If someone told you that investing just a couple of hours of your time each year could save you hundreds of dollars, you would want to know more, right? Well, believe it or not, seeing a dentist twice a year can do just that! In fact, that’s why dental insurance companies usually cover 6-month checkups at 100%. They want to encourage people to schedule these visits because they know they’ll have less major dental work to pay for. But, more importantly, regular checkups and good oral hygiene also save you time and money in the dental chair. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these appointments below.
How Do Regular Visits Save You Money?
When problems like cavities and gum disease are found early on during routine checkups, treatment is simpler and less expensive. In fact, it’s estimated that every $1 spent on preventive care saves up to $50 on major dental work like root canals and crowns.
Not to mention that you’ll avoid painful dental emergencies like toothaches. These situations rarely happen at a good time (think the middle of the night or during a vacation). Although it’s impossible to prevent all emergencies (like accidents or injuries), regular checkups are your best bet for minimizing your chances.
Additional Oral Hygiene Tips To Prevent Dental Problems
In addition to 6-month checkups and cleanings, here are some great ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Go back to basics – It may seem simple, but brushing twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing once will go a long way towards maintaining your oral health. If you’re like most people and struggle with flossing, aim to start with just 3-4 times a week at first and increase it to every day in time. You can also floss earlier in the day when you have more energy rather than waiting until right before bed.
- Be mindful of sugar and snacking – Simply limiting snacking and sugar consumption can greatly reduce cavities. Try to keep sweet beverages like sodas and juice to a minimum and enjoy sugary treats with meals rather than as snacks. Instead, snack on nuts, cheese, veggies and dip, etc.
- Experiment with different oral hygiene tools – Some people have more success with electric toothbrushes, floss picks, oral irrigators or interdental brushes. Experimenting to find what works for you will pay off in terms of better dental health.
With a small investment of time twice a year (and good habits at home), you’ll avoid many dental problems altogether and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
About the Author
Dr. Ramandeep Badhan is a family dentist and a graduate of the New York University School of Dentistry. He knows how vital checkups and cleanings are and encourages people of all ages to come in for routine care every 6 months. If you’d like to know more about the benefits of regular checkups or have any questions, he can be contacted through his website.