Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark joined Prescott dentists Dr. Lance McIntosh, left, and Dr. Kim Hansen along with Timmy the Tooth to deliver an important message about oral health to students at Benson Public School in Cardinal on Friday, April 11. They’re with a group of students who volunteered to be teeth in order to demonstrate proper brushing techniques to their classmates.

by Janiece Walsh, Manager, Public Affairs and Communications, Ontario Dental Association and Maggie Head, Government Relations Manager, Ontario Dental Association – April 11, 2014

CARDINAL, ON — An important message about oral health was delivered to students at Benson Public School today in a fun, interactive way. Steve Clark, MPP Leeds-Grenville, joined local dentists, Dr. Kim Hansen and Dr. Lance McIntosh, and Timmy the Tooth to highlight the importance of a healthy smile during a Brush-a-mania event.

April is Oral Health Month, and the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and dentists across Ontario embark on public education campaigns to ensure all Ontarians attain good oral health. One of those campaigns is Brush-a-mania, a province-wide event for children and youth led by local dentists. Students are challenged to brush their teeth regularly over the next month and demonstrate their brushing techniques through the highlight of the event – the “Brush-off”. Oral health is integral to overall health and Brush-a-mania aims to encourage good oral health habits in children that will help them throughout life.

Today’s event was a first for MPP Clark. “The importance of a healthy smile is something we can’t over-emphasize to children and youth.” said MPP Clark. “We all need to encourage children from a young age to look after their teeth, and I was happy to deliver this message today alongside Drs. Hansen and McIntosh.”

Dr. Hansen, an ODA Board member, was enthusiastic about the event. “Reaching out to children and getting them excited about a healthy smile is a rewarding part of my job and a key part of my role in our community,” said Dr. Hansen. His comments were echoed by Dr. McIntosh, President of the Brockville Dental Association, who added, “I think it’s important that children and youth are taught the importance of brushing, flossing and a nutritious diet. Seeing all of those healthy smiles today reminds me of how, as dentists, we have a duty to instill good oral health habits at an early age.”

This Oral Health Month, the ODA wants to reinforce the message that dentists are the oral health-care experts and the best resource patients have for information on achieving a healthy smile.

For more information, visit http://www.youroralhealth.ca.