Should Your Children Have Dental Insurance?

Your baby is a welcome joy to your family. Now that he or she is there, it is time to start thinking about your child's healthcare needs. Many times, families overlook the importance of investing in dental insurance for children, especially young children. Before you make the decision not to add your child to a dental policy, consider what this may mean to you down the road. In most cases, your child should be visiting the dentist once his or her teeth grow in. If that is the case, your child's dental costs can often be defrayed if you have the right level and amount of dental insurance in place.
Dentist office

It's important to provide your child with good dental habits at a very young age. Studies indicate that children who do not develop early habits of brushing, flossing and overall caring for their teeth are likely to be less successful at dental hygiene well into their futures.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers some recommendations on when children should begin visiting the dentist. In fact, it recommends having your child in for his or her first dental appointment before the child's first birthday. This early visit will allow the dentist to check for any signs of developmental concern. And, since babies at this age are already developing teeth, it can provide a clear indication of any genetic factors that may limit oral health. In addition, this is the perfect time for parents to learn how to care for their child's new teeth even at this very young age.

From this point on, your child should visit the dentist one time every six months. In some cases, such as when there are concerns, it may be necessary to bring your child in more frequently. When you bring your young child into the dentist at this age, he or she not only gets the care necessary, but he or she is less likely to be afraid to visit later when they are old.

If your child does not have dental insurance, now is the time to put them on a quality plan. Doing so can make a big difference in their overall dental health now and in the long run.

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