32 | MARCH 21 • 2024 
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ooth 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 depres-
sion 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 tomor-
row.
Through the dental health benefits pro-
vided through Medicaid and the Children’s 
Health Insurance Program (CHIP), chil-
dren 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 prevent-
ing 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 den-
tist 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 anoth-
er 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 regular-
ly can keep cavities, gum disease and tooth 
decay at bay.

During pregnancy, you can even pos-
itively 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 — preven-
tive care, emergency care, behavioral health 
care, vision care, vaccines, prescriptions, 
and pre- and post-natal care are all cov-
ered 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.

Taking Care of Teeth 
Brings Families 
Peace of Mind

(STATEPOINT) 

DENTAL GUIDE

(C) ANNASTILLS / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS

