Watch and Learn: Dental Care on a Budget

The recession has hit most people’s pocketbooks, and not in a way that’s positive. Our latest Watch and Learn from ABC.com concerns how to be sure you’re receiving the dental care you need, while still sticking to your budget.

Some of the information provided includes:

– People skimp on dental care because they think their dental issues are potentially very big, and therefore expensive, and they won’t be able to afford to take care of them.

– Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist in the short term can add up to much more expensive dental problems in the future, i.e. when a simple cavity turns into a root canal, or early gum disease turns into periodontitis.

– Keeping your mouth healthy doesn’t have to be expensive, and prevention will keep your expenses down in the long run.

– Watching your diet and avoiding excessive sugar, and quitting smoking, goes a long way toward keeping both your mouth, and the rest of your body, healthy.

– Keep up with your basic oral hygiene regimen: brush twice daily for two minutes, floss every evening, and use a mouth wash. These three things, when done correctly, are your biggest weapons in the fight against tooth decay and poor oral health.

– If you do need dental treatment that seems to be more expensive than you can afford, talk to you dentist about payment plans. Many providers partner with companies such as CareCredit, and will work with patients to be sure they receive the treatment they need. Being honest about your financial constraints can often lead to a workable solution for all parties.

– Know your options for treatment. With today’s technology and advances, there are often alternatives to traditional treatments which cost less. Your dentist will be able to help you find the best treatment for your budget.

If you haven’t been seen recently for preventative dental care, or if you have concerns about your current dental health, please give our Ann Arbor dental office a call today at 734-677-2156 to schedule an appointment, or visit our website for more information.

– Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre, Ann Arbor Dentist