As experts in dentistry for children in Aurora, at Epic Dentistry for kids, we are proud to offer pediatric dentistry in a comfortable and caring environment that is calm and friendly for your child. After all, we love kids. Aside from helping kids achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile, we are also devoted to keeping our kids’ parents well informed about everything related to their child’s oral health. That is why today, we will be focusing on the importance of dental insurance for your baby.
Several questions may come to mind, including: does my baby really need dental insurance? Where can I find the right insurance? Among others, don’t worry; we are here to help you answer all those questions.
While parents are rushing to stock up on baby clothes, assemble the crib, and install the car seat, one thing that may slip their minds is adding a new bundle of joy to their medical and dental coverage. Dental insurance is a vital strategy to safeguard your child’s health today and in the future.
Let’s take a more detailed look at everything regarding dental insurance and your baby.
Is It Necessary to Get Kids Dental Insurance in Aurora?
After all, babies aren’t born with teeth, and it will take roughly six months for any teeth to appear. On the other hand, dental health is an essential aspect of a child’s general well-being. While there is no hard and fast rule for when to add them to dental insurance coverage, it’s better to think about it before their first visit to the dentist.
When Should I Take My Child to a Kids DDS in Aurora?
After the first tooth shows, but no later than the first birthday, your child should have their first dental visit. Why so early? Well, your youngster can have cavities as soon as they have teeth. Taking care of your child’s dental health now will help them maintain a healthy smile for the rest of their life.
The Importance Of Infant Oral Care
Because primary teeth, which are also known as baby teeth, ultimately fall out, many parents believe they may put off thinking about dental care for their children until they have adult teeth. However, tooth decay can develop in primary teeth just as it does in permanent teeth, resulting in cavities.
Cavities can be uncomfortable, making it difficult for a child to chew and talk. They’re also a lot more common in young children than most people believe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five children aged 5 to 11 has at least one untreated cavity.
As mentioned previously, the best time to take a child to their first dental appointment is by their first birthday or within six months of the appearance of their first tooth, whichever comes first. The dentist will do much more than just looking for cavities. They also monitor the growth of the mouth and jaw, checking on gum health and bite alignment. All of these can impact the child’s development as they learn to talk and chew solid food.
Kids may require emergency dental care in addition to routine dentist appointments beginning with their first teeth. Accidents can occur as children become more mobile and explore the world. A chipped or knocked-out baby tooth requires quick attention. A cavity can result from bacteria entering the tooth’s root through a crack. It’s possible that losing a tooth before it’s ready to fall out will have an impact on how the permanent teeth develop. If not addressed, both can lead to future dental issues.
Not convinced yet? Here are two big reasons why your baby needs dental care insurance.
Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay is a dangerous condition that can spread to other parts of the body and cause infection. Furthermore, children with tooth decay are more prone to have dental issues as teenagers and adults.
Do you have any experience with infant bottle tooth decay or rot? A common dental issue happens when a young child naps or goes to bed at night with a bottle filled with a sweet drink, such as milk or juice. A significant degree of tooth decay develops in a child’s teeth as a result of this.
When germs on the teeth come into touch with sugar from liquids, acids are produced, which destroy the enamel of the teeth. Tooth decay is the result of this.
Here are tips for avoiding baby tooth decay:
- Do not allow your child to go to bed with a bottle filled with anything but water.
- Wean your child from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age.
- Follow the appropriate oral health routine for your child’s age. Wipe your baby’s gums after each feeding. When your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time to begin brushing. Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless and begin flossing when all the baby teeth have erupted—usually by age 2 or 2.5.
Save on Dental Costs
When your baby has coverage under your dental plan, you won’t have to pay for dental visits out of pocket. Most plans cover exams, cleanings, and other diagnostic or preventive services at 100%. Your plan may also cover restorative treatments.
What to Look For in Coverage
The extent of coverage varies by plan. Make sure to research what is and isn’t included as you compare plans. Think about your kid’s age and what they’ll need in the coming year. Look for plans that cover all or almost all of the costs of preventive care (exams, cleanings, and X-rays) as well as basic care (fillings, tooth extractions). Fluoride treatments and dental sealants for cavity prevention in children are usually under the coverage of most insurance plans but double-check to make sure.
Add up all of your prospective costs, including deductibles, out-of-pocket limitations, and coinsurance or co-payments (the percentage or part of a service you pay), and be sure your dental insurer has a big network of dentists, including pediatric dentists and specialists. Check to see if your favorite dentist is in-network to get the most out of your in-network savings.
How to Get Kids Dental Coverage in Aurora
- Employer coverage: If your employer’s dental plan covers you or your spouse, you may be able to enroll in a family plan during open enrollment. Furthermore, because having a baby qualifies as a qualifying life event, you can add your newborn to your coverage within the timeframe specified by your plan.
- Individual and family coverage: Companies like Delta Dental and Humana offer tailored plans to your family’s needs.
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid: Low-income families can enroll in these state-funded plans.
Although it may be a lot to think about, the good news is that having a baby counts as a qualifying life event, which means you can make changes to your benefits at that time. Just add your baby as a dependent under family coverage. If you have any questions about your plan, reach out to your benefits administrator.
Get in Contact With Your Aurora Pediatric Dentist
Ready to schedule an appointment for your child at our fun office? If so, contact us now! We will be happy to welcome you and your child to our practice
