wherzwaldo
1,000+ Posts
My son is almost 9 months old and already has eight teeth. Open enrollment for insurance just began. Should I go ahead and add him to our dental plan or wait another year? At what age does that become important?
Navigation
Install the app
How to install the app on iOS
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
More options
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
When should I add my son to dental insurance?
- Thread starter wherzwaldo
- Start date
CottonEyedHorn
1,000+ Posts
Dentists suggest the first visit at age 3. I'd wait to add him until the year he turns that age. In the meantime, just introduce him to good brushing habits with a flouride-free toothpaste (Oral-B makes a gel) and a starter brush.
Uninformed
5,000+ Posts
The ADA is the American Dental Association. It has 155000 members and is the oral health authority.
The Link
Dental Visits
The ADA recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and if necessary, fluoride treatments, provide children with 'smile' insurance. Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal.
Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)
Baby bottle tooth decay can destroy children's teeth. It occurs when a child is frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as milk, fruit juice and other sweet liquids. The ADA recommends the following steps to prevent your child from getting early childhood caries.
* Begin oral care early. Wipe the baby's gums with a wet washcloth or a clean gauze pad after each feeding.
* Babies and toddlers should finish their naptime and bedtime bottles before going to bed. Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquids OR a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.
* Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
* Don't let children constantly sip on sugary liquids (including milk and juice) from training (sippy) cups. Offer these liquids at mealtimes.
* Help your child develop good eating habits early and choose nutritious snacks.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are used to protect the chewing surfaces from tooth decay, the single most common chronic childhood disease. Your dentist can help prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by applying sealants to your child's teeth. A sealant is a clear or tooth-colored plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. Sealants protect normal depressions and grooves in the teeth called pits and fissures, which are particularly susceptible to tooth decay.
Mouth Protectors
Any child involved in a recreational activity, such as soccer, hockey, football, roller blading, riding a scooter and even bicycling should wear a mouth guard. There are 'stock' mouth guards available in stores and a better-fitting variety, which are custom fitted by your dentist. Ask your dentist about using a mouth protector.
The Link
Dental Visits
The ADA recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and if necessary, fluoride treatments, provide children with 'smile' insurance. Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal.
Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)
Baby bottle tooth decay can destroy children's teeth. It occurs when a child is frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as milk, fruit juice and other sweet liquids. The ADA recommends the following steps to prevent your child from getting early childhood caries.
* Begin oral care early. Wipe the baby's gums with a wet washcloth or a clean gauze pad after each feeding.
* Babies and toddlers should finish their naptime and bedtime bottles before going to bed. Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquids OR a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.
* Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
* Don't let children constantly sip on sugary liquids (including milk and juice) from training (sippy) cups. Offer these liquids at mealtimes.
* Help your child develop good eating habits early and choose nutritious snacks.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are used to protect the chewing surfaces from tooth decay, the single most common chronic childhood disease. Your dentist can help prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by applying sealants to your child's teeth. A sealant is a clear or tooth-colored plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. Sealants protect normal depressions and grooves in the teeth called pits and fissures, which are particularly susceptible to tooth decay.
Mouth Protectors
Any child involved in a recreational activity, such as soccer, hockey, football, roller blading, riding a scooter and even bicycling should wear a mouth guard. There are 'stock' mouth guards available in stores and a better-fitting variety, which are custom fitted by your dentist. Ask your dentist about using a mouth protector.
So uhm, how much damage can really be done? It's not like they are the permanent teeth.
Oh, and if anyone can explain to me how you can keep a 3 year old boy still in a dental chair while someone has their mouth in his teeth, that would be good information as well.
Stay the hell away from those Smile Stores establishments. I saw some crap on those things that scared the crap out of me.
Oh, and if anyone can explain to me how you can keep a 3 year old boy still in a dental chair while someone has their mouth in his teeth, that would be good information as well.
Stay the hell away from those Smile Stores establishments. I saw some crap on those things that scared the crap out of me.
Uninformed
5,000+ Posts
From Wiki
Deciduous teeth are considered essential in the development of the oral cavity by dental researchers and dentists. The permanent teeth replacements develop from the same tooth bud as the deciduous teeth; this provides a guide for permanent teeth eruption. Also the muscles of the jaw and the formation of the jaw bones depend on the primary teeth in order to maintain the proper space for permanent teeth. The roots of deciduous teeth provide an opening for the permanent teeth to erupt. These teeth are also needed for proper development of a child's speech and chewing of food.
Deciduous teeth are considered essential in the development of the oral cavity by dental researchers and dentists. The permanent teeth replacements develop from the same tooth bud as the deciduous teeth; this provides a guide for permanent teeth eruption. Also the muscles of the jaw and the formation of the jaw bones depend on the primary teeth in order to maintain the proper space for permanent teeth. The roots of deciduous teeth provide an opening for the permanent teeth to erupt. These teeth are also needed for proper development of a child's speech and chewing of food.
In reply to:
Uninformed
5,000+ Posts
Tell your dentist that the ADA guidelines recommend the first visit at around the first year of age and see how he/she responds.
Share:
Recent Threads
-
Thoughts on Fidium Fiber?
- Started by Dionysus
- Replies: 10
- Horn Depot
Prediction Results Threads
