Oral health and dental health issues, for children especially, are a huge issue for us. In my recent tours of Deh Cho region, in six communities, that was the most mentioned issue and one that surprised me. That’s something that I’m learning as the Minister.
In talking to the department, obviously, we have made a concerted effort to educate the people, especially parents with young children, that there are things that should not be fed in a bottle, which really impact children’s teeth and have a lasting impact.
Another thing is there are children who are born with what’s known as soft teeth. There are children with conditions such as FASD who, no matter at what age, even as young teenagers, need to be put to sleep to have dental surgery performed. There are a number of reasons why people in general, but especially young children, need to be put to sleep to have simple procedures, whereas this would not be required for adults.