Oral health can affect children’s quality of life, academic performance, and ultimately their success later in life.¹

Here are a few ways oral health can affect your children’s well-being:

• Sleep. Cavities and other dental issues that cause discomfort can interfere with a child’s sleep, which affects mood, energy levels, and performance in school. If left untreated, oral health problems can lead to more severe sleep conditions like pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, which can contribute to longer-term health issues.³
• Immunity. Poor oral hygiene can lead to infections in the mouth that can spread bacteria throughout the body and strain the immune system.⁴ A strong oral hygiene routine helps prevent these issues, and regular dental visits can identify them early so preventive measures can be taken.
• Self-Esteem. Healthy smiles help bolster the confidence children of all ages, which improves learning and socialization. Untreated dental issues can cause pain and self-consciousness that can interfere with speaking, playing, and learning.

The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth.⁵ Starting dental visits at an early age helps to establish a positive relationship with the dentist and ensures that any potential dental issues can be addressed.

As children age, regular visits remain an important part of preventive dental care to detect problems while teeth and jaws are still developing. Early intervention can help correct any misalignments, bite issues, or other dental problems before they worsen and require more extensive treatment. Orthodontic care is important for reasons beyond aesthetics. Corrective measures can prevent jaw issues, pain, and other oral health issues that could persist into adulthood.

Dental costs account for about 20% of a child’s total health care expenses.⁶ Dental Insurance from Ameritas makes dental care affordable and accessible for the whole family. Our plans cover dental exams and cleanings up to 100%. Three plan levels are available, with some including additional benefits for orthodontia, hearing care, and teeth-whitening. Learn more.

^1,2“Oral Health Tips for Children,” CDC.gov, May 2024.
^3,4“Why Your Child’s Oral Health Matters More Than You Think,” neighborhooddentalcare.com, January 2025.
⁵“Health Habits,”MouthHealthy.org, accessed February 2025.
⁶“Kids and Dental Health: Rising Costs and Struggling State Programs a Dangerous Mix,” Kaiser Family Foundation, KFF.org, accessed February 2025.