How healthy are your child’s teeth?

If you have insurance through your employer, it likely includes dental insurance, but do you know what dental coverage is included for your children? Children have unique dental needs and risks, so you want to make sure your health insurance plan provides adequate dental coverage for them. If your plan does not include dental insurance, you may be able to purchase a separate dental insurance policy for you and your children.

Here are some important aspects of dental health for children to keep in mind.

Childhood dental statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), half of children ages 6-8 have at least one cavity and over half of children ages 12-19 have at least one activity. Good dental care including regular brushing and flossing, and fluoride treatments can prevent childhood cavities. Regular checkups and dental sealants can also prevent childhood tooth decay.

How to prevent cavities in children

Here are a few ways to cut down on the chance your child will develop cavities:

• Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals.
• Have regular dental checkups
• Brush and floss daily
• Eat plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables
• Get fluoride treatments
• Use dental sealants for baby teeth

Begin dental visits for your child early, usually around 6 months of age or as soon as their first tooth comes in. According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), tooth decay affects 1 in 5 children under 5, so the sooner you begin regular dental visits, the sooner you can detect potential dental decay and other issues. Help your child brush their teeth at least twice daily and watch them brush if they are under 6, making sure they spit out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.

What to look for in a children’s dental insurance plan

You should get dental insurance for your children as early as possible to begin preventable dental care like regular checkups and fluoride treatments. Make sure the plan you purchase covers preventative care (exams, cleanings, and x-rays) as well as other basic care like dental fillings or tooth extractions. You’ll want to consider out-of-pocket expenses like co-payments and deductibles as well as preferred care providers.

Where to find children’s dental coverage

You have a number of options for finding dental insurance for your child. Preferably, your employer has a plan that offers dental insurance and one that covers your dependents. However, if it doesn’t, you still have options. You can purchase a family dental plan through a company that specializes in dental insurance or see if your child qualifies for Medicaid coverage or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

No matter where you find coverage, the important thing is to find a plan that offers coverage for preventative dental care and basic dental services.