North Country Health Nuggets

Week 4 of our Dental Health Series:  Partnering with a Dental Professional

As you and your family follow recommendations for maintaining dental health, it is very important to partner with dental professionals such as a dental hygienist and a dentist.

Recommendations for how often to visit the dentist, daily dental care at home, and how to handle dental problems change as we grow and age.

Starting dental care early helps: Prevent cavities, allow the dentist to monitor proper growth and development, build a positive relationship with dental professionals and help children feel comfortable with dental care.

For more detailed, age-specific information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy webpage.

In 2019–2020, 75% of Minnesota children and 78% of U.S. children had at least one preventive dental visit within the past year.
Minnesota Public Health Data Access — Minnesota Department of Health:
https://data.web.health.state.mn.us/

When to See the Dentist Right Away- Regular dental visits help prevent problems before they become serious. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you notice any of the following:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
• A lost filling or crown
• Jaw pain or difficulty chewing
• Teeth becoming loose or shifting

Early treatment can prevent tooth loss, serious infection, and more complicated treatment later.

Local Dental Care Resources that provide dental care services for individuals and families who need assistance in our region. 

Northern Dental Access Center  https://www.northerndentalaccess.org/

Norther Dental Access accepts Minnesota Health Care Programs including:

• Medical Assistance (MA)
• MinnesotaCare
• Other subsidized health insurance programs
  Some private insurance and cash pay are also accepted, with income-based discounts available.

Bagley Clinic
Phone: 218-694-6571
Toll-Free: 800-749-8153
Email: bagleyinfo@northerndentalaccess.org

Bemidji Clinic
Phone: 218-444-9646
Toll-Free: 1-888-678-3033
Fax: 218-444-9252
Email: info@northerndentalaccess.org

Park Rapids Clinic
Phone: 218-732-4436
Email: parkrapids@northerndentalaccess.org

And in Lake of the Woods county there are Children’s Dental Services Mobile clinics available.  Call 612-746-1530 or 1-866-543-6009 to make an appointment.