The Costs of Ignoring Dental Care

Do you brush and floss daily? Do you visit a dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and checkup? If you answered “no” to these questions, then the likelihood that you will develop gum disease is very high.

Signs of Serious Mouth Problems
Sore, swollen, red or bleeding gums are among the first signs of gum disease called gingivitis. Other symptoms include: constant bad breathe, loose teeth and painful chewing. Left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis. Gingivitis and periodontitis can happen quickly. Each of these left untreated can lead to some very costly problems later.

When to See a Dentist
Check your mouth regularly. If you notice any pain or bleeding in your mouth, call your dentist’s office right away. These are indicators that gum diseases is in advance stages and requires the care of a dentist which may include deep cleaning, prescription medication or surgery. Treatments for periodontitis can be costly and may not be covered by insurance. If you have acute pain in your teeth or jaw than speak with an emergency dental office, such as Westmount Dental Centre, as soon as possible.

Having cleanings and checkups twice a year will give your dentist a chance to check on the condition of your teeth and gums. Following this routine can catch early signs of gum disease when it can be treated at lower costs to you. Dentists are able to perform all of these services with a range of hours to meet any busy schedule.

How Does the Dentist Know How to Treat You?
Having x-rays taken of your teeth once a year gives your dentist insight into the status of your teeth. They show cavities, broken teeth, teeth that have come loose due to gum disease and other problem areas.

During regular cleanings and checkups, teeth and gums are examined to determine any problems that may be occurring. The dentist will then be able to determine the course of any treatments needed.

What Can You Do at Home?
Brush your teeth twice daily. Floss regularly. Don’t smoke. “It’s a fact that controlling gum disease can save your teeth—a very good reason to take care of your teeth and gums,” states the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once per day is the first step towards good dental health. Seeing your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups is the second. Both steps together will help prevent the need for costly dental treatments in the future.

16 thoughts on “The Costs of Ignoring Dental Care

  1. It is definitely a sad fact of life that people don’t pay attention to their dental conditions more. Usually, even the most seemingly minor problems are already indicative of more problems both dental and health. You’d be surprised with how many serious conditions can be successfully treated with early treatment.

  2. Hi Erica,
    Really, It is right that people don’t take care of their teeth and they don’t know that good dental health is also a part of good physical health. Your article is very nice and helpful and all tips should be really used by everyone.

  3. I didn’t know that some treatments for periodontitis were not covered by insurance. I try to keep up on my dental care, but getting cleanings and check ups regularly is what really puts my mind at peace because the dentist can look at my progress and give me a report. Thanks for the info!

  4. I like your tips about when to see a dentist. While regular dentist visits every six months are important to keep teeth healthy, visiting a dentist when your teeth hurt is important as well. Pain or bleeding can be a sign of an emergency, so talking to your dentist as soon as you have symptoms can prevent the problem from getting worse. Thanks for the article.

  5. I’m glad that you mentioned the dangers of skipping out on the dentist. I know I was unable to visit the dentist for a couple of reasons being out of the country and I developed a gum disease. It can be costly and bad for your health to go without seeing the dentist for so long.

  6. Great post and share..
    Taking care of your teeth with regular brushing and checkups can actually prevent serious diseases and painful dental procedures down the road.

    Unfortunately many opt out of dental coverage to save money, even though the associated health problems cost significantly more than preventive care.

  7. It’s true that if you are not taking daily action to clean your teeth, it is more likely that you will develop gum disease. Thanks for your interesting article on the costs of ignoring dental care. The likelihood of developing gum disease is actually what keeps me motivated to keep up on my dental care. It’s good to know that red, swollen, or bleeding gums are the first signs of gingivitis.

  8. I’m very good about keeping up with my oral hygiene but I still can’t help but worry that I could still possibly get gingivitis. Most of my family currently has it. It’s good to know that swollen,red, or bleeding gums are among the first signs of the disease. I’ll be sure to keep a good eye on my teeth and see my dentist often. Thanks!

  9. Hello Erica, thanks describing the value of dental care. I’ve seen many people so far careless about dental care. Without teeth no one can smile freely and eat whatever they want. So, I’m always careful about my dental care.

  10. Flossing your teeth is definitely an unforgettable step that some people may take for granted in sustaining long-term dental health. Removing a smoking habit could save some trouble in the long-run as well.

  11. Brushing twice daily is a simple way to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy! Having surgery on your gums is something no one wants to do. Thanks for sharing.

  12. I really liked your blog about Signs of Serious Mouth Problems & tips about when to see a dentist. It is a really good tip that brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once per day is the first step towards good dental health. Thanks for sharing useful information. Keep Sharing.

  13. Thanks for sharing amazing article. Ignoring dental care can have a variety of costly consequences. Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque buildup, bad breath, cavities, gum disease and tooth decay. So, it’s important to take the time to take care of your teeth and make regular trips to the dentist. Doing so will keep your teeth healthy and smile bright.

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