Dental Care
Oral health is important for everybody.
Regular visits to the dentist along with daily brushing and flossing keep bacteria out of your mouth. This lowers your risk for bigger health issues like gum disease, heart disease, pneumonia, and pregnancy issues.
Meridian’s dental benefits give your whole family a reason to smile.
- Two free oral exams and teeth cleanings per year. To find a provider near you, visit Meridian’s website or call 866-606-3700 (TTY: 711)
- Free transportation to and from your appointment. Schedule a free ride by calling 866-796-1165
For babies: Begin dental hygiene as soon as possible.
- Clean a baby’s mouth two times a day, after first feeding and before bed. Wipe the gums with a clean washcloth to remove bacteria and sugar
- Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Milk or juices can pool around teeth and cause severe decay
- Brush a baby’s teeth two times a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water
- Visit a dentist to spot any problems early on
- Talk with the dentist about using a fluoride-based toothpaste and receiving a fluoride application on a baby’s teeth
For children: Establish a routine and have fun doing it.
- Encourage children to brush their teeth two times a day, in the morning and right before bed. Use fluoride toothpaste
- Brush properly. Children should take their time and use gentle, circular motions. They should gently brush the tongue as well
- Floss once a day to remove food particles and reduce plaque
- Mouthwash can help reduce acid in the mouth. It can clean hard-to-brush areas and strengthen teeth
- Avoid frequent between-meal snacking, and limit food with added sugars
- Children should see the dentist at least two times a year for cleanings and checkups. The dentist can look for cavities and potential oral health problems
For adults: Make brushing a part of your overall healthcare routine.
- Brush for a total of two minutes each time
- Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease
- Mouthwash helps to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing
- Avoid frequent between-meal snacking, and limit food with added sugars
- Every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are worn
- Visit your dentist two times a year to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy
- All forms of tobacco, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, cause oral cancer, gum disease, and other oral health problems
During pregnancy: Keep up with your brushing habits to protect you and your baby.
- This is the best way to prevent bad bacteria from growing. Without brushing, the bad bacteria can be passed to your baby once they are born
- Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease
- If you are having morning sickness, rinse your mouth with 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water after you get sick. This helps wash away the acid and keeps your tooth's enamel safe
- You may be more prone to gum disease and cavities when you're pregnant. These can be passed to your baby and can affect your baby's health
- Seeing a dentist while pregnant is totally safe. It is good to get this done before you are busy with your new baby
For special needs: Another person may need to assist with brushing.
- You may need to modify the toothbrush to accommodate physical limitations. If the person in unable to brush, the caregiver may need to brush their teeth
- Flossing may be a challenge. The caregiver may need to do the flossing. Look for aids such as floss holders or floss picks
- Regular cleanings and exams are an important part of maintaining good oral health
- It may take time for the person you care for to become comfortable at the dentist office
- A “get acquainted” visit with no treatment provided is a good idea. It may help the person feel more comfortable with the office and exam before a real visit
Don’t let fear keep you from seeing a dentist.
Whether you are going to the dentist for the first time or going back after a few years without regular visits, there are tips you can use to ease your concern.
- Tell your dentist about your concerns before the exam begins. They can ease anxiety and fears by explaining what they are doing
- See the dentist at a less busy time of day when there are fewer people and tools making noises that could trigger anxiety
- Ask a friend or a loved one to accompany you during your appointment