What To Know About Dental Care For Your Children
ShareIf you want to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, developing good habits early on is essential. Regular brushing and flossing is the best place to start. There's nothing that will take the place of daily oral care. Another thing that you should do to ensure that your children's teeth and gums develop as they should is take them to the dentist regularly. Here are three things to know about taking your children to the dentist.
Specialized Care Is Available
When it comes to your child's dental care, many different dentists will be able to offer care, including your family dentist. However, what you may not know is that there are dentists who specialize in care for children. A pediatric dentist has additional training focused on dental care for infants, children, and teens. Pediatric dentists are often referred to as children's dentists or kids' dentists. Pediatric dentists also have offices and equipment that are geared toward children, which can make routine visits more comfortable.
When to Start Exams
Another thing to know when it comes to dental care for your children is when to start dental cleanings and exams. It's recommended that the first visit to a dentist happen before your child's first birthday. After that, visits to the dentist are recommended twice per year. As your child's permanent teeth come in, preventing dental decay is essential. Twice yearly visits and cleanings will prevent decay from building up and help your child develop healthy teeth and gums. Your pediatric dentist will also be on alert for any issues with the development of the teeth and gums.
How Much It Will Cost
The cost of dental care for your children will vary depending on whether or not you have dental insurance and the rates of your pediatric dentist. While dental care costs can vary, typically preventative care is less expensive than procedures to fix decay. Routine dental checkups for children, on average, cost between $65 and $100. However, in many instances, dental insurance will cover a portion of these costs. Many policies even offer free routine preventative care.
When it comes to dental care for your children, there are a few things to know. First, there are pediatric dentists who specialize in care for children. These dental offices are often geared toward children as well. It's also important to know that when it comes to dental care, the earlier you start, the better. It's recommended that dental exams start by your child's first birthday. The cost of dental care will vary depending on your child's needs and whether or not you have insurance. However, starting preventative care early will help you save in the long term.