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4 Tips for Finding Affordable Kid’s Dental Care in Silver Spring, MD

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4 Tips for Finding Affordable Kid’s Dental Care in Silver Spring, MD

Early childhood tooth decay has become a chronic problem across the nation. In fact, it is now more prevalent than diabetes and asthma in children. The American Dental Association estimates that 40% of kids have dental cavities by the time they join kindergarten. Besides, children that suffer from poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain.

A national-wide survey by the University of Illinois Chicago found out that affordability and lack of insurance ranked first among the several reasons Americans skip a dental visit. The average cost of teeth cleaning is $77 for kids and $105 for adults. For large families, even basic cleaning expenses can add up quickly. The costs can make kids dental care a low priority for families.

Here are five cost-saving options that can make kids dental care more affordable for you and your family.

1. Check Your Insurance Coverage

Dental coverage is considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While you aren’t required to purchase one, it remains an available option for your kid’s dental care. You can analyze the different plans with their benefits, co-pays, and premiums.

You may pick it out as a part of the overall healthcare plan to save up on the premium paid. You may also need to confirm that the pediatric dentist accepts your insurance plan. If unsure, you can request a list of in-network pediatric dentists from your insurance company.

2. Consider a Dental Savings Plan

If insurance premiums are too expensive for you, you may consider having a dental savings plan. You may open a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Savings Account (HSA) for your kids. The HSA allows you to set aside untaxed funds to go to co-payments or deductibles. You can verify with your kid’s dental care clinic the dental savings plans that they accept.

3. Apply for Medicaid

Families struggling to make ends meet can apply for federal programs designed to ensure that a majority of kids have access to quality kids dental care. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are good, low-cost options that can guarantee comprehensive healthcare services. Your child may access a wide range of pediatric dentistry treatments and preventative screenings such as dental X-rays, fillings, cleanings, extractions, and more. You may need to confirm your eligibility before finding a kid’s dentist that accepts Medicaid.

3. Shop Around

Dental treatment costs may vary depending on several factors, including procedures carried out, pediatric dentist expertise, office location, technology, and more. You may take time to check out different children’s dentist practices and their respective pricing. Shopping around helps you to find affordable kids dental care.

4. Reduce Expenses by Adopting Proper Oral Hygiene Practices at Home

The best and most convenient way to achieve affordable dental care is by honing oral health practices within your household. Regular brushing and flossing of teeth can help reduce cavity-causing bacteria in your child’s mouth. Adjusting your family’s habits to encourage eating healthier foods can help reduce issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. You can save on the extra appointments, treatment costs, and insurance co-payments.

Your kids dental care is an essential part of their overall health. If you have any questions about how to find affordable dental care for your children, reach out to Fun Smiles. We can discuss the various cost-saving options available in our office in Silver Spring, MD.

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