April is Oral Health Month, reminding us about the importance of maintaining good oral health as part of our wholistic wellness journey.
We say “wholistic" because a healthy mouth enables us to eat and speak comfortably, and to laugh and smile confidently. And this in turn supports our physical, social, emotional, and mental health and wellness.
Good oral health is important for our overall health; practising good oral hygiene helps prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, regular care is necessary for early detection and prevention of oral health issues.
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) recognizes that there are unique barriers impacting First Nations peoples' access to culturally safe oral health care, close to home – and that there is an ongoing shortage of dentists and other oral health professionals in remote areas. To help ensure First Nations people can achieve optimal oral health, the FNHA continues to work closely with First Nations communities to bridge these gaps. This work includes developing programs and resources that are both accessible and culturally safe. Learn more about these and your oral health care benefits below!
First Nations Health Benefits & Services
Dental Benefits
The FNHA offers comprehensive coverage for items and services such as cleaning, restoration, exams, dentures and more. For more information about dental benefits, you can access the
dental benefits factsheet or visit the
program website. Clients can also learn more about their coverage by accessing Pacific Blue Cross's
Member Profile.
In-Community Oral Health Programs
The FNHA supports oral health in First Nations communities through two programs:
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The Children's Oral Health Initiative provides clinical preventive services for children under the age of seven, as well as oral health education.
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Community Oral Health Services provides Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist services in rural and remote First Nations communities.
The Medical Transportation (MT) Program
The MT program supports access to culturally safe care for clients who need to travel outside of their community to access medically necessary health services, including dental benefits. To learn more about your MT benefits, you can access the
MT factsheet or visit the
program website.
We hope you have found this information useful! If you have further questions about the FNHA's dental benefits, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-855-550-5454.
Oral hygiene quick tips:
- Know that good oral hygiene and prevention are the cornerstones of a healthy mouth and body.
- Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, ensuring you reach all surfaces with gentle, circular motions.
- Floss daily to remove debris between teeth where a brush can't reach.
- Eat a balanced diet that is high in nutrient-rich
traditional foods.
- Limit consumption of sugar and sugary drinks, which significantly harm oral health.
- Avoid tobacco and avoid or limit alcohol; these can also significantly harm oral health.
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For more information on maintaining optimal oral health, check out the following resources:
