How to Save Money at Your Next Dental Appointment

Saving money at any dental appointment is a challenge for most people. Discussions over cavities, root canals and other procedures will drive up the appointment’s cost every time. Although it may seem difficult, it’s possible to save money during your next dental visit. It simply takes some attention to your oral hygiene on a daily basis.

Daily Brushing and Flossing

The easiest way to reduce your dental costs at any dentist appointment is by brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum inflammation. Brushing is a habit that must be performed along with flossing because it removes any plaque that surrounds your teeth. You may not see the plaque covering your teeth and gums, but they’re active contributors to oral diseases which can affect your entire body.

Create a Flossing Schedule

Ideally, floss your teeth in the evening. This will remove all of the plaque so that your teeth are clean before you head to bed. Since you have less saliva in your mouth during sleep, any plaque in your mouth becomes breeding grounds for bacteria. Remember to brush in the morning and evening, too. The surfaces of the teeth and gums are just as susceptible to plaque buildup as the flossing areas.

Add Mouthwash into Your Routine

A smart way to supplement your oral-hygiene care is by adding mouthwash to your daily regimen. The mouthwash can get into crevices that are too small for floss or brush bristles. Products that are alcohol-free are preferred to fight off germs across every mouth surface.

Consider Buying an Electric Toothbrush

If you find it difficult to brush on a regular basis, encourage yourself by buying an electric toothbrush. These tools are more effective at cleaning the tooth surface. Many models also have a timer that tells you when two minutes have elapsed. This short period is the optimal length for plaque removal when using an electric toothbrush. Not brushing for long enough will compromise your dental health.   As you would with a manual toothbrush, simply replace the brush head on a regular basis to maintain good oral hygiene.

Regular Dental Appointments

Missing just one dental appointment leads to extra charges on future visits. Although you may brush and floss each day, the dental team performs several other services that aren’t possible at home. They’ll work on the roots and gum line where plaque can form without your knowledge. Dentists also take x-rays of patients’ teeth so that any minor issues are discovered right away. Without regular visits, your oral hygiene and checkbook will suffer the health and financial consequences.

You may want to incorporate an orthodontics visit as part of your dental routine, especially if crooked teeth are an issue. Misaligned teeth encourage the development of cavities and gum disease because brushing and flossing becomes more difficult in these areas. With teeth that are cared for on a regular basis, you’ll save money and be smiling brighter in no time.

For those who need to schedule a dental appointment, contact us today to arrange a time and date to keep you smiling.