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 healthcare involves understanding and preparing for significant milestones and associated 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 identify any issues and address them promptly. When they are old enough, your child can learn that regular dental visits are beneficial for their overall health.

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 that children visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups.

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 most considerable healthcare costs you may face as a parent.

KidsHealth states that braces can help correct misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth, as well as overbites or underbites.

Your child’s brace-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 it can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.  

If left untreated, there are additional risks, including the development of retinal tears or cataracts.  

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

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