Message from the Minister of Health on Oral Health Month

April is Oral Health Month, which is a perfect opportunity to remind ourselves that the health of our teeth and gums can affect our overall health and well-being. Oral health is just as important as healthy eating, being active, and not using tobacco when it comes to preventing chronic diseases. Having poor oral health can contribute to serious health issues such as diabetes, respiratory, cardiovascular and brain diseases, as well as cancer.

The importance of good oral health is reflected in the fact that, last month, the Government of Canada announced a commitment to a national dental care program for Canadians.

I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding care that oral health professionals have continued to provide throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping up to date with evolving practice guideline protocols to provide safe and secure environments for patients has not been easy. Nonetheless, they have continued to ensure that much-needed oral health care remains available to Canadians, provided with the professionalism and excellence we have come to expect.

This April, you can take advantage of Oral Health Month as a reminder to book your next dentist appointment and to take the time to thank your oral health team for all that they do for your health.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.