5 Tips for Affordable Children's Dental Care

Many children aren't receiving the dental care they need. In fact, approximately 20% of children between the ages of five and 11 have at least one decaying tooth that hasn't been treated. If you have concerns about the cost of dental care, there are many solutions you can explore. Here's how you can save on dental care for children and other members of your family.

1. Look Into Dental Savings Plans

If you can't afford dental insurance, or if your insurance policy isn't covering all your costs, a dental savings plan could help you save money. When you sign up for one of these plans, you'll pay a membership fee. In exchange, you'll pay lower rates when you visit the dentist.

Find out more about dental savings plans, and see which dentists in your area have contracts with these plans. Signing up for a plan like this could benefit every member of your family. A discount like this can make it much easier to cover the high costs of dental care.

2. Consider Invisalign

Traditional braces can be a huge expense. An alternative that's worth considering is Invisalign. Invisalign is easier to clean than braces, and it requires fewer visits to the dentist's office.

Your child may also be happier with Invisalign. 47% of surveyed teens saw their self-esteem rise after they started Invisalign treatment. In contrast, only 22% of teenagers with mental braces reported a self-esteem boost.

3. Teach Your Children Healthy Dental Habits

Preventing a cavity can be easier than treating a cavity. That's why it's a good idea to work with your kids to build habits that will keep their smiles healthy. In addition to brushing and flossing every day, you may want to give your kids xylitol gum! Xylitol can kill bacteria that harm teeth.

Drinking water is another healthy habit that can reduce the risk of tooth decay. Not only is water free of sugar, but many areas add fluoride to public tap water. Water can also help wash away food particles in your child's mouth.

4. Take Advantage of Specials

Many dentists offer specials to their clients throughout the year. Make sure that you're on the mailing list for your child's dentist so that you'll be notified when there's a special or a discount program that you can take advantage of. When a dentist offers specials, you should make an appointment right away to ensure treatment.

Even if your dentist doesn't have any sort of discount program in place, you may be able to get a lower price if you ask for one. Some dentists are happy to negotiate with patients on prices, especially when a patient has been visiting the dentist for a long time.

5. Take Dental Health Seriously

It can be tempting to put off visits to the dentist, especially if you're concerned about the cost. However, teeth and gums can become infected, which can lead to serious health issues. Regular doctor's appointments aren't enough to keep your family healthy. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 225,000 people die due to medical malpractice each year. Oral health and physical health are connected, which is why dental checkups shouldn't be skipped.

If you take great care of your child's teeth now, it will be easier for them to keep their teeth healthy when they reach adulthood. While dental care can be costly, there are many ways to make these expenses easier to manage. Do everything you can to ensure that your children are getting regular dental care.