February has been named Dental Health Awareness and Prevention Month in North Dakota.
The proclamation, which was made by Governor Jack Dalrymple on Thursday, promotes the encouragement of families to review preventive measures to ensure healthy teeth, gums and mouths.
"Dental health is often an area of health care that is overlooked, but is so important for a person's overall health," said Kimberlie Yineman, director of the North Dakota Department of Health's Oral Health Program. "By increasing awareness, we are hoping that we can prevent serious long-term health issues."
According to the proclamation made by Dalrymple, "tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children ages 2 to 5 years and half of those ages 12 to 15 years, and 20 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 19 years currently have untreated decay."
The Department of Health encourages everyone to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, visit a dentist regularly for checkups, and to get a professional cleaning on a regular basis.
"It's also important for parents to make sure that children are taking care of their teeth," Yineman said, adding that limiting sugary snacks, soda and sports drinks between meals are among the simple ways to ensure good dental health.