Are you putting off a dental checkup due to the cost? While it may feel like a financially responsible decision now, skipping that upcoming appointment could cost you more money later.
At Moskin Dental Associates, Jeannie Moskin, DDS, and Kimberly Chan, DDS, specialize in preventive dental care. In this month’s blog, we discuss the importance of regular exams and how they save you money in the long run.
Routine checkups and teeth cleanings are essential to prevent oral health problems and maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums. These appointments allow us to examine your mouth for early warning signs you may not see or feel, like small cavities, gum irritation, or hairline fractures in the tooth enamel.
During the cleaning portion of your exam, our providers use specialized tools to remove hardened plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing leave behind. Getting rid of this built-up debris stops tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease before they can take hold.
We also screen for oral cancer and early indicators of chronic conditions that your mouth can reveal, such as heart disease and diabetes.
When we catch dental issues early, we can generally treat them with minor, less expensive procedures that require little time in the chair. But the price tag can jump exponentially when problems are left to escalate over the course of months or years, leading to unexpected financial strain.
Here are a few examples of how regular dental checkups benefit your wallet, as well as your oral health:
A small cavity found during a routine exam typically requires only a simple, relatively inexpensive filling. But without prompt detection and treatment, decay can spread to the nerve — forcing you to pay for a more invasive, and more expensive, root canal.
Skipping your checkup increases the risk of a dental emergency that requires immediate attention, such as an abscess or a cracked tooth. These unplanned urgent care visits almost always incur higher fees than regularly scheduled preventive care appointments.
Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Preserving your natural teeth by keeping plaque and tartar in check is the most cost-effective option in the long run compared to needing an expensive restoration like a bridge or dental implant.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums doesn’t have to break the bank. In addition to dental checkups at our office every six months, you can protect your oral health at home by:
You don’t need the most expensive toothbrush or toothpaste to properly clean your teeth — the technique you use is far more important. We recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily for two minutes each time. If you’re unsure how to brush properly, our team can demonstrate during your next visit.
Dental floss cleans the areas your toothbrush can’t reach, like the spaces between teeth and below the gumline. Flossing at least once per day is a low-cost habit and essential for preventing the buildup of bacteria that leads to gum disease.
For the sake of your teeth, gums, and overall health, make quitting smoking a priority. Tobacco products put you at risk of severe gum disease and oral cancer, which both require complex, costly treatments.
Minimize sugary and highly acidic snacks and beverages, as these feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay and enamel erosion. Also, avoid chewing on ice or hard candies — these habits significantly increase the likelihood of expensive chips and fractures.
Don’t let a minor dental issue turn into a serious problem that affects your health and your finances. Call or click to schedule your next checkup and cleaning at Moskin Dental Associates in Lincoln Square, Chicago, Illinois.
