It's not unusual to have to supplement a group dental plan to cover all your family dental needs. Braces and other orthodontics are often not covered, and the prices can be overwhelming. A discount dental plan may be the way to go, because it can save you money in the long run.

While of course you can find a dentist for each member of the family, it's often cheaper and always more convenient to work with a family dental practitioner instead. The doctor can more easily provide dental health tips, and it's easier to develop a close relationship.

Family dental experts warn against leaving a bottle in a baby's mouth after they've gone to sleep. During sleeping, saliva production decreases, allowing bacterial growth to advance. If there's even a tiny bit of milk or juice left dribbling into baby's mouth, it could lead to rapid tooth decay.