3 Ways Preventive Dentistry Saves You Money

Taking preventive measures for your teeth helps you and your family maintain good oral and overall health. At-home habits that protect your teeth and gums include: 

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing once daily
• Using a soft toothbrush
• Using a fluoride toothpaste
• Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Visiting the dentist at least twice a year

Preventive dentistry refers to the services your dentist and hygienist provide at your biannual visits to Miracle Smile Dental. We keep your teeth and gums healthy with:

• A complete examination of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues
• Oral cancer screenings
• X-rays to identify cavities or other irregularities
• Remedies for problems in their earliest stages
• Sealants to prevent cavities in kids
• Fluoride treatments to prevent cavities
• Therapy for tooth grinding

Expert dentist Nisha Modi, DMD, at Miracle Smile Dental in Aubrey, Texas, knows that preventive care pays off. In addition to saving you money on your teeth and gums, it saves you the pain and suffering of treatments and tooth loss and protects your general health. Here’s how.

1. Prevents cavities and tooth loss

Even if you eat a healthy, whole-food diet and brush and floss regularly, you’re not 100% immune to cavities. The only way to know if oral bacteria has compromised your enamel is to undergo regular X-rays at your dentist’s office. 

When we address a cavity early, it’s easy to fix with simple drilling and filling. However, the longer you wait to attend to it, the more risks you take. Untreated cavities can lead to:

• Infected teeth
• Infected gums
• Abscesses
• Need for root canal
• Tooth loss
• Need for tooth replacement

Treating or replacing damaged teeth is more expensive than caring for natural teeth. Save money by getting regular exams to catch problems early. 

You may also consider fluoride treatments and sealants for your children. Children who receive fluoride treatments and sealants are less likely to develop cavities, which translates into cost savings because those kids need fewer cavity treatments than children who don’t receive preventive care. 

2. Keeps your gums healthy

Remaining cavity-free is just one aspect of oral health. You’re also at risk for gum disease if you don’t brush and floss regularly and get professional cleanings at least twice a year.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that could progress to an infection. Signs that you have gingivitis include: 

• Blood on your toothbrush or floss
• Swollen gums
• Painful gums
• Recessed gums

When you come for a cleaning and exam, we also take note of your gum health. If your gums become inflamed or infected, they pull away from your teeth, forming pockets that collect bacteria. The bacteria-filled pockets can become infected or increase your risk for cavities.

Gum erosion and recession may also be caused by brushing too hard or grinding your teeth, especially at night (i.e., bruxism). When gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, you’re at risk for tooth loss. We may recommend in-depth cleaning, planning, and scaling to save your teeth and gums. 

If you need periodontal care, routine dental visits after your treatments help your teeth, gums, and savings account stay healthy. One study found that patients treated for periodontal disease who maintained regular preventive care afterward for two years saved an average of approximately $760.00. 

3. Preserves your overall health

Oral health extends farther than your mouth. Healthy teeth and gums keep the rest of your organs healthy, too. Regular dental care reduces your risk for emergency room visits by 22%. Preventive dentistry also saves about 4.4% on medical costs overall.

If you neglect your oral hygiene, the plaque that forms on your teeth can pass through your bloodstream into your heart. Infections in your teeth and gums can also transmit through your circulatory system to other organs. Health conditions that poor oral health puts you at risk for include:

• Diabetes
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Sepsis

Even if you currently have a medical condition or disease, preventive dentistry at least once annually can save you money on treatments. Average annual cost savings are:

• Diabetes — $549 cost savings
• Coronary artery disease — $548
• Both conditions — $866

Don’t be pennywise and pound foolish; invest in oral and overall health with regular, reasonably priced preventive dental care. Call our helpful staff at 469-765-3567 for your preventive dentistry appointment today, or use our convenient online scheduling tool.