Statement from the Ontario PC Health Critic Jeff Yurek on National Oral Health Month

The following statement is from Ontario PC Health Critic, MPP Jeff Yurek (Elgin-Middlesex-London) on National Oral Health Month:

“The month of April marks National Oral Health Month.  The focus is to raise awareness on the importance of oral health.

Oral health care directly affects quality of life, including a person’s ability to eat, speak and socialize. Every year approximately 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer and 1,050 deaths from oral cancer occur.  What’s more, oral health can be linked to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.  As a result, good oral health and regular dental appointments can not only keep your mouth healthy, but play a role in overall health as well.   

As part of the National Oral Health Month the Canadian Health Association has published 5 steps to Oral Health.  The 5 steps included visiting your dentist on a regular basis, keeping your mouth clean by brushing and flossing, making healthy food choices, regularly checking your mouth and last but not least avoiding tobacco. 

I commend the many health care professionals that work to improve oral health in our province.”