The Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is expanding its free dental program for pre-school-aged children, to reach more families in Haliburton County. This fall, the Health Unit will offer a Fluoride Varnish Treatment program to preschoolers attending child care centres throughout its region. Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is applied to a child’s teeth and can help prevent new cavities by making a child’s tooth enamel harder. Tooth decay is one of the most preventable diseases for children, yet local rates of tooth decay are on the rise. The Fluoride Varnish Treatment is approved by Health Canada and the Canadian Dental Association and is totally free and voluntary.