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Staying up to Date on Dental Care Has Lasting Health Benefits

Date: 12/01/22

Buckeye Health Plan Raises Awareness of Timely Dental Care for the Whole Family

As we approach the end of the year, many Ohioans are behind on important dental care visits, putting themselves at greater risk for oral and other health challenges. Buckeye Health Plan is raising awareness of the impact that good dental care has on Ohioans' overall health.

Accessing dental care remains the most common unmet healthcare need among children and the second greatest unmet healthcare need among adults. In fact, children on Medicaid have more tooth decay (both cavities history and untreated cavities) than their peers.

A child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they surface, yet the most recent Ohio survey of Oral Health of Preschool-Aged Children noted that nearly 1 in 5 preschool-aged children had never been to the dentist. Parents of children on Medicaid were five times more likely than those with private insurance to delay getting dental care.

Ohio Medicaid members get access to dental care at no cost to them. It is recommended that Ohioans visit the dentist every six months to make sure their teeth and gums are healthy. However, getting to the dentist and staying up to date is easier said than done.

“Seeing the dentist regularly helps identify and stop tooth and gum problems before they become more serious and lead to bigger health issues down the road,” said Dr. Brad Lucas, Buckeye Health Plan’s Chief Medical Officer.  “Taking steps to maintain your dental health like daily tooth brushing, flossing, and other activities also help keep the natural bacteria in the mouth in check. Without these preventive measures, you are more susceptible to serious health challenges like pneumonia and heart disease.”

The good news is that cavities and other oral health issues can be prevented. No matter how old you are, it's never too late to get on the path to regular oral hygiene habits. Buckeye recommends the following tips to prevent tooth decay and support good oral health.

For Babies:

  • Begin dental hygiene as soon as possible. Before teeth even appear, a baby’s mouth should be cleaned twice a day – after first feeding and before bed – by wiping the gums with a clean washcloth to remove bacteria and sugar. Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk. Milk or juices can pool around teeth and cause severe decay.
  • Brush regularly. Once teeth come in, a baby’s teeth should be brushed twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water.
  • Check with the dentist or pediatrician about when it’s okay to use fluoride-based toothpaste and getting a fluoride application on a baby’s teeth.
  • Go to the dentist. By the baby’s first birthday, they should visit a dentist to spot any potential problems early on.

For Children:

  • Encourage children to brush their teeth twice a day – in the morning and right before bed – using fluoride toothpaste.
  • Brush properly and don’t forget your tongue. Poor brushing can be just as bad as not brushing at all. Children should take their time and use gentle, circular motions as well as gently brush their tongues.
  • Don’t forget to floss. Flossing once a day is a great way to stimulate the gums and reduce plaque.
  • Consider using mouthwash with children over six years old. Mouthwash can help reduce acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas, and strengthen the teeth. A dentist can provide specific non-alcohol mouthwash recommendations for children. Older children can use a mouthwash that includes fluoride.
  • Visit the dentist regularly. Children should see the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. The dentist can help remove plaque and look for cavities and spot potential oral health issues.

For Adults:

  • Model good brushing habits. Brush your teeth with the children to encourage proper brushing techniques and habits.Avoid sugar-based food and drinks in your diet. Set a good example for the children and help them establish a lifetime of good dietary habits.

“Buckeye is committed to ensuring that Ohioans have the knowledge and resources to support their oral health,” said Dr. Lucas. “Together, we can increase Ohioans’ good oral health habits and healthy smiles.”