You have successfully survived the arrival of your baby’s first tooth, and that one precious pearl hardly seems a good enough reason to make a trip to the dentist’s office. It may not be, but it’s not too early to think about it, particularly if your child is attached to a pacifier, develops a finger-sucking habit, or continues to bottle feed beyond 18 months.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and according to Stanford Children’s Health, parents should ideally plan a pediatric dental visit between six and 12 months after their child’s first tooth comes in. While it’s unlikely your child will have significant dental problems at that age, instilling good dental habits and preventive care early in your child’s life increases the likelihood that they will continue those habits throughout their lifetime – and hopefully also avoid any fears about the dentist’s chair in the future.

Good Oral Health = Good Overall Health

The Mayo Clinic refers to our mouth as the “entry point” to overall health. While it’s normal for our mouths to contain bacteria, increased bacteria levels that cause oral diseases and tooth decay can lead to health issues throughout the body, even affecting the heart. Untreated cavities can also interfere with nutrition, and even impede speaking and learning.

By instilling good oral habits early, you can prevent your child from developing cavities and catch any early problem indicators, such as certain oral cancers, possibly heading off the need for orthodontia later in life.

In addition to limiting your child’s intake of sugary beverages and snacks, here are few ways to get them on the road to good dental health early:

• Wipe your infant’s gums twice a day, after feeding.
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a “propped” bottle.
• Start brushing a child’s teeth whenever their teeth first begin to come in. Consult your dentist for safe toothpaste formulas and quantities for children under age 2.

To make it easy – and affordable – to help your child develop good oral habits, your Transocean dental benefits provide 100% coverage for preventive dental care with no deductible, including oral exams, X-rays, and cleanings. Your benefits also include 50% coverage for all orthodontia services up to age 19, with a lifetime maximum of $2,000 per covered individual.

For more information on Transocean’s dental benefits, go to the US Benefits Guide.