HealthyPlusno3Jan5 - Flipbook - Page 18
Keeping your child’s
teeth healthy
A lifetime of smiles begins
sooner than you think
D
ental disease is the most common chronic
illness for children in the United States. Left
untreated, it can lead to pain, infection,
difficulty eating and speaking, and reduced selfesteem. In fact, children who have poor dental health
often miss more school and receive lower grades
than children who don’t.
The good news is that dental disease is preventable.
The key is establishing healthy dental habits early
and encouraging those habits throughout their teens.
Good habits sta at home
Dr. Mark Pullano, DMD, has been treating children as
part of his family practice in Williamstown, MA, for
30 years. He says one of the most important things
The cost of care
Tooth truths
• 20% of children aged 5 to 11 years have at
least one untreated cavity
• 13% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have
at least one untreated cavity
• Nearly 100% of tooth decay is preventable
Source: Center for Disease Control
16 | HEALTHY+ | WINTER –SPRING 2023
Under the Medicaid program, all states are mandated
to provide children with basic dental care packages.
Children’s basic dental care services under Medicaid
include:
• treatment of tooth infections
• restoration of teeth with cavities
• periodic cleaning and sealants
The specific services covered are based on where you
live. It is best to check with your state to find out the
exact Medicaid coverage available.
It’s impoant to note that not all dentists accept
Medicaid. Be sure to ask when scheduling your child’s
appointment.
To find dentists near you that accept Medicaid visit:
insurekidsnow.gov/find-a-dentist/index.html