Many people see dental care is often seen as a luxury. Studies show that 28% of people don’t have dental insurance, while only 56% get dental care only for serious dental problems. This can be a big problem because leaving dental problems untreated can lead to bigger health issues down the line.
For one, leaving cavities untreated can lead to problems with eating and digestion as the holes in your teeth get bigger. Additionally, untreated gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. The good news is that there are ways to maintain good oral health on a budget.
Here are some tips for keeping up with your dental health without breaking the bank:
Choose Your Dental Office Wisely
When it comes to dental care, you get what you pay for. When you find a dental office that you trust and feel comfortable at, you’re more likely to keep up with your dental appointments and follow their recommendations. However, not all clinics offer discounts, nor do they have the same fees.
To find a good dentist at a price that fits your budget, start by searching for dentists in your area that offer discounts or accept your insurance. It also pays to check if your go-to dental office provides financial solutions to patients who qualify.
Some clinics offer no-interest flexible payment options if you can pay them within 6 months. Others can offer financing for up to 84 months. Others offer Creditcare financing, a service that helps you finance your dental procedure with 0% interest for up to 24 months.
You only need to do quick research or ask the clinic to see if they offer these payment solutions. Choosing your clinic wisely allows you to continue getting the kind of dental care you need, even if you’re on a tight budget. Don’t forget to commit to your twice-a-year dental check-up. Treat this as an investment for your long-term oral health.
Brush and Floss Regularly, The Right Way
This may be a no-brainer, but mаnу реорlе still don’t brush оr floss rеgulаrlу. According to a report, only 37% of women and 44% of men brush their teeth twice daily. On top of this, it takes 30 seconds for most people to brush their teeth. Another report shows only 30% of people are flossing their teeth daily.
If you’re not brushing and flossing regularly, you’re not doing enough to protect your teeth. Experts recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once daily.
When you brush your teeth, use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and top. You should also brush your tongue to remove bacteria.
When you floss, gently insert the floss between each tooth and move the floss back-and-forth to clean in between. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Know that you can save money on dental care by brushing and flossing regularly. This will prevent cavities and gum disease, which can be more costly to treat in the long run.
Don’t Forget About Scrubbing Your Tongue
Scrubbing your tongue helps remove bacteria and food debris that can cause bad breath. It also helps remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
If you don’t scrub your tongue, you’re more likely to get bad breath. You’re also not removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease, leading to more dental treatments.
You can use your toothbrush or buy a tongue scraper to scrub your tongue. Gently scrape from back to front using a light pressure. Rinse your mouth with water after you’re done.
Beware of What You Eat and Drink
Sometimes, your favorite food and drinks are your teeth’s worst enemy. Think of candies, sticky foods, coffee, and wine. These can all cause tooth decay and staining.
You don’t have to give up your favorite foods and drinks entirely. Just brush and floss afterwards, or rinse your mouth with water. Not that this rule does not apply if you drank coffee, red wine, or ate dark-colored foods.
Avoid acidic drinks and foods as much as possible, as they can break down your tooth enamel. Instead, choose foods that are good for your teeth, such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk, and plain yogurt. These help fight tooth decay by providing your teeth with the minerals they need, such as calcium and phosphorus.
Being careful with what you eat and drink can help reduce your risk of tooth decay and staining. This way, you won’t have to spend as much on dental treatments in the future.
You don’t have to spend much money to keep your teeth healthy. By following the tips above, you can save on dental treatments in the long run. Just be sure to incorporate these habits, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile cost-effectively.
