It’s been a good while since you’ve gone to the dentist, but you’ve just paid rent, you still need to do your grocery shopping for the week, and to be honest? You’d really rather spend your leftover cash on a neck massage. Basically, you’re worried about how a dental appointment will fit in with your budget.
While a neck massage does sound like a worthwhile investment, taking care of your smile can actually help you save money in the long run. Keep reading to see how the math works!
Preventative Care is Cost Effective
One of the best things you can do for your wallet when it comes to oral health is to stay on top of preventative care. Scheduling biannual checkups and cleanings is a good example of this! Here’s how two dental appointments per year can boost your finances:
Professional Cleanings Eliminate Plaque and Tartar
Your toothbrush is great for mitigating daily bacteria build up, make no mistake. However, bacteria can harden into plaque and tartar, forming icky deposits on your teeth that can’t be scrubbed away at home. Your dentist can eliminate these substances with their special tools, effectively preventing inflammation and decay.
Checkups Help Identify Issues Earlier
It can be really difficult to spot an oral abnormality in your own mouth. Some dangerous illnesses, like oral cancer, have subtle symptoms that can look mundane. At the same time, identifying these issues as soon as possible increases treatment success rates and decreases your odds of needing drastic (and expensive) solutions.
If your dentist sees early warning signs of gum disease, for example, you might be able to treat the condition with increased oral hygiene efforts at home. If you wait to visit your dentist until your gums start receding, on the other hand, you’ll likely need periodontal therapy.
Prompt Care is More Affordable
So biannual checkups and cleanings can help you avoid dental emergency expenses, but what if you do happen to chip a tooth, develop a nasty toothache, or notice an abscess resting on your gumline?
The absolute worst thing you can do for your wallet and health is to wait to address the issue! Unlike other parts of your body, your teeth aren’t capable of repairing themselves or fighting off infections. Oral conditions only grow worse with time, and it’s often less costly in the long run to seek prompt treatment.
Conclusion
It’s not always easy to spend your well-earned cash on your health (especially when you could really use that massage!). But preventative care measures and prompt dental treatment will help you avoid more costly disasters. Invest in your smile today so you can afford to treat yourself tomorrow!
About the Author
Dr. Renee Corbitt is a highly experienced dentist, and is involved in many different professional organizations, such as the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, and the International Headache Society. Her comprehensive knowledge of the field enables her to treat a variety of oral health issues. Dedicated to making dentistry more accessible to more patients, Dr. Corbitt also accepts PPO insurance plans and partners with CareCredit for flexible financing options. Contact her team at 817-294-8821, and they’ll be happy to help you afford quality dental care!