Low Income & Well Water? Double Whammy For Cavity Risks In Children

Health & Medical Blog

According to the CDC, over half of children 6-8 years old have at least one cavity in their baby teeth and over half of 12-19-year-old adolescents have at least one cavity in their adult teeth. What's even more alarming is that children who grow up in families with low-income are twice as likely to have cavities than children in incomes that have a higher income. Having well water as the water source for your home also increases the risks of your children getting cavities. 

If you are low income and have well water supplying your home, and don't want your children to be at risk of developing cavities, continue reading below. 

Assistance Programs 

Perhaps you don't have the financial means to obtain dental insurance or pay for pediatric dental care services for your children, yet you don't qualify for Medicaid. After all, it seems like everything is becoming more expensive these days. Fortunately, there are programs that provide assistance to families that make too much for free medical and dental care but don't make enough to purchase insurance coverage or pay these high expenses out of pocket. 

To find out what's available in your state, contact the Department of Health in your county and ask if there are any programs for health and dental care services for families with your household income. Depending on your household income, you may need to pay a small copay, but it will be more affordable to you than paying for the dental care services fully out of pocket. 

Fluoridated Water & Products

Fluoride is crucial for dental health. Most public water systems add fluoride to the water to help the public prevent tooth decay. For people who live in homes that are supplied with well water, they have to supplement their fluoride intake with fluoride tablets. If your children's pediatrician hasn't prescribed fluoride tablets to your family yet, ask your pediatric dental care services provider for a fluoride prescription.

Keep in mind, however, that many school districts that are in areas where a majority of the students have well water at home can be opted-in to be given fluoride tablets at the school by the school nurse. If this is an option for your children, you will only need to have the fluoride tablets at home during the summer months. Speak with your dental care provider for more information about fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash, too. 

Contact local pediatric dental care services to learn more.

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