Mar
For every five children aged six to 11 in our state, at least one child surveyed by Texas Health and Human Services has experienced one or more oral health problems. These problems included toothaches, bleeding gums, and cavities. Toothaches can be a sign of serious oral infections. Blood on toothbrushes or floss may indicate gum disease. Both advanced periodontal disease and severe decay are the leading causes of tooth loss. Fortunately, children in and around Fort Worth, TX have access to quality, compassionate dental care regardless of their family’s budget; Sycamore Dental is your answer to, “What Medicaid dentist treats pediatric patients?” in our corner of the DFW.
Early tooth loss during your child’s formative years has far-reaching oral health and quality of life consequences. Baby teeth “reserve” spots for the erupting permanent teeth. When these teeth are lost prematurely, the adult teeth may grow crooked. Misalignment causes functional and cosmetic problems, and generally requires restorative treatment with oral appliances and exercises. Additionally, toothaches and other oral symptoms can interfere with your child’s sleep and performance at school. Nutrition may suffer due to pain during the years when your child most needs a healthy, nutritious diet. Missed school days also add up.
Your child is one of a kind. So, our specific approach depends on what we find during an exam. The “standard” approach is to schedule visits to our office every six months. If your child is at risk of conditions such as cavities, we may recommend scheduling appointments more frequently than two times a year. During these visits, we may also suggest preventive measures such as fluoride supplementation, dental sealants to protect decay-prone back teeth, and custom mouth-guards for young athletes.
Most children are not “too young.” That’s because the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s guidelines abide by the “firsts”: the first visit should be scheduled by no later than your baby’s first birthday. These initial visits are a great opportunity to learn how to clean little mouths, and what to watch for as your child’s teeth and jaws develop. Early appointments also get your child comfortable with our office and team. So, visiting the dentist becomes second nature. We can also detect and address problems early enough that they won’t have lasting effects on your child’s oral and overall development.
Your dream smile awaits! Dial(817) 438-1828
Generally, preventive services are covered 100 percent by many insurance plans. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides an array of benefits, including hygiene visits, X-rays, and prescription medications. Our team is skilled and experienced at working with insurance providers. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us. The burden of out-of-pocket expenses may be reduced with our range of payment options, including financing through CareCredit.
Happy Patients, Bright Smiles