Flossing & Brushing
Learn proper techniques for daily oral hygiene to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
For the public
Trusted resources for your oral health
Learn about maintaining and enhancing your oral health, with expert guidance on topics like dental care, insurance, finding a dentist and more.
Oral health basics
Practical tips and insights to keep your teeth and gums healthy, from proper brushing techniques to understanding the role of nutrition.
Oral health conditions
Understand common oral health conditions, their symptoms, and how to prevent and manage them effectively.
CDA Seal Program
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Seal Program helps consumers make informed choices about oral health products. When you see the CDA Seal on a product, it means that the manufacturer’s claims about its benefits have been independently reviewed and validated by CDA experts, allowing you to shop with confidence.
Understanding Your Oral Health
Regular dental visits are key to maintaining good oral health, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared. From your child’s first appointment to understanding treatments and the role of your dental care team, here’s what you need to know.
Oral health for children
Discover resources to ensure your child develops strong oral health habits from an early age.
Oral health for seniors
Learn how oral health needs change with age and find tips to maintain a healthy smile in later years.
Special needs
Access tailored advice and tools for managing dental care for individuals with unique needs or disabilities.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps eligible Canadians access essential dental care. Learn who qualifies, what’s covered, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about oral health, dental treatments, and more.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Prevention is the most important factor in the fight against gum disease. It is essential to keep your teeth and gums clean. Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day and floss at least once every 24 hours.
Using proper brushing and flossing techniques is equally important. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and dental exams, so that he or she can detect any early signs of gum disease, and provide appropriate treatment.
Are there any health risks with water fluoridation?
Apart from dental fluorosis, scientific studies have found no credible evidence linking water fluoridation to health risks.
How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It can also reverse early signs of tooth decay.
I want to find a new dentist. How can I find one, and how can I get my records transferred?
The first step in choosing a new dentist is to list your needs, which might include:
- Location
- Hours of practice
- Language(s) spoken
- Generalist or specialist practice
- Asking your family and friends if they can recommend a dentist. Other members of your community, such as your doctor, may be able to offer suggestions. Some provincial dental associations have Web sites that allow you to search for a dentist in your area (see "Other Resources" below).
Yellow Pages advertising may also prove helpful. It will list each dentist's location, and may include other details that will help you in your search.
Once you have narrowed your list to two or three names, call the dentists to see if they are accepting new patients. This initial call may also give you some sense of the office environment, but there's nothing like the first visit to help you decide if it's a good match for you.
Do I really have to go to the dentist every six months? Do I need x-rays at each visit?
How often you go for dental exams depends on your oral health needs. The goal is to catch small problems early. For many people, this means a dental exam every six months. Your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums, problems you have that need to be checked or treated, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and so on.
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