April is Oral Health Month — protect their smile from the start.
April is Oral Health Month — protect their smile from the start.
Free First Visit
For Children Age 3 & Under
Speak with your dentist or locate a participating dentist using the search by service finder.
We Speak Your Language
Tagalog, Punjabi, German, Cree and more!
Get advice for infant oral care & find a dentist that speaks your first language.
Parents know the routine. You say, “Time to brush!”
They say…
“I just brushed my teeth last week.”
Parent Response:
“Wow! Last week? Those teeth must be exhausted from waiting!”
Make It Fun
- Start a “2-Minute Dance Party” — brush while your favourite song plays
- Use a timer and cheer when the “toothbrush concert” ends
- Let your child “brush” your teeth first (fair is fair!)
“My teeth aren’t dirty.”
Parent Response:
“Sugar bugs are so tiny you can’t even see them! And just like you, they LOVE snack time!”
Make It Fun
- Pretend you’re “chasing sugar bugs” around each tooth
- Count teeth as you brush
- Tell a quick “Tooth Hero” story while brushing
“It takes too long.”
Parent Response:
“It’s faster than cleaning up your toys.”
Make It Fun
- Use a 2-minute s and timer
- Try a brushing app or a short brushing song
- Create a sticker chart and celebrate streaks
“The toothpaste is too spicy!”
Parent Response:
“You might be right! Let’s try a berry toothpaste instead.”
Make It Fun
- Explain minty spice is like ninja power to helps fight the sugar bugs
- Do a flavour lab – buy 2 fruit flavours and flavourless
- Make it a special recipe – measure a tiny amount of paste & use warm water to rinse
“I just brushed my teeth last week.”
Parent Response:
“Wow! Last week? Those teeth must be exhausted from waiting!”
Make It Fun
- Start a “2-Minute Dance Party” — brush while your favourite song plays
- Use a timer and cheer when the “toothbrush concert” ends
- Let your child “brush” your teeth first (fair is fair!)
“My teeth aren’t dirty.”
Parent Response:
“Sugar bugs are so tiny you can’t even see them! And just like you, they LOVE snack time!”
Make It Fun
- Pretend you’re “chasing sugar bugs” around each tooth
- Count teeth as you brush
- Tell a quick “Tooth Hero” story while brushing
“It takes too long.”
Parent Response:
“It’s faster than cleaning up your toys.”
Make It Fun
- Use a 2-minute s and timer
- Try a brushing app or a short brushing song
- Create a sticker chart and celebrate streaks
“The toothpaste is too spicy!”
Parent Response:
“You might be right! Let’s try a berry toothpaste instead.”
Make It Fun
- Explain minty spice is like ninja power to helps fight the sugar bugs
- Do a flavour lab – buy 2 fruit flavours and flavourless
- Make it a special recipe – measure a tiny amount of paste & use warm water to rinse
Healthy teeth help children:
- Eat comfortably and get proper nutrition
- Speak clearly and confidently
- Sleep better and focus at school
- Avoid pain, infection, and emergency visits
- Help guide adult teeth into place
Dental problems can start early — but most are preventable with simple daily habits and regular dental visits.
A little prevention now can save pain and cost later.
Tips for Every Stage
Babies & Toddlers
- Clean gums daily before teeth appear
- Start brushing when the first tooth comes in
- Avoid bottles with milk or juice at bedtime
- Book a first dental visit by age one
School Age Children
- Brush 2X a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Help or supervise brushing until at least age 7–8
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals
- Regular dental checkups help catch problems early
Teens
- Brush & floss 2X/day
- Watch for cavities, gum inflammation, and grinding
- Use a mouthguard to protect teeth during sports
- Dental visits help prevent bigger problems later
Bridging the Language Gap
Get oral health care tips for infants up to 3 years of age in 9 different languages.
We Speak Your Language
Use the postal code and language filter to locate a dentist near you. Manitoba dentists offer services in over 50 languages — from Tagalog to Tamil, Arabic to Cree.
Locate a Dentist
Use your postal code to find a dentist near you.
Free First Visit
For Children Age 3 & Under
Speak with your dentist or locate a participating dentist using the “search by service” finder.
From baby teeth to adult teeth, your child’s oral health matters at every age.
Parenting comes with enough pressure — dental care doesn’t need to be another stress.
- You don’t need to have all the answers
- You don’t need to be perfect
- It’s never “too late” to start healthy habits
Manitoba dentists are here to help families
build
healthy smiles — step by step, at every age.