April 1, 2026 – Ottawa, ON: This April, as Canada marks National Oral Health Month (NOHM), the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is highlighting how strong oral health habits, supported by trusted dental professionals, help people across the country thrive and stay healthy.
Under the theme Healthy Smiles, Informed Choices—Oral Health, Every Day, the CDA is encouraging everyone living in Canada to get back to the fundamentals: brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, choosing proven oral health products, eating well, and visiting their dentist for ongoing care and prevention. This year’s campaign is also raising awareness of oral cancer and the importance of screening and early detection, and that human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor for oral cancer.
“Oral health is health, and it touches every stage of life,” says Dr. Bruce Ward, President of the CDA. “National Oral Health Month is an opportunity to help Canadians feel confident about the oral health basics, stay informed, and know where to turn for trusted advice and care.”
Helping Canadians make informed choices
With more health information and misinformation available than ever before, the CDA is reminding Canadians that simple, proven routines make the biggest difference.
This year’s NOHM campaign emphasizes:
- Oral health starts at home. Daily brushing and flossing help protect teeth and gums.
- Trusted products matter. The CDA Seal provides reassurance that a product can deliver the benefits it claims.
- Professional care is essential. Regular dental visits help detect issues early and protect overall health.
- Good oral health is for everyone. From young children to older adults, prevention and routine care support lifelong well-being.
- Oral cancer can affect anyone. HPV is a common virus and a known risk factor of oral cancer. Screening and early detection play a critical role in outcomes, and HPV vaccination is a safe and effective way to help reduce risk.
“Canadians don’t need quick fixes or viral ‘hacks’ to take care of their teeth,” says Dr. Ward. “They need clear guidance, reliable products, and support from their dental team—wherever they live in Canada.”
Raising awareness of oral cancer and HPV
Raising awareness of oral cancer is an essential part of maintaining overall oral health. As part of NOHM, the CDA aims to help people living in Canada better understand oral cancer, including its warning signs, and that HPV is a risk factor, along with the importance of prevention and early detection.
We encourage Canadians to pay attention to changes in their mouth, lips, or throat and to speak openly with their dentist about oral cancer, HPV, and vaccination. By supporting clear, stigma-free education, we aim to empower people with the knowledge they need to take an active role in protecting both their oral and overall health.
“Awareness and early detection of oral cancer can make a real difference,” says Dr. Ward. “Dentists are well-positioned to help patients understand oral cancer risks, including HPV, and to support prevention through informed conversations and care.”
Empowering healthy smiles through informed choices
From small communities to large urban centres, dental teams across Canada are committed to helping Canadians make informed choices that support oral health every day.
“Promoting healthy smiles starts with prevention, trusted information, and compassionate care,” says Dr. Ward. “When people have access to reliable guidance, they are better equipped to make confident decisions that protect their oral and overall health.”
The CDA remains dedicated to providing practical tools, credible resources, and evidence-based information that empower Canadians to take an active role in maintaining lifelong oral health.
About the Canadian Dental Association
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) serves as the national voice for dentistry in Canada, dedicated to improving the oral health of Canadians and supporting dental professionals. CDA, a non-regulatory authority, is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization whose corporate members are Canada’s provincial and territorial dental associations (PTDAs). CDA represents over 21,000 practicing dentists from coast to coast to coast.
Media Contact:
Jeff D’Andrea
Canadian Dental Association
613-523-7963
media@cda-adc.ca
