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When you welcome a new baby into the world, you want to give them the healthiest start possible. Dental insurance can help make your baby's first dental visits more affordable. But do babies need dental insurance? While most babies aren't born with teeth, they should see a dentist within six months of their first tooth. Dental insurance for newborns can help you manage the cost of these visits with confidence. Read on to learn whether you need dental insurance for your newborn, how it works and when to enroll.
Table of Contents
Dental insurance for newborns works a lot like dental plans for adults. It helps cover essential services, such as routine exams, cleanings and fluoride treatments, each of which supports healthy teeth and gums.
As your child grows older, their dental coverage may also include basic and major services, such as cavity fillings and oral surgery. Some dental insurance plans may also provide orthodontic coverage for patients under 18.
Many insurers allow you to add your child to an existing family plan, which can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your coverage.
Having dental coverage for your baby provides many benefits. By choosing the right plan, you can:
Don't wait until it's too late. Protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedIdeally, you should get dental insurance for your newborn as early as possible. Babies typically begin teething around six to 10 months,3 but yours may start sooner. Dentists recommend scheduling your baby's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth.
Dental experts recommend scheduling your child's first visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. After the first visit, you can start booking check-ups every six months.4
Depending on your coverage needs and budget, you can choose from the following types of dental insurance programs.
You can purchase dental insurance directly from an insurance provider, such as Aflac. These plans often offer the most flexibility when choosing providers and coverage levels. For example, Aflac offers network dental insurance plans for individuals and families with a variety of coverage levels, including full coverage.
Many employers offer dental insurance as part of their benefits package. If your employer helps cover your premium costs, these plans can be more affordable, though your plan options may be limited. Check with your employer to see if they offer Aflac network dental insurance for employees.
Medicaid and CHIP are government-funded programs designed to help eligible families cover a range of healthcare services for their children, including dental care.5 While coverage and eligibility vary by state, these programs often help pay for preventive, basic and medically necessary services.
Newborns don’t typically require dental care right away, but enrolling early can help you manage costs once your baby begins teething and visiting the dentist.
Many parents choose to get dental insurance before their baby’s first dental visit, which usually takes place around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth.
Dental insurance can help you manage the cost of your baby’s dental care and support their oral health from the start. Enrolling early can make it easier to prepare for their routine visits and unexpected needs.
Aflac offers network dental insurance plans for individuals and families with coverage options designed to fit your needs and budget. Speak with an Aflac agent today to explore your options and get a quote.
Get Started
Having dental insurance that covers orthodontics can make braces more affordable. Learn how orthodontics work and how to choose the right dental insurance plan.
What does an annual maximum mean for dental insurance? Learn what a dental insurance annual maximum is and how to check yours.
Having dental insurance that covers orthodontics can make braces more affordable. Learn how orthodontics work and how to choose the right dental insurance plan.
What does an annual maximum mean for dental insurance? Learn what a dental insurance annual maximum is and how to check yours.
1 InsureKidsNow.gov - Home. https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/. Accessed on April 27, 2026.
2 HealthyChildren.org - Why It’s Important to Take Care of Baby Teeth. Updated on January 1, 2026. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/How-to-Prevent-Tooth-Decay-in-Your-Baby.aspx. Accessed on April 27, 2026.
3 HealthyChildren.org - Teething Pain Relief: How to Soothe Your Baby's Discomfort. Updated on July 9, 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Teething-Pain.aspx. Accessed on April 27, 2026.
4 University of Pennsylvania - Smiles Start Early. Keep Them Bright With Infant Oral Care. Updated on May 15, 2025. https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/when-to-take-a-child-to-dentist/. Accessed on April 27, 2026.
5 Medicaid.gov - CHIP Benefits. https://www.medicaid.gov/chip/benefits. Accessed on April 27, 2026.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
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