A new study has found that preventative oral health care saves money overall.
It’s safe to say we all like a bargain. From cutting coupons to sales and freebies, if we can save a little, especially these days, it’s a big deal. Pun intended! But unfortunately, many people think that by skipping things like preventative care they can save some cash. Neglecting to change that oil can result in a blown engine, and ignoring your gutter? A recipe for disaster! But worse yet, some people try to save a buck by skipping their semi-annual trips to the dentist! After all, their teeth look okay, right? They’re probably fine.
But unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Gum disease is often not visible to the untrained eye, nor are deep gingival pockets, which allow dangerous bacteria into the gums and blood stream, which can worsen many illnesses you may already have. Cavities need the assistance of x-rays to be seen, and oral cancers may go unnoticed without a screening from a trained professional. All reasons to see Dr. Abelar twice a year minimum!
The cost of skipping the dentist to save money was the subject of a new study based in Arkansas, which aimed to see if delaying oral health preventative care really saved a buck, or if it cost more in the long run. Unsurprisingly, the authors of the study found that it in fact cost more by putting off oral health care, because not only was important interventive care missed, such as cavities that got worse, or gum disease that developed, but the impact of poor oral health in some patients took a toll on their overall health, costing more in medical fees for things like medication and doctor visits.
Other reasons patients typically avoid visiting the dentist are often not financial, such as fear of the dentist, or fear of the problem not being able to be corrected. The goal is to make sure that the problem is caught as early as possible, so if you’ve been putting off visiting Dr. Abelar for any reason, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment today. Your oral health is one of the best investments you can make.
