As we approach the tip of the 12 months, many Ohioans are behind on necessary dental care visits, putting themselves at greater risk for oral and other health challenges. Dr. Peter Kambelos, Medical Director from Buckeye Health Plan joined Michelle Hopkins to debate the importance of staying up up to now on dental care.

We all know that good dental health results in good overall health. And as your guide to raised health, Buckeye is committed to educating Ohioans concerning the impact that good dental care has on their overall health.

Getting dental care is essentially the most commonly unmet healthcare need amongst children and the second biggest unmet healthcare need amongst adults. Yet, we don’t speak about it enough. Good dental care habits need to start out early and proceed into maturity to combat the challenges Ohioans face today.

A baby’s baby teeth are in danger for decay as soon as they surface, yet studies show that almost 1 in 5 preschool-aged children had never been to the dentist.

Children on Medicaid have more tooth decay (each cavities history and untreated cavities) than their peers. On top of this, 1 in 5 Ohio school-age children have not less than one untreated cavity and nearly half have a history of tooth decay (not less than one filling, crown, untreated cavity, or tooth extracted attributable to decay). When children don’t go to the dentist their risks of health challenges stemming from relatively small dental issues increase significantly.

Buckeye encourages parents of kids at any age to go to the dentist and stand up up to now on necessary health appointments by the tip of the 12 months. A dental visit every six months will be sure that that teeth and gums are healthy.

A minimum of twice on daily basis, it’s best to brush and floss your teeth to maintain the natural bacteria within the mouth in check. Without good oral care, we’re all more prone to serious health challenges like pneumonia and heart disease.

For Babies:

• Begin dental hygiene as soon as possible. Before teeth even appear, a baby’s mouth must 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 or juice. These can pool around teeth and cause severe decay.
• Brush repeatedly. A baby’s teeth must be brushed twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water.
• And after all, go to the dentist by the child’s first birthday to identify any potential problems early on.

For Children:

• Encourage kids to brush their teeth twice a day – within the morning and right before bed – using fluoride toothpaste. Brushing properly is vital. Poor brushing might be just as bad as not brushing in any respect. Children should take their time and use gentle, circular motions in addition to gently brush their tongues.
• Along with brushing, don’t forget to floss and use mouthwash once a day to stimulate the gums and reduce plaque and help reduce acid within the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas, and strengthen the teeth
• And, after all, visit the dentist repeatedly.

And the excellent news is that regardless of how old you’re, it’s never too late to get on the trail to regular oral hygiene habits.

For adults, it’s necessary to practice the identical oral habits that you simply encourage children to do and model the way in which. Set a great example by brushing your teeth with children and showing proper brushing techniques and habits. Help them establish a lifetime of fine dietary habits by avoiding sugar-based foods and drinks.

Buckeye provides members with helpful reminders, information, resources and support for good dental care. Buckeye Medicaid members get two free dental exams and teeth cleanings per 12 months. Plus, get $25 in rewards dollars after visiting the dentist for the primary tim annually. Buckeye’s free transportation profit and “find a health care provider” tool make it easier for members to go to the dentist.

For recommendations on putting your health first, visit www.BuckeyeHealthPlan.com

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