Taking care of your teeth is very important for your overall health. Good dental care helps you avoid problems like toothaches and gum disease. Meanwhile, poor oral health can affect other parts of your body. For example, gum disease is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your mouth healthy helps keep your whole body healthy. There are some easy things that you can do to help keep your smile bright:

• Brush your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft -bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to clean all parts of your teeth and gums. 
• Floss daily. Flossing removes food and plaque from between your teeth and under the gums where your toothbrush can’t reach. 
• Eat a healthy diet. Limit sugary foods and drinks. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep your teeth strong. 
• Drink water. Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth moist. It also helps to prevent tooth decay. 
• Don’t smoke. Smoking can cause gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Quitting smoking improves your oral health and overall health. 
• Visit the dentist regularly. See your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Your dentist can spot problems early and keep your mouth healthy. 

Covered dental services

Medicaid recipients in Illinois receive dental coverage from DentaQuest. 

For members over 21, covered services include: 

• One cleaning per year
• Two oral exams per 12 months
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Crowns
• Extractions
• Emergency dental services
• Limited root canals
• Limited dentures

For members under 21, covered services include: 

• One cleaning per 6 months (2 total per year)
• One oral exam per 6 months (2 total per year)
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Crowns
• Extractions
• Emergency dental services
• Root canals
• Dentures
• One fluoride treatment per 6 months
• Sealants

Some services require approval from your dental plan. This is called prior authorization. Services must be medically necessary. 

Questions? 

If you have any questions about your dental benefits, 

• Call Customer Care at 800-787-3311 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Central time. 
• Refer to your Member Handbook
• Visit the DentaQuest website opens in new window