I have no tooth pain but have not been to the dentist in over two years since I got removed from my parent’s dental insurance policy. My teeth are fine, but my mom told me to see the dentist, saying I could have cavities. Should I go? Reply: Short answer: yes, you should see a … Read more
Parents are frequently concerned about the noise they hear their kids’ teeth making at night. There are several theories surrounding why kids often grind their teeth at night. The two most common are; stress due to changes in the environment (home, school, etc.) and pressure in the inner ears at night. Either way, most kids … Read more
What are the benefits of dental X-rays? In a prior post, we discussed dental X-rays and their low radiation levels. Knowing the low dose may help put into perspective the importance of dental X-rays and how they help the dentist provide you with the best dental health care. With X-rays, the dentist is about to … Read more
The annual maximum occupational exposure for radiation workers in the United States is 5,000 millirems (measure for radiation). When you spread low doses out over a period of time, it is not as destructive to the body because it has time to recover. To help put this in perspective to dental X-rays, you would need … Read more
How to apply for Medicaid in California: Contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office: You can Call the Medi-Cal Helpline: at 800-541-5555 or 916-636-1980 or visit these websites for information: For states other than California, you may want to visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/beneficiary-resources/index.html#statemenu for helpful information
Pediatric dentists specialize in taking care of babies and young kids. After dental school, they do extra years of training to dedicate themselves to working with children. Babies, toddlers, and adolescents all need unique approaches to dental care, and seeing a Pediatric dentist provides them with the added dental care services they may need.
Sippy cups are good training tools to help your child transition from a baby bottle to a cup. However, like with a baby bottle, if your child continues to use a sippy cup throughout the day, fill it with water only (unless at mealtime). Prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugars will promote the cavity-causing bacteria … Read more
Baby bottle tooth decay, or BBTD, is a severe condition resulting from prolonged exposure of your infant’s teeth to liquid containing sugar. These liquids include milk, breast milk, formula, juice, and other sweetened drinks. Putting your infant to sleep, whether for a nap or bedtime, with a baby bottle containing anything other than water can … Read more
Question: What does Medicaid helps pay for? Reply: If you have Medicare and qualify for full Medicaid coverage:
When babies are born, they typically have around 20 teeth partly formed inside the gums. The front two, lower first and then upper, are the first to erupt between 6-12 months of age. By age 3, most kids have a set of 20 primary teeth in their mouths. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your … Read more
Did you know that mothers with poor dental health could be at a higher risk of passing bacteria that causes cavities to their children? However, many things can be done to help decrease this risk, such as:
Question: How do you qualify for Medicaid Reply: Generally, you must meet your state’s rules for your income and resources and other rules (like being a state resident). You might be able to get Medicaid if you meet your state’s resource limit, but your income is too high to qualify. Some states let you “spend down” the … Read more
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all pregnant women obtain dental health care during pregnancy. According to research, it has linked periodontal disease with preterm birth and low birth weight. Speak with your dentist about ways you can prevent or treat periodontal disease during pregnancy.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, at 12 months, your baby is old enough to visit the dentist. Cavities are a common concern with children, so it is essential to take your child to the dentist regularly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four children have … Read more
Question: What’s the difference between Medicare & Medicaid? Reply: Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone 65 and older, and some people under 65 have specific disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid offers benefits like nursing home care, personal … Read more
You will want to put your baby on your lap, facing away from you. Brush the teeth from behind, supporting your baby’s head. When you brush, focus your efforts between the gums and teeth—the most critical area. Consult with your dentist about frequency and if you should add flossing to your child’s routine.
Once your baby’s teeth start coming in, you may want to transition from the washcloth to a baby toothbrush and toothpaste. If you use toothpaste, ensure it is still safe for babies. One example would be Tom’s of Maine’s new toddler training toothpaste, which is specially formulated for ages 3-24 months, and is safe if … Read more