*Updated February 2026
Key takeaways about babies and dental insurance:
- Babies should see a dentist by their first birthday or the arrival of their first tooth, and dental insurance helps ensure access to care from the very beginning.
- Regular checkups help detect cavities and other oral health issues early, supporting healthy development and the growth of future adult teeth.
- Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services like exams and cleanings, making it easier to keep up with recommended visits without unexpected costs.
As you prepare for your new arrival by buying baby clothes, setting up the crib, and installing the car seat, one important step can be easy to overlook: adding your baby to your dental insurance plan.
Dental insurance helps protect your child’s oral health from the very beginning and as they grow. If dental coverage isn’t already on your new-baby checklist, here are three important reasons to make it a priority.
Why do babies need dental insurance?
While it may seem silly to enroll a baby without any teeth in your dental insurance plan, it’s a vital first step in taking care of their oral and overall health!
Dental insurance provides access to dental care for your baby
Do you know when babies should see a dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a dental visit by your child’s first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Having dental insurance can make it easier to find a pediatric dentist and get your child the care they need from the start.
Baby teeth play an important role in supporting healthy adult teeth. Once your child’s first tooth appears, it’s important to begin regular dental visits so cavities and other issues can be caught early.
During these visits, the dentist will check your baby’s teeth, gums, and bite, and may recommend preventive care like cleanings or fluoride as they get older. Dental appointments are also a great time to ask questions and get guidance on caring for your baby’s growing smile.
Dental insurance helps prevent oral health issues in babies
Like adult teeth, baby teeth need protection. Cavities can begin as soon as the first teeth appear, even before your child can speak or brush on their own.
Tooth decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infections, and problems with eating and speech. It can even affect how adult teeth come in.
Having dental insurance makes it easier to schedule regular checkups and get early treatment, helping prevent small issues from becoming bigger, more costly problems later.
Dental insurance helps manage the cost of care
When your baby is included on your dental plan, many routine services like exams, cleanings, and regular preventive care are often covered. This makes it easier to keep up a quality oral health care routine from an early age.
How do I sign my baby up for dental insurance?
Enrolling your baby in dental insurance is easy! The birth of a baby is considered a qualifying life event, which means you can make changes to your benefits at that time. Simply add your baby as a dependent under family coverage.
If you have any questions about your plan, reach out to your benefits administrator, broker, or our Delta Dental customer experience team.
Not covered? You can sign up for a Delta Dental plan that meets your family’s needs. When you opt for infant dental coverage, you invest in a lifetime of healthy smiles.