November 3rd 2010

1. What is the Children's Oral
Health Initiative?
The Children's Oral Health Initiative (COHI) is a service provided to
on-reserve First Nations children and Inuit children to help them
establish and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
COHI provides dental services to children from birth to age seven and
provides information to their parents/caregivers, and expectant
parents which will help their children build and maintain healthy smiles
right from the start

2. Why does COHI offer this
service?
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Promoting healthy teeth and gums contributes
to overall good health;
Helping children avoid pain and infection from
cavities gives them a better opportunity to
learn and thrive;
Cavities can be prevented.

3. The Children's Oral Health
Initiative reaches out to
children by providing:
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Dental check-up (Oral health screening).
Fluoride applications to help prevent cavities.
Education and information regarding oral
hygiene.
Information/promotion of products containing
xylitol.
Sealants to prevent cavities.
Temporary fillings (ART) .

4. How does the Children's
Oral Health Initiative work?
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COHI is available in various First Nations and Inuit
communities across Canada.
The COHI is community-based. Services can be
provided in daycares, schools, homes, health centres, at
community events, and more.
Community members take an active role in promoting
COHI so the children in the community will get the most
benefit.