If you’re pregnant, adding your newborn to your dental plan probably isn’t on your pre-baby to-do list. But once your bundle of joy arrives, you have some choices to make.

Here are 3 tips for adding a newborn to insurance:

1. NOTIFY YOUR BENEFITS PROVIDER

How you notify your benefits provider will depend on how you’re covered. If you’re covered through work, contact human resources. If you have an individual or family plan, contact the benefits provider directly.

2. ADD YOUR BABY ASAP

Having a baby is considered a life event, so you can enroll your baby right after birth. Benefits providers typically require newborns be added within 30 days after their arrival. Otherwise, the next opportunity may not be until the next open enrollment period for the benefit plan.

And remember, adding a newborn to insurance may affect the type of benefit plan. For example, adding a child may require changing the plan from covering just you to also covering a dependent or covering you and your spouse to covering the whole family.

3. CARE FOR YOUR BABY’S SMILE NOW

Dental care should begin soon after birth. Dentists recommend wiping your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth or soft infant toothbrush after meals. Once the first tooth erupts, start brushing gently with a soft, baby-sized toothbrush twice a day. Dentists also recommend that you schedule your child’s first dental appointment by age 1.

As your baby gets bigger, teach good oral health habits. Simple preventive care, including brushing and flossing daily and regular dental checkups, can help small smiles grow up healthy.

Contact us if you have questions about adding a new child to your dental benefits. And here are a few tooth tips for you and your growing baby.