Show your teeth some love this Valentine’s Day and every day. February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and dental professionals across Minnesota encourage families to #LoveYourTeeth.

Oral health is an essential part of overall health and well-being. An individual’s mouth serves as a “window” to the rest of your body, offering clues about their general health. That’s why caring for teeth from the very first tooth is so important.

The Minnesota Oral Health Coalition reminds parents that baby teeth are critical to a child’s health and development. Follow these tips to keep little smiles healthy:

• Start Early: A child should see a dentist when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday—whichever comes first. Early visits help prevent cavities and establish good dental habits for life.

• Avoid Bottle Mouth: Try not to put your baby to bed with a bottle. Prolonged exposure to milk or sugary liquids can cause tooth decay, known as “bottle mouth.”  

• Affordable dental care is available. Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) offer low or no-cost dental insurance for eligible families. To find a provider and learn more about child and teen checkup outreach, visit www.gov/child-teen-check-up-outreach and click “Provider Information-Dental Services.”

• Free Dental Services: Watch social media for updates on local free dental services. This February, give a child’s smile the love and care it deserves. Good oral health habits today will help ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Love your teeth, and they’ll love you back.