The air is crisper, the leaves are changing colors, and October is officially upon us. Do you know what that means? The holidays are right around the corner! During this time of the year, everyone is looking for ways to save money. Some people may decide to go without certain dental services to reduce expenses. However, skipping checkups and cleanings with your dentist may cost you much more in the long run. Read along to learn how regular preventive dental care can actually bulk up your savings.
Catch Gum Disease Early
If left untreated, periodontal (gum) disease can spread and become life-threatening. The good news is it’s easily preventable with early detection! But prevention efforts require more than just brushing twice a day and flossing daily. You must see your dentist bi-annually for checkups and cleanings as well. At every preventive visit, your dentist will search for early signs of gum disease to treat it before it progresses and wreaks havoc on your teeth. If you skip these visits, your condition will get severe and cause gum recession, which can result in loose teeth and even tooth loss. At this point, you’d need to spend more money on restoration and periodontal therapy – both of which may not be covered by insurance down the road.
Prevent Tooth Discoloration
Have you ever skipped a bi-annual visit because it’s “just a cleaning”? Well, it may surprise you to learn that a professional teeth cleaning has many benefits. Dentists typically wrap up the appointment by polishing your pearly whites and applying a special substance called prophylaxis paste. It helps lift stains caused by dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., coffee, tea, soda, red wine, and soy sauce). Your smile will look so bright and healthy you won’t need to shell out the extra cost for teeth whitening!
Detect Oral Cancer
Although most people aren’t aware, your dentist performs an oral cancer screening at every routine checkup. They check your mouth, throat, and oral tissues for abnormalities or signs of the deadly disease. Because oral cancer can quickly become fatal, missing a preventive visit can be the difference between easily treating it or needing chemotherapy. That said, these screenings can save you money and your life.
Protect Against Cavities and Decay
A healthy smile requires more than just brushing and flossing. There are small areas in your mouth that can’t be reached with these at-home practices. Luckily, that’s where professional teeth cleanings come in to save the day. Your dentist will use special tools to clean every nook and cranny in your mouth, removing any harmful substances that can contribute to oral health problems. Preventive dentistry services are the best line of defense against cavities and decay!
Visiting your dentist every six months is the best thing you can do for your smile and wallet. If you’re worried about the cost, ask your dental team about their financing options. They’ll be more than happy to help!
About the Practice
At Cross Creek Dental Care, we offer exceptional, comprehensive, and individually tailored services guaranteed to meet all your oral health needs. Our highly skilled and experienced team will always go the extra mile to ensure your smile is happy and healthy. To schedule a preventive checkup, visit our website or call (740) 725-8000.