Jacksonville, Florida, is naturally fluoridated: NYSCOF
MEDICAID: Kids need access to dental care
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood.
It has been linked to adult health problems, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and upper respiratory infections. Less than 30 percent of children on Medicaid have access to dental services. These children suffer from twice as many dental caries, their decay is more severe and they are more likely to go untreated. Recent Medicaid cutbacks have resulted in more pediatric dentists refusing to accept Medicaid. The offices of those who do are saturated with patients in desperate need of even the most basic dental care. Many of these children end up in local emergency rooms with severe oral diseases that could have been prevented.
As a local pediatrician, I have found this lack of equal access to dental care alarming. I recently saw an 8-year-old boy who came to me for a checkup. He was a pleasant young man but was very shy and very thin. When I tried to examine his teeth, he refused to open his mouth. After much coaxing, I found out why he was so hesitant - his four top teeth were black and rotted away. He told me that he is teased frequently about his teeth, so he does not talk much and he won't smile for anyone. The poor condition of his teeth not only affected his nutritional health, but it affected him emotionally and socially as well. Because the child was insured by Medicaid, the options available to him were very limited. I could do so little for this child who needed so much. There is nothing sadder than a child who does not smile. Children are entitled to proper oral health. We must give children a voice in the political arena where so many decisions are made that affect their young lives. I encourage all people in the city of Jacksonville to contact their local legislative representatives and ask them to please fight to improve Medicaid funding for oral health care.
All our children deserve to face their future with a bright and healthy smile.
TRICIA FALGIANI, M.D., Jacksonville
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood.
It has been linked to adult health problems, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and upper respiratory infections. Less than 30 percent of children on Medicaid have access to dental services. These children suffer from twice as many dental caries, their decay is more severe and they are more likely to go untreated. Recent Medicaid cutbacks have resulted in more pediatric dentists refusing to accept Medicaid. The offices of those who do are saturated with patients in desperate need of even the most basic dental care. Many of these children end up in local emergency rooms with severe oral diseases that could have been prevented.
As a local pediatrician, I have found this lack of equal access to dental care alarming. I recently saw an 8-year-old boy who came to me for a checkup. He was a pleasant young man but was very shy and very thin. When I tried to examine his teeth, he refused to open his mouth. After much coaxing, I found out why he was so hesitant - his four top teeth were black and rotted away. He told me that he is teased frequently about his teeth, so he does not talk much and he won't smile for anyone. The poor condition of his teeth not only affected his nutritional health, but it affected him emotionally and socially as well. Because the child was insured by Medicaid, the options available to him were very limited. I could do so little for this child who needed so much. There is nothing sadder than a child who does not smile. Children are entitled to proper oral health. We must give children a voice in the political arena where so many decisions are made that affect their young lives. I encourage all people in the city of Jacksonville to contact their local legislative representatives and ask them to please fight to improve Medicaid funding for oral health care.
All our children deserve to face their future with a bright and healthy smile.
TRICIA FALGIANI, M.D., Jacksonville
posted by Bill at
9:41 AM
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