It is recommended that all children have a dentist established by the age of 1. However, without insurance, it can be hard to afford regular dental cleanings or checkups.
There are many resources available to you and your family, including free or discounted dental services. These services usually include cleanings, X-rays, and treatments like root canals. These resources can help you get started.
Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Programme of your state
If you can't access affordable dental coverage, considering applying for Medicaid or CHIP could be your solution. These programs are run by the state and help families get health coverage for themselves and their children. Medicaid covers most services for children up to 21 years old.
To receive this coverage, you must meet income requirements and apply. You can review the application and requirements.
You can use your coverage with any private dentist that accepts Medicaid once you have been approved. About 43% of U.S. dental offices accept Medicaid. Be sure to ask about this before booking an appointment for your children.
Community dental events
You may find that your local community holds dental events where you can get free cleanings and exams.
Give Kids a Smile, an annual event where dentists and hygienists volunteer their time to provide free screenings, cleanings, and educational sessions, is one example.
Every February, this community event coincides with National Children's Dental Health Month. There will be 1,500 events in 2020.
You may also find free dental events in your community at other times. Keep an eye out for any information coming from local clinics and your child's schools. Remember that some appointments are limited. Set a reminder on your phone or on your calendar to remind you when it is time to enroll your child in services.
Community clinics
Health Resources and Services Administration community health clinics provide care to those with limited financial resources. The majority of the 1,400 clinics nationwide offer reduced-cost dental care, despite not being widely advertised.
All community clinics employ licensed professionals with experience. Call as early as you can in order to arrange an appointment.
Dental schools
Dental and dental hygiene schools both offer discounted dental cleanings and other treatments. This can help reduce the cost of dental care for your family. It also gives aspiring dental hygienists and dentists the practical training they need to finish their degree.
Although the dental school providers have not completed their training, they are still supervised by licensed and experienced dentists. Dental schools may offer more appointment times than community clinics or other events.
Ask about costs before your child's appointment. Find dental schools in your area. If you are looking for preventive and basic care, you can find dental hygiene schools in your state.
Clinical Trials
You may want to look at clinical trials for more comprehensive dental care beyond cleanings and X-rays.
You can check out current trials and enrollment details at <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?spons=%22National+Institute+of+Dental+and+Craniofacial+Research+%28NIDCR%29%22&spons_ex=Y&age_v=&age=0&gndr=&type=&rslt=&Search=Apply">here. Here you can find out about the current trials and enrolling details.
You should be aware that NIDCR clinical trials are aimed at specific dental diseases and conditions, and each study has its own eligibility criteria. This option does not cover common preventive measures like cleanings.
Hygiene tips
Dental visits are an important part of your child's overall oral health, but they're not the only thing to consider. Keep your child's teeth and gums healthy in between dental visits to avoid tooth decay, periodontitis, and other dental problems.
Begin with these tips:
- Every time your child visits the dentist, make sure to get them a free toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
- Make sure your child flosses at least once a week.
- Use only toothpaste that contains fluoride, and show your child the proper way to rinse and spit out the paste. After the age of 3, your child should use a pea-sized amount every time they brush. Use a small amount of fluoridated paste before the age of 3.
- You should supervise your child's tooth brushing habits between the ages of 6 and 8. Children younger than 6 years old may need assistance with the correct technique for brushing and spitting out toothpaste. Also, help them floss.
- Reduce your child's intake of sugar. Sugary drinks, fruit juices, and sweet cereals are all sugary.
Takeaway
Dental insurance is a great way to protect your child from the cost of dental care. You may find a variety of options to save money in your locality, such as reduced-cost dental services and clinics for the community, or even free services during certain community events. Medicaid may be available to you if your income is high enough.
Good hygiene practices can be used to boost the oral health of your child in addition to free or discounted dental care. Teach your children that caring for their teeth can help reduce the chance of complications in later life.
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