Oral hygiene is an essential part of keeping your mouth healthy and free of diseases and other issues. Regular brushing and cleaning between your teeth are key to maintaining good oral hygiene. It's also important to visit the dentist regularly for routine dental examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and minor surgeries. More advanced procedures such as teeth whitening, dental implants, crowns, and other cosmetic and restorative dental treatments are also available.
The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services at the Centers for Medicaid Services & is committed to improving access to dental services for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. They are hosting a series of webinars to help states and their collaborating partners in this endeavor. States must submit a State Oral Health Action Plan (SOHAP) using either a template developed by CMS or an easy-to-use template developed by the Medicaid State Dental Association-CHIP. The reference dental package must be substantially the same as (the most popular dependent dental plan for federal employees), (the most popular plan selected for dependents in the state's employee dental plan) or (dental coverage) offered through the state's most popular commercial insurer.
States must also publish a list of all participating Medicaid and CHIP dental providers and benefit packages on InsureKidsNow. If you have any warning signs such as toothache, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or chronic bad breath, it's important to schedule a dental visit right away. If it's been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, you should also make an appointment with your dentist. Each state is required to develop a dental periodicity program in consultation with recognized dental organizations involved in child health care. Dental services should be provided at intervals that meet reasonable standards of dental practice, and at other intervals, as indicated by medical need, to determine the existence of a suspected disease or condition. The American Dental Association has awarded a seal of approval to products that have been rigorously tested and approved by scientists in fields such as microbiology, toxicology, pharmacology and chemistry.
To protect your smile, it's recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides an overview of dental benefits for children in Medicaid, support for evidence-based policies at the state level, and details of successful strategies with state examples. According to the American Dental Association, examinations and cleanings should be performed at regular intervals specified by your dentist. Taking care of your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health. With regular visits to the dentist and proper oral hygiene habits, you can keep your smile healthy for years to come.
