Key Messages from the 2015 Oral Health Status Report

• There is a high rate of urgent and non-urgent oral health needs among WDG children
  • 49% of WDG children have experienced tooth decay by Grade 2
• Routine oral hygiene practices are at concerning levels in WDG
  • Approximately 20% of WDG residents do not brush their teeth twice a day
• Providing oral health services and education at a young age is crucial
• Cost is a significant barrier to receiving routine dental care and treatment
  • Among WDG residents who reported not having seen a dentist within the last three years, 28% reported cost as a barrier
• Access to dental insurance is not equitable across income levels and age groups
  • Less than a third of WDG seniors have dental insurance
• Cost remains a barrier even with employer-provided dental insurance
  • 44% of low-income Guelph residents who have employer-provided benefits cannot afford routine dental care 8
• Many WDG residents seek care for untreated oral needs from emergency services
  • In 2012, a total of 1,640 ER visits by WDG residents for oral health needs occurred
• Poor oral health causes many negative social impacts
  • Among low-income Guelph residents, over a quarter said their poor oral health impacts their social relationships and 16% said it affects their ability to get a job