The value of preventive dental care? Priceless

Most of us have heard the adage, “you’ve got to spend money to make money.” Sometimes you also have to spend money to save money.

Such is the case with dental care. If we realized how preventive dental care can help us save hundreds — maybe thousands — of dollars over the years, we might never miss another checkup.

What regular checkups do — and what ‘regular’ means

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), regular dental checkups are important because they:

• Help prevent many dental problems from developing in the first place.
• Help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable.
• Possibly discover symptoms in the mouth of some diseases or medical conditions.

“Regular” visits can mean once or twice a year. Some people might need to go more often. Your dentist determines your checkup frequency.

The cost of doing nothing

Whether it’s fear of a dental exam, low priority, or lack of dental insurance, the cost of not seeing a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can build up. Too much time in between checkups — sometimes years — could result in …

• … tooth decay that requires a filling. A traditional amalgam filling costs about $200. And, fillings aren’t necessarily permanent — they • might have to be replaced at some point.
• … something more serious than a filling — maybe an infection in the pulp tissue inside the tooth requiring a root canal, which costs, on average, more than $1,000.
• … a trip to the emergency room when the pain can’t be ignored. Although these visits often provide little more than antibiotics and painkillers, they cost more than three times as much as a routine dental visit (if the patient isn’t hospitalized).

‘Prevention is priceless’

In an article about patients seeking relief in the ER for long-delayed dental care, a dentist, who’s also a consumer advisor for the ADA, says a lot of these ER trips could be avoided “if we were going to the dentist more often,” adding, “prevention is priceless.”

Indeed. Preventive dental care can help you protect your teeth and mouth, and can reduce your dental costs in the long run. A study found that every dollar you spend on preventive dental care can save you up to $50 on potential dental restorations or emergency treatment.

What you can do

• Eat right. Cheese and dairy products contain calcium and can help strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Crunchy vegetables and fruits, such as carrots and apples, can help clean your teeth. Stay away from sugary drinks, starchy foods and sticky candies. Don’t chew ice or hard candy.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss. Consider a mouthwash with fluoride to strengthen your teeth against decay.
• Get regular dental checkups. Cleanings, X-rays, and a check of your teeth and gums for cavities, early signs of gingivitis, and more can help protect your dental, oral and overall health.
• Consider purchasing dental insurance if you don’t have it. Many plans help cover the cost of preventive care. If you’re in the market for dental insurance, please read Dental insurance can help pay for checkups and more that accompanies this article.