There are many reasons that people avoid visiting the dentist. One of the most common is the belief that you save money by refraining from your six-month checkups. However, neglecting your smile does more harm than good and can even cause you to pay much more money for your smile in the long run. Continue reading to learn more about how visiting your dentist can keep you from breaking the bank.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Even if you are the best brusher and flosser in the entire world, there are still going to be places that you will miss. This is where your dental team comes in handy. They remove hard to reach plaque and tartar before it progresses to more serious issues like tooth decay and infections. Your dentist also examines your teeth for smaller cavities so they can be treated with a filling instead of letting it progress and require a root canal or extraction.
Catching Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is very common. In fact, 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 are reported to have some sort of gum disease. The good thing is that it is easily reversible in its early stages. However, if it progresses to periodontitis, you are looking at gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. This means that you will be spending more money on tooth restoration procedures and additional periodontal treatments down the road.
Detecting Oral Cancer Early
This is a serious disease that can be life threatening if left untreated. The good news is that if it is caught in its early stages by your dentist, it can be treated much easier and more effectively. This means less long, expensive treatments, and a better chance of making a full recovery. Visiting the dentist isn’t just about polishing your teeth. It can save your life.
Reducing Your Chance of Other Health Problems
Having poor oral health doesn’t only mean that you will be spending more money on future dental procedures. There are associations between poor dental health and other ailments in the body. This includes heart disease, endocarditis, premature birth and low birth weight for expectant mothers, and diabetes. By keeping up with your oral health, you can save both your life and thousands of dollars.
Even though visiting the dentist may seem like another charge on your bank statement, neglect is far more expensive. Keep up with your oral health and your wallet will thank you.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been providing high-quality dental care to patients in the Conway area for over 25 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses since then. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (843) 488-4357.