If you are looking for a children’s dentist that accepts Medicaid in Katy TX., read on. We’ve pulled together this guide to tell you all you need to know. It can be tough for parents to understand how much dental care their kids need – and how to spot the signs when things are going wrong. And, of course, there is a lot of confusion about dental insurance and Medicaid, which we hope to clear up. Let’s get started right away with the basics of ensuring your kid’s teeth are always in the best shape.

Basic dental hygiene

You should start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they grow. You’ll need an infant toothbrush and toothpaste that is suitable for your baby’s age. Over time, their toothpaste needs will change, and you should always stick to the pastes recommended by your dentist. By the time your child is two, they should be starting to spit during brushing, to avoid them swallowing the paste. You will need to supervise your child’s brushing habits all the way through until they are six years old or so. But, use your own judgment, it’s fine if you feel they still need looking after even if they are older.

Importance of dental treatment for children

It’s vital for all children to start visiting their dentists before their first birthday. It will get them used to the environment, and if there are any early problems with tooth growth, your dentist will be able to spot them. It will be handy for you, too. Your dentist will teach you how to brush their teeth and floss them properly, to ensure your little one’s teeth have the best possible start in life. It’s also worth finding a dentist that specializes in working with children. They will have experience of settling kids in what can be a scary environment.

Importance of early detection of teeth and gum disorders

There are three things to look out for in your child’s teeth. Cavities, decay, and orthodontia. All of these problems get worse over time, so it’s vital that you bring your child to a dentist for early detection. If they are left alone, these issues will develop into other, far more harmful conditions. And, your child’s teeth and gums could suffer a lot of damage before they even start showing their adult teeth. Regarding alignment, it could mean that your little one’s teeth will come out crooked, and they will need a lot of work at a later stage to solve the issue. Decay and cavities can also cause enormous problems. If they have to have a tooth out, your child could suffer from speech problems, and eating issues, as they may not be able to chew correctly. If this all sounds serious – it is. So, make sure that you bring your child to the dentist on a regular basis, so that any issues can be resolved long before they become more troublesome. The big question is, how often should you take your child to see the dentist? Let’s take a look at the answer to that issue right away.

How many times a year should children go to the dentist?

We’ve already been through when you should take your child for their first trip to the dentist. It’s at the age of one, or within six months of them getting their first tooth. But once you have started your visits, how often should you take them for a checkup? The answer is a simple one – every six months. It will help you and your dentist look out for potential issues that could cause a lot more damage in the future. And, it will also get your child used to the environment at the dentist. There are a few things you can expect as your child gets older. At some point between their fourth and sixth birthdays, your dentist will give your little one their first dental x-ray. It will show up any damage that might be lurking beneath the teeth or in the gums. And, by the time they are seven, your dentist might suggest a full dental evaluation. At this point, adult teeth will be coming through, viewable by x-ray. So, if there are any issues coming through, it will give you and your dentist plenty of time to organize corrective treatment.

Importance of having regular checkups

The sooner your child starts to have dental checks; the healthier their teeth will be in the future. And, the more checkups they have on a regular basis, the better outcome there will be if there is a problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are some stark figures. Almost 40% of all children have some form of tooth decay by the time they start school. And the sad thing is, it is mostly all preventable. Regular checkups will help your child learn about their teeth, and also teach them how to care for them properly. They will also help you, as a parent, make better choices about your child’s dental health. If you want your little ones to have healthy teeth by the time they reach adulthood, you have to have regular dental checkups.

Medicaid and dental health for children

Of course, all this dental treatment will come at a cost, so it’s important to understand some of the basics of paying for treatment. You can have a full family health insurance, of course, which can cover your children’s dental needs. And, you can also enroll your child in a Medicaid program, for both oral screening and treatment. It covers most things, such as treatment of pain and infections, and general maintenance of dental health. And, it will also cover your child for some restoration work. A good rule of thumb is that if the problem needs treatment as a medical necessity, then you will have the cover on Medicaid. There are strict rules in place that mean a stringent standard of practice and treatment is in place. And, you will need a referral to a dentist to make your claim. Get in touch with your state’s Medicaid customer contact center for a list of approved dentists, and more information.