Going to the dentist is pretty much no one’s favorite activity. That’s probably why only about one-third of Americans even visit their dentist yearly, according to the American Dental Association. Many of us avoid dental checkups out of financial concerns. However, getting these appointments squared away twice a year can save you leaps and bounds of money in the long run. Here are six reasons why.
1. Treat Tooth Decay
Even if you brush and floss diligently, there are spots you’re inevitably bound to miss. Plaque and tartar like to accumulate in these areas. These biofilms contain bacteria that wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, resulting in problems like tooth decay. Also known as cavities, tooth decay costs significantly more than the cost of a cleaning to treat.
2. Diagnose Gum Disease
Bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause more issues than just cavities. They might also result in a serious infection called gum disease, which starts off with bleeding, swollen gums and leads to a whole host of other health problems (which can be costly to treat) if left alone.
3. Prevent Tooth Loss
Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in the United States. If you don’t get your gum disease diagnosed and treated early on, bacteria can attack the structures keeping your teeth firmly anchored in your gums, loosening your teeth. Replacing a lost tooth with a bridge, denture, or dental implant can cost upwards of thousands of dollars, so it’s best to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.
4. Avoid Heart Problems
Another major complication of gum disease is cardiovascular disease. Multiple studies have proven a link between gum disease and heart problems, most likely caused by a chain reaction of inflammation throughout the body, starting in the mouth. Getting two teeth cleanings a year is a small price to pay compared to the cost of heart surgery!
5. Remove Teeth Stains
Brushing your teeth at home only goes so far in getting rid of discoloration in your enamel. Coffee, wine, tea, berries, and other darkly pigmented foods and drinks leave stains that your normal toothpaste can’t remove. Your dental hygienist can use a special paste to ensure that your pearly whites stay pearly white. Plus, these appointments cost much less than professional teeth whitening treatments.
6. Cure Bad Breath
The same germs in plaque that erode your enamel also leave behind a foul-smelling waste product that contributes to bad breath. If someone in your life notices your bad breath on more than one occasion, it might be time to closely examine your oral hygiene regimen. Chronic bad breath is one of the first symptoms of gum disease.
Don’t let the initial cost of a dental cleaning deter you from getting your pearly whites taken care of. Just think of the money you’ll save in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Amy Farrell is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s dental school. She is certified in Invisalign and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and the Montgomery Bucks Dental Society. Her career in dentistry spans about ten years so far, and she can’t wait to see what the next decade holds. She currently practices at NeoSmile Dental Care in Spring House, PA. To book your next dental cleaning, you can contact Dr. Farrell’s office at (215) 643-5220.
