Your smile is one of the first things people notice; taking care of it means much more than just brushing and flossing. Preventive dental care helps protect your teeth and your health. Many people do not go to the dentist regularly, which can lead to serious consequences.

Neglecting preventative care is not only a missed opportunity, but it can also lead to serious health complications and much higher dental expenses. Let’s explore why caring for your teeth today can save you more than you expect.

The True Cost of Skipping Checkups

Many people skip regular checkups because they feel their teeth are “fine” or “nothing hurts.” But here’s the thing: dental problems often don’t hurt until they become serious. A small cavity can eventually lead to a root canal or tooth extraction if left untreated. The cost of fixing these issues far outweighs the cost of preventive care.

Regular checkups can detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer, saving you from more invasive treatments later. According to the American Dental Association, preventive care can reduce the need for costly dental treatments by as much as 60%.

Dental Insurance and Preventive Care

Most dental insurance plans fully cover preventive dental care, including cleaning, exams, and X-rays. However, many people do not utilize their full benefits.

The “use it or lose it” principle comes into play, though: many dental insurance policies operate on an annual cycle and don’t carry their benefits over into the succeeding year. If you don’t use your preventive care benefits, you essentially give them up, losing the money you already paid for dental coverage.

You can maximize your dental insurance benefits by setting up routine checkups, so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket later for more complex treatments. Paying attention to your dental insurance timeline will ensure you are not leaving any money on the table.

The Long-Term Health Risks

Preventive care isn’t just about saving money; it’s about your health, too. Oral health is related to overall health, and poor dental hygiene has been linked to serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

By forgoing your regular checkups and cleanings, you’re jeopardizing your teeth and potentially inviting other grave health issues. For example, studies have linked gum disease, which can be most easily prevented with regular cleanings, to an increased danger of heart attack and stroke.

How Preventive Care Saves You Money

When you invest in preventive care, you’re ultimately saving yourself money. Here’s how:

• Fewer emergency treatments are needed; the problems are caught in their early stages before becoming serious enough to be treated as emergencies.
• Longer-lasting teeth: Preventive care means that your teeth will stay healthy longer and likely delay the need for fillings, crowns, or extractions.
• Lower out-of-pocket costs: Using your dental coverage for regular exams and cleanings prevents bigger problems from developing that could cost more to fix.

In fact, studies have shown that every dollar spent on preventive care can save as much as $50 in restorative treatments.

Book Your Preventive Care Today

Neglecting preventive dentistry now only leads to expensive problems later. It is less costly and more advantageous to head off problems when it comes to oral health. If you haven’t had your checkup this year, don’t wait any longer.

At Burton Family Dental, we help you maintain a healthy smile that keeps you healthy. Call today to schedule your preventive care appointment before the year ends. Let’s ensure that your smile stays bright and that your dental coverage is used wisely.