According to the Children’s Dental Health Project, this preventative measure is about ten times less costly than the amount of money spent on inpatient emergency care for children with serious decay and infection. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation’s initiative, Smiles@School, has placed sealants on over 14,000 children in Minnesota, in partnership with dental providers and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Did you know that most foods we eat contain some form of sugar? We can’t avoid it. Milk contains sugar, but we want our children to drink it because calcium builds strong bones and teeth. Fruits also contain sugar, but they provide many important vitamins and minerals that keep us healthy.

The key to better oral health is preventive care. That’s why Delta Dental of Minnesota, along with your dentist, encourage regular dental visits to check for early signs of dental issues and to reinforce preventive care practices at home, like brushing and flossing. Dental insurance usually covers cleanings and exams at 100 percent so you can get important preventive care at no additional cost.

Is your baby starting to drool more than normal? A new tooth may be on its way. A baby’s first teeth are temporary. They form in the gums before birth and begin erupting at about 6 months.

If you’re a young adult who doesn’t already receive dental benefits through your employer and you’re too old to be on your parent’s plan (over age 26), chances are you are without dental insurance. And without dental insurance, you’ve been putting off going to the dentist because you’re scared of the cost for your check-ups and cleanings.

You may ask yourself, do I really need dental benefits? The answer is a resounding “yes”! Taking care of your mouth is an essential part of your overall health and your teeth are a critical part of your everyday success. Still on the fence about purchasing dental insurance? Here are the top 10 reasons why having dental coverage is essential!