TORONTO — Ontario parents and politicians are being urged to do more to help prevent what a dental group calls an “urgent problem” of tooth decay in children.
The Ontario Dental Association calls tooth decay an infectious disease and the most common preventable chronic childhood disease.
The association’s report, entitled “Tooth Decay in Ontario’s Children: An Ounce of Prevention - A Pound of Cure,” says tooth decay is one of the leading causes of school absences.
The group has issued a set of recommendations for parents to help prevent decay, including not sharing spoons, cups, food and toothbrushes.
The association urges the province to help reduce tooth decay by, among other things, ensuring fluoride remains in the water supply.
It also wants the government to ensure high-risk kids have better access to dental care and to invest in an education campaign.
“Everyone is at risk for tooth decay,” said Dr. Larry Levin, association president.
“We have to protect all those kids who cannot protect themselves.”