Welcoming a child into the world is a whirlwind of joy and new responsibilities. Amidst nursery preparations and pediatrician appointments, dental care may not be at the forefront of new parents’ minds.
However, the importance of oral health for infants and young children is significant, and understanding when to include dental insurance in your child’s healthcare plan is a crucial step in ensuring their long-term well-being.
When to add child to dental insurance? This is a common question among new parents, and the answer may vary depending on your specific insurance coverage and needs. In general, it is recommended to add your child to dental insurance as soon as their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
Why Babies Need Dental Insurance?
do babies need dental insurance? Babies’ teeth begin to develop in utero, and by the time they are born, they already have their primary tooth buds in place.
These teeth may not emerge until a few months after birth, but it is essential to start taking care of them from day one. Good oral hygiene habits in a child’s early years can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Additionally, infants and young children are at a higher risk for tooth decay and cavities due to their developing immune systems and diet.
Breast milk and formula contain sugars that can contribute to plaque buildup on baby’s teeth, especially if they fall asleep while feeding. It is crucial to start practicing good oral hygiene habits early on to prevent future dental problems.
When do babies need dental insurance?
Babies usually start getting teeth around 6 months of age, and pediatric dentists recommend the first visit within 6 months of the first tooth eruption, and no later than the child’s first birthday.
This initial checkup is not just a formality; it’s the foundation of a lifetime of dental health. Pediatric dentists will look for more than just cavities.
They’ll check for any abnormalities in the teeth, jaw, bite, and oral tissues. They provide guidance to ensure the child’s smile is starting off on the right track and offer invaluable advice on dental care, nutrition, and prevention of dental diseases.
The Scourge of Early Childhood Cavities
By their first birthday, children can develop cavities. These early childhood cavities, sometimes referred to as baby bottle tooth decay, are not merely an inconvenience.
They can lead to pain, difficulty in eating and speaking, and infections that may cause harm to the permanent teeth developing beneath the gums.
In severe cases, treatment may even require hospitalization under general anesthesia which can be both emotionally and financially draining for parents. Alarmingly, by age 5, over 20% of children have had cavities, with almost 10% having untreated decay.
The good news is that most cases of dental disease in childhood are preventable with proper care, nutrition, and timely professional interventions.
Early Dental Care Establishes Healthy Habits
Is dental insurance necessary for infants? It is imperative to introduce your children to dental care at an early stage. Initiating dental visits early on can cultivate healthy habits for their future.
Surprisingly, inadequate dental hygiene in children can elevate the risk of significant health complications, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s, among other conditions.
Furthermore, the CDC has documented that dental caries remain the most prevalent chronic condition among children aged 6 to 19.
By instilling healthy dental practices from an early age, you can not only set your child on a path towards a healthier future but also preemptively address potential dental issues before they escalate.
Quick Look: Best Kids Dental Insurance
- Best for Increased Coverage Over Time: Humana
- Best for Young Adults and Families With Children and Teens: Guardian Dental
- Best for Child-Only Coverage: Delta Dental
- Best for Family Coverage: MetLife
- Best for Plan Options: UnitedHealthcare
What to look for in coverage?
Dental insurance for your infant may not only ease the financial burden but also enhances access to dental services. Affording dental care is crucial because children with dental insurance are twice as likely to receive dental services than those without.
Dental insurance for babies should ideally cover a broad range of services, including preventive care such as regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. In addition, making sure your plan includes coverage for treatments like fluoride applications and dental sealants further solidifies the preventive aspect of dental insurance.
Consider plans with reasonable deductibles and out-of-pocket limits. You should also take into account co-insurance or co-payment structures. Lastly, ensuring your insurer maintains a wide network of pediatric dentists and specialists can significantly enhance the quality and continuity of your child’s dental care.
Anticipating Future Dental Needs
While you may be primarily focused on the present, it’s essential to anticipate future dental needs when choosing insurance for your child.
Once the permanent teeth begin to erupt, usually around 6 years of age, covering preventive treatments like dental sealants becomes critical. Sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and can help prevent cavities.
By age 7, your dentist may recommend an orthodontic evaluation. If braces or other orthodontic interventions are a possibility, ensuring your dental insurance includes orthodontic coverage can save you significant costs in the long run.
Does newborn need dental insurance?
It is recommended to add your child to dental insurance as soon as their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. This ensures that they receive timely and comprehensive care for any potential dental issues and establishes good oral hygiene habits from an early age.
While dental insurance is not mandatory for newborns, it can prevent costly treatments in the future and promote overall health and wellbeing. So, considering dental insurance for your newborn is a wise investment in their future.
Conclusion
When to get dental insurance for baby? The short answer is, as soon as possible. Introducing your child to dental care early on can establish healthy habits for the future and prevent costly treatments down the line.
It’s essential to choose a plan that covers preventive care, has reasonable deductibles and out-of-pocket limits, and includes a wide network of pediatric dentists and specialists.
When finding the proper dental insurance, parents must consider the current and potential future dental needs of their children. Along with coverage details, it’s also wise to think about the cost-effectiveness of the plan regarding premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and in-network savings.
Sources:
1https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay
2Impact of early childhood caries on quality of life: Child and parent perspectives. Singh N, Dubey N, Rathore M, Pandey P J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2020 Apr-Jun;10(2):83-86.
3https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db307.htm#fig1
4https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30904-7/fulltext
5https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
6https://blog.getinsured.com/answers/health-insurance-basics/cc-pediatric-dental/
7https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/childrens-health-insurance-program/