Children’s health care: The 3 big expenses of growing up

Parenting is like a thrilling rollercoaster ride, packed with laughter, love and unexpected financial twists and turns! Navigating the complexities of children’s health care involves understanding and preparing for significant milestones and expenses.

From regular dental examinations to orthodontic treatments like braces and ensuring optimal vision with glasses, each element contributes significantly to your child’s overall health and happiness.

Here are the three significant expenses every parent should be prepared for as their child grows up.

Everything you need to know about the dentist

It all begins with those precious first teeth, emerging through gummy smiles, marking the beginning of a lifelong relationship with dental care. Each moment is a special milestone, from the tentative first steps into the dentist’s office to the eventual excitement of losing that first tooth.

As parents, the question often arises: when should you first take your child to the dentist? The Ontario Dental Association recommends that you bring your child to their first dentist appointment within six months of getting their first tooth or by their first birthday.

The goal is to visit the dentist before your child has any dental issues. According to the Canadian Dental Association, there are three main reasons to visit the dentist early.

At the first appointment, you can determine if your home cleaning is working. Your dentist can also find any issues and fix them right away, and when they are old enough, your child can learn that going to the dentist is good for you

Between the ages of six and eight, your children’s baby teeth will start to fall out, and they will get their permanent or adult teeth.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends bringing your children to the dentist every six months for regular checkups.

Brace for the cost of braces

Once your child’s adult teeth have all come in, your dentist may recommend a trip to the orthodontist, which is one of the larger healthcare costs you may face as a parent.

KidsHealth says braces can help correct misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth and overbite or underbite.

Your child’s braces wear duration depends on the issues being addressed, typically averaging two years. After the braces are removed, your child will be fitted with a retainer to maintain tooth alignment and prevent shifting. By getting your child braces, you help improve their oral health and confidence.

According to Hellodent, the average price of braces is $6,500. But don’t worry—dental insurance can help cover the cost.

Glasses: a clear vision for learning and development

How do you know if your child needs glasses? Are they sitting close to the television or squinting when looking at something in the distance? If so, it’s time to see the optometrist.   

According to Fighting Blindness Canada, more children are being diagnosed with myopia, which is commonly known as nearsightedness. Nearsightedness causes far-away items to appear blurry but can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.  

If left untreated, there are more risks, such as having retinal tears or developing cataracts.  

To prevent vision issues, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that infants have one appointment between six and nine months. Children should then have at least one visit between ages two and five, followed by yearly appointments once they begin school. 

Eye care is an essential part of your children’s overall health. If they cannot see correctly, they may have issues in school, and it may be time for glasses.  

How to manage the costs

Dental, braces and vision care are some of the more expensive costs for your children. However, you can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses with health insurance plans that cover these services. 

For more information or to book an appointment for health and dental insurance through CAA Protect, call 1-800-709-5809 or go online.