The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you’re like most people, you’re looking for ways to save money during this time of year. One thing you might be tempted to skip is your routine dental checkup. After all, is it really necessary if your teeth feel perfectly fine? In truth, you should never skip regular dental visits. Without them, you could actually end up spending more money in the long run. Read on to learn why regular dental appointments could save you money, especially if you have dental insurance in Goodlettsville.
Protect Against Cavities
If you brush and floss every day, you might not see the point in visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings. However, there are always going to be parts of your teeth and gums that you’ll miss at home simply due to the angle. Dental hygienists can remove plaque and tartar deposits in these areas, decreasing your risk for tooth decay and infections.
Without regular cleanings, though, cavities could develop. If your dentist catches a cavity in its early stages, they can treat it with a simple filling, which is often covered at about 80% by dental insurance. However, if you were to wait until the tooth started hurting to see your dentist, you might end up needing a crown, root canal, or extraction, all of which cost more than fillings and generally aren’t eligible for as much insurance coverage.
Stop Gum Disease in Its Tracks
Like tooth decay, gum disease is largely preventable with at-home oral hygiene and routine checkups, but most people don’t notice it until it has advanced significantly. Unlike tooth decay, though, gum disease can actually be life-threatening if left untreated! Not only is gum disease the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S., but it has also been linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and many other systemic health problems.
If you want to avoid needing expensive bills for not only dental treatments but also general medical ones, you’ll want to minimize your risk for severe gum disease. That’s where regular dental checkups come in. Your dentist can detect early warning signs and the hygienist can remove plaque that contributes to gum disease in the first place.
Save Money & Help Your Smile!
There are plenty of ways to save money this holiday season, but skipping your dental checkup is NOT one of them. The opposite is true; seeing your dentist regularly can mean more money in your pocket for next year!
About the Author
Dr. Deidra Harrison-McClain is a dentist in Goodlettsville, TN who earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She aims to provide gentle, comprehensive care that is also affordable, which is why she is in-network with many leading dental insurance plans and welcomes out-of-network plans. To learn more about saving money on dental care, contact Goodlettsville Smiles by calling 615-819-1644.