Are you guilty of skipping your routine dental check-ups? You’re not alone. Many people put off going to the dentist for various reasons, whether it’s due to financial constraints or simply because they don’t see the importance of regular visits. But did you know that neglecting your oral health could end up costing you more than just a cavity filling or a root canal? In fact, skipping out on dental check-ups could end up being more expensive than your monthly Netflix bill! Keep reading to find out why.
Dental Checkups are Necessary
Dental checkups are important for your overall health and well-being. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all adults ages 18 to 64 receive a dental examination every two years. However, more than one in four Americans do not get a dental exam each year. This can be costly, both in terms of future dental costs and future health complications.
A recent study found that people who have one or more chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, are three times as likely to develop serious oral health problems if they don’t visit the dentist on a regular basis. This includes problems like gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral problems. In fact, having untreated gum disease is linked with an increased risk of death from any cause.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent costly dental problems down the road. Regular visits to the dentist can help identify and treat early signs of dental disease before it becomes an issue. And by getting educate about your own oral health and how to care for it yourself, you can take practical steps toward avoiding costly dental treatment in the future.
The Cost of Dental Checkups
If you’re one of the estimated 64 percent of Americans who don’t visit the dentist every year, you may be in for a surprise. A recent study by the CDC found that people who don’t visit the dentist are three times more likely to develop tooth decay. And while dental checkups may not seem like a costly affair, they can actually rack up quite a bill.
According to Dental Health America, the average dental checkup costs $89. That’s on top of any other necessary dental care your teeth may require, such as fillings or extractions. In fact, a 2009 study by UCLA found that people with regular dental checkups were 30 percent less likely to develop serious dental Problems than those who skipped their appointments.
So if you’re thinking about skipping your next dental appointment, remember that it could end up costing you more than just your monthly Netflix bill.
The Types of Dental Problems That Can Be Avoided with Regular Checkups
Regular dental checkups can help avoid a number of dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. Here are the four types of dental problems that can be avoided with regular checkups:
Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is the most common type of dental problem, and it’s caused by bacteria eating away at the teeth. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss. To prevent tooth decay, make sure to get regular checkups and clean your teeth regularly using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.
Gum Disease: Gum disease is also caused by bacteria, and it can damage the gums over time. It can cause pain when you eat or speak, as well as bleeding when you brush your teeth. To avoid gum disease, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, and see your dentist on a regular basis for checkups.
Tooth Loss: Tooth loss is another serious complication that can result from untreated tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth loss may require surgery to replace the lost teeth. To prevent tooth loss, make sure to get regular checkups and have your teeth cleaned regularly using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.
Dentist Bills: Skipping regular dental checkups could cost you more in bills later on down the road. Dental work isn’t cheap – even if you have insurance – so it’s important to get preventive services like checkups done on
How Often Should You Have a Dental Checkup?
It’s no secret that a dental check-up can be beneficial for your oral health. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends having a dental check-up every year for people ages 2 to 18. But is it really necessary to have them every six months?
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that dental checkups are less effective at preventing dental disease when they’re done less than once a year. The study looked at data from more than 1 million adults aged 18 to 84 who were followed from 2006 to 2014. During that time, there were 731 cases of tooth decay in participants who had their last dental check-up more than one year after their last birthday, compared with 1,119 cases in participants whose last check-up was within 12 months of their birthday. Additionally, the study found that the risk of developing tooth decay increased by nearly 50 percent for those who had their last dental check-up more than one year after their last birthday.
While this study doesn’t prove that having a yearly dental check-up is better than having one every six months, it does suggest that you may not see as much benefit from having each check-up if you wait too long between them. So what’s the right interval? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends an annual visit unless there are specific reasons to schedule one sooner. If you’re unsure whether you need a check-up or how often it should be
Conclusion
DentalCheckups.net writes “You may not realize it, but by skipping your dental check-ups you could be putting yourself in danger. By failing to get regular dental exams and screenings, you are at risk for developing tooth decay, gum disease, and even more serious problems such as infections. Not only will these diseases cause pain and hardship down the road, they can also lead to expensive treatment procedures.” So if you’re considering skipping a dental checkup this year or any other year, think again – it could end up costing you more than your monthly Netflix bill!
