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
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