Dental care

Regular visits make a difference

Regular dental care for everyone ages 1 and older is important for you to keep healthy. Even people who don’t have natural teeth should be checked. Denture wearer should be checked at least once a year.

At regular visits, your dentist:

• Examines your tongue, gums and mouth for decay and disease.
• Cleans your teeth. 
• Checks if you have cavities or need fillings.

Your dentist can also give you a deep cleaning if you need it. A deep teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth which reduces gum inflammation and improves your gum health.

Healthy teeth matter

Your teeth can last a lifetime if you practice basic dental care. Basic dental care is when you:

• Brush and floss regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Visit your dentist and/or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings. 

The best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is to develop good dental health habits. You can do many things to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth strong.

• Brush your teeth twice a day thoroughly.
• Brush your tongue from back to front. This helps remove plaque which can cause bad breath.
• Brush with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush with a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head small enough to reach all parts of your teeth and gums.
• Floss daily between your teeth.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles are frayed.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
• Chew sugarless gum.
• Do not use tobacco products. If you smoke, quit.
• Limit alcoholic drinks.

Earn rewards for a dental visit

You can earn a $25 gift card for an annual dental visit by a network dentist. Reward vouchers are available in English, Somali and Spanish.

Ways to get the rewards voucher:

• On the Rewards webpage. 
• By phone. Contact Member Services at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711).
• By U.S. mail. Contact Member Services.
  
  

Dental care for children

Developing good habits at an early age helps children begin a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. 

Children need checkups, too! The ideal time for a child’s first dentist visit is after the first tooth comes in or before their first birthday.

Even before birth, dental care is important for your baby. Pregnant mothers should eat a balanced, nutritious diet with lots of vitamins and minerals. After birth, follow these tips: 

• Prevent tooth decay by using a separate fork or spoon for your baby. 
• Remove the bottle before the baby sleeps so juice or other sugary beverages don’t sit in their mouth. 
• Keep your baby away from secondhand tobacco smoke.

Dental care for denture wearers

Caring for your gums, tongue and mouth roof is important. Cleaning these areas, in addition to your dentures, helps keep you healthy. 

Follow these tips from the American Dental Association:

• Brush your gums, tongue and mouth roof with a soft-bristled brush every morning before putting in your dentures. This removes plaque and boosts circulation. 
• Pay special attention to clean teeth that fit under the denture's metal clasps. Trapped plaque raises the risk of tooth decay. 
• If you wear a partial denture, remove it before brushing your natural teeth. 
• Clean, rest and massage your gums regularly to help keep them healthy. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm saltwater helps clean the gums. 

Regular dental visits are important so that you can be examined to ensure proper denture fit, to look for signs of oral diseases including cancer, and to have teeth professionally cleaned. Your dentist will advise you about how often to visit but every six months is standard. 

To find a dentist, call our vendor Delta Dental at 651-348-3233 (866-298-5549), TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

DHS approved 2/27/23; QM-1417-MC