving it back and forth in a see-saw motion. Do not press down hard since you may cut the gum.
Wrap the tooth with floss in a “C” shape. Move the floss up and down the side of the tooth surface and gently under the gumline. Repeat on the next tooth.
Tips for Good Dental Health
Learn tips and trick for a good oral health.
Snacking and Dental Health
Sugar and plaque are the main causes of dental cavities. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth every day. It contains germs (or bacteria) that stick to your teeth. When sugar found in food and drinks combines with plaque, it produces an acid that damages the tooth’s hard outer layer (enamel). When the damage is severe and a hole is made in the enamel, a cavity is created.
Some Factors to Consider when Snacking
Choose snacks that are nutritious and unsweetened. Healthy food is good for both your dental and general health.
Read the ingredients list when choosing snacks. Note that raw cane sugar, honey, molasses, corn or maple syrup, glucose and fructose are all types of sugar.
Limit sweets to special occasions and only serve them at mealtime. The increased flow of saliva during a meal helps wash away and dilute sugars.
Reduce the length of time that sweet food stays in contact with your teeth. Avoid sipping sweet drinks for a long period of time, sucking on a candy or chewing sugared gum.
Avoid sticky foods, such as cereal bars and dried fruits, because they stay on the surface of the teeth longer.
Rinse your mouth with water, eat a piece of cheese or chew sugar free gum when brushing is not possible
Some Healthy Snack Ideas
Cheese, Cottage cheese, Yogurt, White milk, Fresh fruits, Vegetables with dip, Unsweetened fruit sauce, Sodium reduced vegetable juice, Bread sticks, Melba toast, Rice cakes, Half bagel, Hard boiled egg, Homemade muffin, Pita bread with Hummus, Half sandwich (cheese, egg,ham, salmon, tuna), Nut and seeds (for older children)
Tooth Injury: What should you do?
An avulsed tooth is one that has been completely knocked out of its place.
This is a time dependent injury. The best outcome requires quick action.
Find the tooth.
Pick up the tooth by the crown. It is the part that is used to chew your food.
Gently rinse the tooth with distilled water or milk for a few seconds. Do not scrub the tooth. Only use chlorinated tap water as a last choice, because it may damage the root.
Adult teeth should be immediately replaced into its hole whenever possible. Hold the tooth by the crown and put it back firmly into the hole, root first. The root will usually “click” into place. Then ask the child to bite down gently on a gauze or cloth.Take the child to the dentist as soon as possible. If the tooth cannot be replaced in its hole, it should be stored in cold milk or saliva until transferred to the dentist.
Baby teeth should not be replanted as it could damage the adult tooth formation. The child should see the dentist as soon as possible.
Note: If a child shows any sign of a head injury such as unconsciousness, nausea or headache, call 911.
Athletic Mouthguard
A mouthguard is a piece of equipment that fits over the upper teeth to reduce the risk of injury to the teeth when you play sports and recreational activities (hockey, soccer, football, martial arts, basketball, baseball and many more).
Did you know?
A simple action like wearing a mouthguard could mean the difference between a minor injury and severe trauma to your teeth, which could be very painful and expensive to treat.
Important features:
Should be at least 3mm thick to keep the jaws separated
Should be comfortable
Person should be able to breathe and speak easily
Should stay in place by itself
Types:
1.Custom-fitted:
Created by a dental professional from an impression of the person’s teeth. It provides the best protection due to their close comfort fit and shock reducing effect.
2.Boil-and-bite:
Purchased in stores and molded at home. The material is softened inboiling water and then formed directly on the upper teeth. Can be uncomfortable if not properly fitted. It provides limited protection.
3.Stock or ready-to-wear:
Purchased in sporting stores. It comes ready-made and provides the least amount of protection, fit and comfort.
Maintenance and care of the mouthguard:
Rinse with cold water or mouthwash after each use and occasionally clean with mild soap under cold water
Store in a ventilated and rigid container
Wear correctly and do not chew or share
Replace every 2 or 3 years or sooner if torn, loose or if child looses baby teeth
Take it to your dental visits
For Babies and Toddlers
Baby teeth are important. Visit the Parenting in Ottawa page for information about dental health for babies and toddlers and how to care for your baby's teeth.
For Children
Good Dental Habits
Brush your child’s teeth and tongue in the morning and before bedtime.
Use a small soft toothbrush with no more than a pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
Remind your child to brush the large back teeth (molars); they are meant to last a lifetime.
Help with brushing until child is 8 years old.
Floss your child’s teeth before bed. They will not be able to floss effectively until approximately 10 years of age.
Do not let your child share a spoon, cup, or toothbrush; this will pass the bacteria that cause cavities.
Have your child wear a mouth guard when playing a sport or recreational activity (hockey, soccer, football and many more).
Take your child to the dentist regularly or when you have any concerns.
Fluoride
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil and in some foods.
Why is fluoride important?
Fluoride hardens and protects tooth enamel against cavities.
Where can I find fluoride?
Fluoride can be found in toothpaste, mouth rinse, treatments from your dentist or hygienist and tap water. The City of Ottawa monitors and adjusts the fluoride level in the drinking water supply to a concentration of 0.7 mg/L in tap water. This level has been determined to provide optimal dental health benefits, in accordance with the Health Canada recommendations. Water fluoridation is endorsed by reputable health organizations throughout the world including the World Health Organization, Health Canada and the Ontario Medical Association.
The City of Ottawa does not adjust the fluoride level of the six communal well systems (Carp, Munster,Kings Park, Richmond, Shadow Ridge and Vars).
Most disposable water filters do not remove fluoride from drinking water. Check the label or contact the manufacturer for fluoride levels in bottled water.
Well and spring water
Free testing of water fluoride levels is available if you are on well water or spring water. Call 3-1-1 for a free water test bottle and instructions.
How do I get the right amount of fluoride?
Birth to 3 years old
Do not use toothpaste. Wipe gums or brush teeth with tap water after feedings and before bed. If the child is determined to be at risk of developing tooth decay by a dental professional, use no more than a grain of rice size amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice per day.
3 to 6 years old
Use no more than a green pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice per day.
Remember...
Toothpaste should never be swallowed
All products containing fluoride such as toothpaste, rinses, and gels must be stored out of reach of children
Supervise children when they are using theseproducts
What is a Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish is a fluoride applied to teeth by a dental professional. It strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent, stop and reverse cavities. Painted on the tooth, this high fluoride concentration product helps strengthen the outer enamel (outer layer of the tooth).
Fluoride varnish application:
Takes a few minutes to apply and dries quickly
Does not taste bad
Can temporarily reduce tooth sensitivity
After the fluoride varnish application:
Teeth will have a white appearance and feel sticky for 24 hours
Do not eat hot, hard or sticky foods for the rest of the day
Do not brush your teeth until the next morning
How long does fluoride varnish last?
The fluoride keeps working for several months to protect and strengthen teeth
Works best if applied at least 2 times a year
Pit and Fissure Sealant
Sealants are a preventive dental treatment. A coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent cavities.
What is a pit and fissure sealant?
Sealants act as barriers to protect the tooth enamel by keeping germs and food out of pits and fissures
They are easily painted on to the tooth and require no drilling or freezing
Sealants are effective in preventing decay in teeth with deep pits and fissures
They can last for several years
When is the best time to get sealants?
Children between 5 and 7 years of age (after first permanent molar appears)
Children between 11 and 14 years of age (after second permanent molar appears)
For Youth
Good Dental Habits
Brush your teeth in the morning and before bedtime
Use a soft toothbrush with no more than a pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste
Floss daily before bedtime
Wear a mouth guard when playing a sport or recreational activity (hockey, soccer, football and many more).
When wisdom teeth erupt they can cause pain if they do not have enough space. Talk to your dentist for more information
Vomiting associated with an eating disorder will increase the risk of cavities and gum disease
Oral piercing and tooth jewels can produce inflammation, infection, and bleeding. They can also cause teeth and nerve damage
Avoid tobacco products. They will stain your teeth and tongue, cause bad breath, and increase your risk of developing oral cancer
Visit the dentist regularly or when you have any concerns
Oral Piercing
Oral piercing may be trendy, but there are risks. Be safe and follow proper oral care to avoid complications.
Be a smart consumer
Talk to a dentist, dental hygienist, doctor or nurse before making your decision
Have the piercing studio provide verbal and written instructions on after-care
Ask about the studio’s sterilization methods
Make sure the piercer practices proper hand washing and wears single-use gloves
Risks with oral piercing
Teeth problem - oral jewellery may damage teeth or fillings
Nerve damage - to the facial or tongue muscles
Infection - too much or long-lasting swelling and pain. Pus around the site
Potential for disease transmission - hepatitis, HIV, herpes, if proper sterilization methods are not used, or if you have oral sex during the healing process
Allergic reactions - to nickel or other metals
Other - accidental swallowing, limited tongue movement (speech problems) and loss of taste or sensation
Caring for your piercing
Always wash your hands before you touch or clean the piercing
Don’t remove the jewellery if it seems to be infected. Consult your physician.
The first weeks:
Carefully brush your teeth with a new, soft-bristled toothbrush
Sucking on ice chips may help reduce swelling
Rinse with warm salt water, or an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash
Avoid smoking, spicy and hard food and alcoholic beverages
Don’t remove or change the original jewellery until the piercing is fully healed (up to eight weeks)
Ongoing care:
Continue to practice good oral hygiene
Remove oral jewellery and clean it well with a mild antibacterial soap
Remove oral jewellery during sports to prevent mouth injury and possible choking
A night guard may be needed to protect teeth
Change metal stud to plastic after the healing
Avoid playing with stud
HPV and Oral Cancer
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world.
A person's immune system usually fights off an HPV infection on its own. When the immune system cannot get rid of the virus, it can cause cancers. This includes cancer of the mouth, cervix, penis, anus, as well as genital warts.
Your youth can prevent oral cancer by:
Getting the HPV vaccine. It protects you from over 90% of oral cancers that result from an HPV infection. For more information on the HPV vaccine, please see our immunization section.
Seeing a dental professional for a regular dental check-up and cleaning
Quitting or reducing smoking and using tobacco products of any kind
Not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Using a condom if they are sexually active
Using lip balm that contains UV protection when they are outside
For Adults
Bacteria in your mouth from oral disease may contribute to other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Pregnant women who have gum disease are at higher risk of delivering pre-term and low birth weight babies.
Good Dental Habits
Brush your teeth and tongue after breakfast and before bedtime
Use a soft toothbrush with no more than a pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste
Floss daily before bedtime
Check your mouth regularly for signs of gum disease such as red, swollen and bleeding gums
Check your mouth regularly for signs of oral cancer such as any abnormal growth or lesion that lasts for more than 2 weeks
Avoid tobacco products. They will stain your teeth and tongue, cause bad breath, and increase your risk of developing oral cancer
If you have dentures, brush them after each meal and remove them at night to let the tissues breathe
If your mouth is often dry we recommend you talk to a dentist about ways to help keep your mouth moist
Visit the dentist regularly and when you have any concerns
Gum Disease and Diabetes
Gum disease is an inflammation (swelling) of the gums that damages soft tissues and destroys bone. This can cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
How does diabetes affect your mouth?
Increases the amount of plaque (sticky film that forms on your teeth every day)
Causes your gums to bleed more easily
Makes it easier to get an infection and harder to heal
Leads to dry mouth that causes sores inyour mouth
Causes bad breath
How does gum disease affect your diabetes?
Raises your blood sugar which can make it more difficult to control your diabetes
Puts you at risk for other problems related to diabetes, such as in your heart, eyes, or kidneys
What can you do?
Keep your blood sugar at the target levels set by your health care provider
Avoid tobacco (smoking, chewing, vaping, etc.) because this can make diabetes and gum disease worse
Limit sugars and alcohol, and follow the Canada’s Food Guide or the specific advice of your health care provider
Brush twice a day using toothpaste with fluoride and floss once a day
Watch for changes in your mouth
Visit your dental health care provider regularly and talk to them about your diabetes
Drink tap water because it contains fluoride
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy has many benefits for you and your baby.
Did you know…
Morning sickness can leave stomach acids in your mouth that can damage the surfaces of your teeth and promote tooth decay
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can cause swollen gums that bleed during brushing and flossing, often known as “pregnancy gingivitis”
Pregnant mothers with poor oral health have a risk of developing periodontitis (infection of bone holding the teeth inplace). This type of infection has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes such as:
delivering a pre-term baby
delivering a baby with a low birth
Visiting the dentist and the hygienist
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are important before, during, and after pregnancy
Be sure to tell them that you are pregnant
You may want to postpone routine dental radiograph until after your baby is born
Should your dentist recommend an emergency radiograph, the dental office will provide a leaded apron to shield you and your baby from this low dose
What can you do to help?
Brush your teeth and your gums with a soft toothbrush twice a day, using a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Also, gently brush your tongue
Gently floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and gums. If your gums bleed, keep on flossing
Eat healthy nutritious food and avoid sweets
If you gag, use a small, child-size toothbrush and lean your head down and over the sink while brushing. It helps relax the throat and allows the saliva to flow out
Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting can happen during pregnancy. Causes of morning sickness include changes in hormone levels, tension, worry or fatigue.
Try eating unsalted crackers or dry toast before getting out of bed in the morning
Rinse your mouth with tap water, or a fluoride mouth rinse after vomiting, which will protect your teeth from the damaging stomach acids
If vomiting persists, notify your doctor
Visit the Parenting in Ottawa page for information how to stay healthy during pregnacy.
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