Healthy Kids Dental Newsletter
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1 It’s back to school time for the kids Follow these oral health tips for a happy and healthy school year: • Visit your child’s dentist for an exam and cleaning before school starts. • Remind your child to brush their teeth after breakfast and before bed. • Make sure your child eats a healthy lunch. Nuts, cheese, and lean meats like turkey are good for teeth. • Encourage your child to drink lots of water. • Visit your child’s dentist every six months. Don’t make the emergency room your first stop. The emergency room is not always the best option for mouth pain. Most are not equipped to treat dental issues. Your child could be waiting for hours to be seen by a doctor. Call the dentist first before going to the emergency room. Your child’s dentist may be able to provide more effective treatment for mouth pain. Perks to seeing your child’s dentist on a regular basis: • You will get to know each other. • You can reduce chances of emergencies because you will have regular care. • You could avoid the hassle that often comes with an emergency room visit. In this issue… It’s back to school time for the kids 1 Don’t make the ER your first stop 1 Missing your dental appointment What is silver diamine fluoride? Fraud, waste, and abuse Cultural competency 2 2 Contact us 3 Fall/Winter | 2021 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Healthy Kids Dental Newsletter
Transcript of Healthy Kids Dental Newsletter
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It’s back to school time for the kids Follow these oral health tips for a happy and healthy school year:
• Visit your child’s dentist for an exam and cleaning before school starts.
• Remind your child to brush their teeth after breakfast and before bed.
• Make sure your child eats a healthy lunch. Nuts, cheese, and lean meats like turkey are good for teeth.
• Encourage your child to drink lots of water.
• Visit your child’s dentist every six months.
Don’t make the emergency room your first stop. The emergency room is not always the best option for mouth pain. Most are not equipped to treat dental issues. Your child could be waiting for hours to be seen by a doctor.
Call the dentist first before going to the emergency room. Your child’s dentist may be able to provide more effective treatment for mouth pain.
Perks to seeing your child’s dentist on a regular basis:
• You will get to know each other.
• You can reduce chances of emergencies because you will have regular
care.
• You could avoid the hassle that often comes with an emergency room visit.
In this issue…
It’s back to school time for the kids
1
Don’t make the ER your first stop
1
Missing your dental appointment
What is silver diamine fluoride?
Fraud, waste, and abuse
Cultural competency
2
2
Contact us 3
Fall/Winter | 2021
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Healthy Kids Dental Newsletter
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Missing a dental appointment is no laughing matter
You’ve made your child’s dental appointment. Then something happens – you can’t find a ride, get sick or, forgot you made the appointment. It happens. We want to help you keep your child’s dental appointments.
You forgot.
• Put the appointment card or reminder on the refrigerator.
• Set an appointment reminder with an alert on your phone.
• If you need a babysitter, take care of it right away so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute.
• Need a ride? Call Customer Service at 1-800-936-0935 and we will schedule someone to pick you up.
Your child is afraid to go to the dentist.
• Find a dentist you like and trust.
• Visit your child’s dental provider so they can help you take care of your child’s teeth.
• Worried about pain? Let the dentist know how your child feels. The dentist will help make your child as
comfortable and relaxed as possible. Need to cancel an appointment?
• Cancel your child’s dental appointment at least 24 hours prior to the appointment.
• If something comes up at the last minute, call your child’s dentist right away.
• Good communication with the dentist is important.
What is silver diamine fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid painted on teeth to stop tooth decay. SDF can help delay the need for procedures such as drilling to fill a cavity. Compared to a traditional filling, this treatment is fast, painless (no shots) and comfortable for the patient. If you have a young child who has lots of cavities, ask the dentist about SDF as an alternative to treatment.
• How is SDF applied?
o SDF is simply painted on the tooth decay. The solution dries on the tooth. Dentists advise patients not to eat or drink for at least an hour.
• How does SDF work?
o SDF is made of two main ingredients: silver and fluoride. Silver kills bacteria or stops it from growing. Fluoride stops tooth decay and helps prevent additional decay from appearing.
o Early prevention is the key to good oral health care. It also helps your child have a good dental experience.
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We speak your language You have the right to receive culturally competent care. If you, or someone you’re helping, needs assistance, you have the right to get help and information in your language at no cost. You can also get help finding a dentist that speaks your language. To talk to an interpreter, call the Customer Service number on the back of your card.
Fraud, waste and abuse Report fraud, waste, and abuse in the following ways. You can remain anonymous:
• Call: Fraud hotline: 1-800-237-9139 Anonymous hotline: 1-866-654-3433
• Fax: 262-241-7366
• Mail: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan P.O. Box 491 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0491
Fraud, waste, and abuse can also be reported directly to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services using the following methods:
• Write to: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General P.O. Box 30062 Lansing, MI 48909
• Call:
1-855-MIFRAUD (643-7283) • Online:
michigan.gov/fraud
Contact us Phone 1-800-936-0935,: TTY:711
Website bcbsm.com/healthykids
Helpful resources Available on the website Healthy Kids Dental Benefit Summary Healthy Kids Dental Member Handbook Healthy Kids Dental Certificate of Coverage
