Presbyterian | Your Story | Centennial Care | Spring 2021

www.phs.org/centennialcare 5 What is preventive dental care? Preventive dental care means a healthy smile for your child. You should begin regular dental visits when your child’s first tooth comes in or by age one. You will learn how to protect your child’s teeth. The earlier your child begins visiting the dentist, the better to help your child be cavity-free and have good oral health. Preventive care for children includes: • Seeing the dentist every six months • Brushing • Flossing • Fluoride • Sealants • Proper diet • Parent involvement Dentists have known for a long time that having a healthy mouth helps you have a healthy body. Children with healthy mouths: • Chew more easily • Learn to speak clearly • Have better general health • Have confidence in their appearance Need to find a dentist? We can help! Visit www.phs.org/tools -resources/member/pages/ php-directory.aspx or call the Presbyterian Customer Service Center at the number on the back of your member ID card to help you find a dental provider. You need to see the dentist every six months for a checkup to help you prevent cavities. So what should you expect at a dental visit? What to expect At a typical visit, a hygienist will thoroughly clean and floss your teeth. Then your dentist will examine your mouth for any problems. You might also have some x-rays taken. These can reveal problems that can’t be seen just by looking inside your mouth. For kids, the dentist may also apply a sealant. This is a thin coating that helps protect the teeth from germs and food. It can help keep cavities from forming. Nervous about the checkup? A routine trip to the dentist makes some people anxious. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Lots of people get the jitters. But they don’t need to come between you and the care you need. Steps like these can help you feel more comfortable: Tell your dentist about your worries. Decide on a signal— like raising your hand—if you need a quick break during the checkup. Distract yourself. Listening to music might help. Or try closing your eyes and imagining you’re somewhere soothing, like a beach at sunset. Use relaxation techniques. You could squeeze a stress ball. Or focus on taking slow, calming breaths. It’s never too late to begin good oral healthcare, and your dentist will be happy to see you and help you have a shining, healthy smile. Sources: American Cancer Society; American Dental Association; National Institutes of Health Dental care: Presbyterian Centennial Care helps you get the care you need for your teeth and gums. What to expect in a dental visit Make an appointment soon for your routine preventive dental exams!