Oral health plays a major role in a child’s overall health. Healthy teeth can help children eat, speak, smile and feel confident, but dental care doesn’t always get the same attention as regular provider visits. When dental care is delayed, small problems can become bigger health issues.

Building strong dental habits early

Children need regular dental care to stay healthy. Programs like Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit help ensure that children receive a full range of services including: 

  • Regular dental exams and cleanings
  • X-rays when needed
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Sealants to prevent cavities
  • Treatment for tooth decay or gum issues

Cavities are the most common chronic disease in children in the United States,1 but they can be prevented with regular dental care.  

Gaps in access to dental care

Even with coverage available, many families face challenges getting their children to the dentist. These barriers can delay care until small issues become bigger problems. Some common barriers include:

  • Difficulty finding a dentist who accepts Medicaid
  • Transportation challenges
  • Limited appointment availability
  • Lack of awareness about covered benefits
  • Dental anxiety in children (and sometimes parents)

When dental care is missed, the risks add up

Children who do not get regular dental care may face more than cavities. Over time, poor oral health can lead to: 

  • Gum disease (gingivitis). Early inflammation can worsen without treatment.2
  • Heart issues. Gum disease may increase inflammation in the body, which can affect heart health.3
  • Dental pain and infections. Untreated issues can lead to serious pain and discomfort.
  • Difficulty eating or speaking. Poor oral health can affect nutrition, speech, and development.4
  • Missed school days. Dental problems are a leading cause of school absences.
  • Lower self-confidence. Visible dental issues can impact how children feel about themselves.

Practices to maintain oral health

Healthy habits can help protect children’s teeth and gums every day. Families can support oral health by:

  • Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing daily once teeth begin to touch
  • Limiting sugary drinks and snacks
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Keeping up with regular dental visits

For younger kids, turning brushing into a fun routine or using a timer can help build consistency.

Understanding what’s covered, addressing barriers, and building simple daily habits can go a long way. Healthy smiles can help set children up for healthier futures.

SIDEBAR: BestME

Understanding behavior changes in children

Children and teens do not always have the words to explain when or why they are struggling emotionally. Sometimes stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or social pressures show up through behavior changes long before a child says something is wrong. It is important to pay attention to patterns, not just isolated moments, to help recognize when extra support may be needed.

Some behaviors that may signal emotional or mental health concerns include:5

  • Big changes in mood, behavior, or personality
  • Pulling away from friends, family, or favorite activities
  • Sudden changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
  • Trouble focusing in school or declining grades
  • Ongoing sadness, hopelessness, or low self-esteem
  • Increased anxiety, excessive worrying, or panic
  • Risk-taking behaviors or acting out more than usual
  • Complaints of constant headaches or stomachaches
  • Talking about self-harm, feeling alone, or wanting to disappear

When these behaviors begin to affect daily life, school, or relationships, it may be time to seek additional support. These changes may be connected to emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns that could benefit from professional support.5

Where families can find help

Families in the District can find help through resources such as:

  • The DC Department of Behavioral Health’s Children, Youth and Family Services program
  • The 24/7 Access HelpLine
  • ChAMPS for children experiencing mental health emergencies

AmeriHealth Caritas DC also offers behavioral health services for children and teens at no cost to enrollees, including 24/7 emotional support through Headspace. Enrollees age 13 and older can access guided meditation and mindfulness exercises or chat with an emotional support coach all in the Headspace app.

Parents can help their children get the treatment they need by calling Enrollee Services at 202-408-4720 or 1-800-408-7511.

Sources

  1. “Oral Health Tips for Children,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 15, 2024,
    https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-children.html, accessed April 20, 2026.
  2.  “Oral Health,” World Health Organization, March 17, 2025,
    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health, accessed April 21, 2026.
  3. “Gum Disease May Be Linked to Plaque Buildup in Arteries, Higher Risk of Major CVD Events,”  Heart.org, December 16, 2025,
    https://newsroom.heart.org/news/gum-disease-may-be-linked-to-plaque-buildup-in-arteries-higher-risk-of-major-cvd-events#:~:text=%E2%80%9CGum%20disease%20and%20poor%20oral,part%20of%20protecting%20your%20heart.%E2%80%9D, accessed April 20, 2026.
  4. Samantha Watt et al., “Does Poor Oral Health Impact on Young Children’s Development? A Rapid Review,” Br Dent J, Vol. 237, No. 4, August 23, 2024,
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11343692/, accessed April 24, 2026.
  5. “Mental Illness in Children: Know the Signs,” Mayo Clinic, January 27, 2024,
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577, accessed April 24, 2026. 
  6. , accessed April 24, 2026. 

All images are submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia and are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *