To help you understand what to do to get the most out of your health and dental insurance with proper follow-up care, we’ve prepared the following guide for dental care at every age.
Infant Dental Care
How can you care for teeth that aren’t even there, you ask? Excellent question! Did you know the Canadian Dental Association recommends children see the dentist by their first birthday? There may only be a tooth or two present for that first visit, but early signs of trouble may already be present. Starting early with dental appointments allows children to develop a comfortable relationship with this very important member of their healthcare team.
At home, you can help by gently cleaning baby’s gums with a soft bristled brush. If your dentist gives the OK, add a fluoride-free toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit out toothpaste while brushing.
Caring for Your Child’s Teeth
Once the glory days of baby and toddlerhood are behind you, many parenting responsibilities become easier. Not so with tooth-brushing and dental care, we’re sad to say. Young children have a notorious thirst for independence, and insisting on brushing their own teeth is one way to assert that independence.
Most dentists agree that children are not able to manage their own tooth care until they’re about six or seven years old. Make good use of trips to the dentist by asking for helpful tips on how to teach your child to brush and floss their teeth. Regular trips at this age will help children avoid the pain and discomfort of treatments like fillings.
As children get older, their dental visits will become more involved as your dentist looks for signs of trouble with adult teeth as they come in. Young children often have soft surfaces on their primary teeth which are prone to decay. If a cavity is present, it’s important to regard your dentist’s advice regarding treatment to prevent damage to the adult teeth below.
If you or your partner had braces when you were younger, there’s a chance your child will too. It’s a good idea to check the details of your health and dental insurance policy when your child is young to see if orthodontia is covered. If it’s not, and you need to look for new coverage, keep in mind that if these services are covered at all, it may not be until the third year of enrollment, so it’s important to plan at least 3 years ahead of time for your dental needs.
Adults Need Dental Care Too!
Though the soft surfaces of a child’s teeth are more vulnerable to decay than adult teeth, adults still get cavities! The dental care routine for adults isn’t that different from the one for children. Brush twice a day, floss once, and make a mental note of conditions like bad breath or inflamed gums.
When it comes to dental insurance and your oral health, it’s important to review your policy with your dentist to ensure that your policy is appropriate for your current and future dental care needs. If in doubt, your insurance broker can help explain the finer details of your policy, and help you decide if your coverage is adequate.
Special Dental Care Considerations for Seniors
We now know more than ever before about how our oral health affects our overall health. There is a strong correlation between poor dental care and heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. And yet, at least in part because nearly 53% of older Canadians do not have health insurance, this vulnerable group is missing out on dental care that could literally be lifesaving.
Regular dental care for seniors, especially denture wearers, is crucial. Many of the medications used to manage the health conditions that are common in older adults can also affect your oral health. Be sure to speak with your doctor, and your dentist, about specific signs of trouble.
An easy way to make sure your family’s oral health needs are met is to ensure regular trips to the dentist for routine care. This feat is easier to accomplish with appropriate health and dental insurance coverage in place to help manage the cost of dental care.
If you need help understanding your dental insurance coverage, or you need to choose the right plan for your family, we can help. Contact us today and one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives will be pleased to assist.
