Back-to-school a good time to renew good oral hygiene

ROCHESTER, Minn., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The beginning of the school year is a good time for not only a new toothbrush but a visit to the dentist, a U.S. dental specialist says.

Thomas Salinas, a dentist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., says students should practice healthy dental habits daily and visit the dentist for a cleaning twice a year.

"Regular dental exams are an important part of preventive healthcare," Salinas said in a statement. "Students who brush their teeth, gums and tongue twice per day can reduce their risk of infection."

Parents should teach children to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, take them for regular dental checkups and serve food such as milk and vegetables to maintain optimal oral health.