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The importance of dental care became glaringly obvious in the first year of the pandemic. Across the world, many people found themselves unable to access dental care. In Canada, when the federal government found that a return to clinical practice by oral health professionals was safe, the demand for dental care skyrocketed. As the cost of dental care rose, and access to dental care became harder to achieve, the need to provide a national dental care program for lower-income Canadians became clear. 

What's in the National Dental Program?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government signed off on a $5.3 billion dental care program that it agreed as part of a confidence and supply agreement with the New Democratic Party (NDP). 

According to the agreement, the Liberal government must provide dental care to lower income families, starting with children below the age of 12 in 2022, then in 2023, expanding to children under 18 years of age, older adults and people living with disabilities, and then extending to all lower-income people by 2025.

The program was originally developed by the NDP and, according to the party's vision, it is supposed to be an independent, federally-run program that will be fully realized by 2025. The NDP expects the Liberal government to be faithful to this ideal. As of now, the government has a program, but not a plan, and will have to come up with one by the end of the year. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has already suggested changes to the NDP's original vision, believing that the government's resources would be better served being deployed in already existing provincial dental plans. The prime minister has not indicated which direction his government will go, only promising to work in concert with provincial governments, territories and other jurisdictions, to deliver the best plan possible.

The plan will help many seniors who, until now, simply could not afford dental care, especially given spiraling costs. 

What Can Seniors Do to Look After Their Teeth?

Seniors are also encouraged to practice good oral hygiene. According to Amazing Smile from Langley, the main ways that seniors can take care of their oral health is by brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day. It's also important to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash as well as a water pick. Furthermore, seniors should monitor their gums for signs of disease or cancer.

It is also important to eat a diet that best serves your oral health. According to Colgate, the seven best foods for your teeth are, yogurt and cheeses; carrots; celery, and leafy greens; apples; black and green teas; lean proteins; and nuts. It's also important to cut down on sugar intake, and carbohydrates. In order to develop their enamel and protect their gums, seniors are encouraged to drink more water, eat more fiber and take vitamin A and vitamin C supplements. Protein-rich foods will provide your teeth with much-needed phosphorus, which will protect and rebuild your enamel. The CDA also suggests reducing alcohol intake and reducing smoking as well as vaping. Lastly, it's important to pay regular visits to a dentist.