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Save Money at the Dentist With This One Rule
Cherrywood Dental • Jan 21, 2019
The best way to save money on dental care is by going to the dentist. That may sound a bit counterproductive, but regular dental care not only protects your teeth, but it also saves you money. With both at home care and regular office appointments, the very best investment you can make in your health and financial well-being is preventative care.
Keep your teeth and mouth healthy by following these tips.
Get Regular Checkups and Cleanings
When the household budget gets tight, optional expenses are the first to be cut. However, the one thing that rings even more true is that dental cleanings and checkups are not optional expenses as you might initially think. Dental decay is almost entirely preventable with regular professional care. Spending money on preventative dental checkups and cleanings will save you significantly more money in the long run.
Two cleanings and exams per year are often recommended. At roughly $200-$300 per visit, these services are typically free or heavily discounted if you have dental insurance or a dental savings plan. If you do not have dental insurance, the cost to get your teeth cleaned may seem rather expensive until you consider the cost of not taking preventative action.
Prevention is Always Best
When it comes to your health, prevention is always the best model. Regular dentist visits every six months will save you in the long run. Treatments for more substantial issues, such as crowns, root canals, and implants, can typically be prevented by taking proper care of your teeth.
Prevent Gum Disease
In the earliest stages of gum disease, gingivitis is curable. Regular dentist visits will help to prevent gingivitis, so you are never left to face the cancer-like disease. It’s much more useful to prevent issues rather than treat them.
Correct Brushing Technique Matters
Taking great care of your teeth and oral health at home is critical to staying healthy and saving money at the dentist. Many patients are surprised to learn that vigorous brushing is more likely to cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease than a gentler approach. Tooth enamel can be damaged by forceful brushing. It’s especially important to protect your tooth enamel from chips and cracks because the body is unable to repair it if it becomes damaged.
The proper brushing technique is to:
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Of course, brushing your teeth is only a part of a complete dental care routine. You should also make sure to:
- Floss your teeth daily, once a day. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
Cleanings Are Typically Covered
In general, dental insurance policies typically cover the cost of preventative care. This coverage commonly pays 100 percent of the cost of routine preventative and diagnostic care, such as checkups and cleanings. By not using your bi-annual cleanings, you are paying for a service you are not taking advantage of, and also increasing your risk of needing major treatments that are not covered in the future.
Seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams is about more than just having a beautiful smile. Regular dental visits in combination with proper oral hygiene habits at home can and will save you money. Preventing disease is cheaper than treating it, and Cherrywood Dental Associates wants to help save you time and money any way we can. Call today to schedule your first cleaning and exam of the new year.