(StatePoint) Tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the United States. If left untreated, it can negatively affect a child’s physical and social development, as well as their school performance. Toothaches and cavities can cause pain, infection, and ultimately affect overall wellness, including children’s behavioral health. Mental health and oral health can be intertwined; mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can lead to poor oral health, and dental health problems often exacerbate behavioral health issues.
As a parent or caretaker, there are steps you can take to protect your child’s oral health today – and overall health tomorrow.
Through the dental health benefits provided through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), children will have access to essential oral health care, including regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, X-rays and more.
Schedule Routine Dental Care
Routine dental care is essential to preventing and treating many of the most common oral health issues children experience. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that a child’s first pediatric dental visit occur before their first birthday and that as they get older, they see the dentist twice a year for cleanings, X-rays and treatment.
Regular dentist visits can help identify and treat potential issues early. Once your child is old enough, visits can also include preventive care like sealants, which help stop cavities from forming.
Use the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ ‘Find a Dentist’ tool to find dental providers in your area that accept Medicaid and CHIP.
Practice Healthy Habits at Home
Encouraging good dental hygiene is another way you can reduce your child’s chances of experiencing negative side effects from poor dental health. Helping them brush their teeth twice a day and flossing regularly can keep cavities, gum disease and tooth decay at bay.
During pregnancy, you can even positively impact the health of your baby by taking care of your own teeth and gums. Daily brushing and flossing and regular dentist visits contribute to overall health and protect your baby’s teeth.
Get Insured with Medicaid and CHIP
Your child may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid and CHIP. The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign wants families to experience the security that comes with knowing their child’s dental care and other preventive services are covered.
Medicaid and CHIP cover more than 39 million children in the United States and have helped ensure that more than 94% of the nation’s children have health coverage, even when their family may experience barriers to access like language differences and low health literacy. Enrollment is open year-round, meaning your family doesn’t have to wait to see if you qualify. Dental care isn’t the only thing covered—preventive care, emergency care, behavioral health care, vision care, vaccines, prescriptions, and pre- and post-natal care are all covered when your child is insured through Medicaid and CHIP.
Eligibility varies by state and depends on family income and how many people are in your household. In most states, children up to age 19 with family income up to $80,000 per year (for a family of four) may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. You can learn more about finding coverage at InsureKidsNow.gov and explore the Find a Dentist tool to find care near you.
Your child’s smile shouldn’t be a source of stress. For peace of mind, take care of even the tiniest teeth with regular check-ups, healthy habits and health coverage, like Medicaid and CHIP.
Provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.