How, though, can you take care of your teeth and get appropriate treatment when the cost of professional dental care is so high?
Here are four tips to help you keep healthy teeth even if you’re on a budget:
Prevent Problems
Do your best to prevent dental problems by keeping teeth and gums healthy. This means eating a balanced diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy protein and calcium-rich foods such as cheese, nuts and seeds, for example.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, one of the leading food culprits for dental disease is sugar. Therefore, try to avoid sugary foods, particularly those that are sticky and cling to your teeth. And if you do eat a sweet treat, brush your teeth immediately after. Don’t have a toothbrush on you? No problem. When this is the case, the ADA suggests either munching on a crunchy fruit or a raw vegetable, chewing on sugar-free gum, or rinsing out your mouth with water.
At-Home Dental Care
Remove food buildup and prevent disease-promoting plaque by brushing and flossing regularly. How often should you brush your teeth? Most sources suggest doing this after every meal if possible, and at the very least once a day, before going to bed.
Shop Around for Professional Care
No matter how well you take care of your teeth at home, occasionally, a visit to the dentist will be warranted. But don’t choose just any dentist. First, compare prices by contacting various dental offices. Then, ask around or check reviews on the internet to find a dentist that is trustworthy and conservative. One that will suggest only those procedures that are absolutely necessary.
Go Back to School
Save even more money on dental care by visiting a dental school instead of a regular dental office. Don’t worry about having the work done by students, since not only are these students supervised by licensed dentists, but they are also likely to try harder to provide you with excellent service since their grades depend on it.
As we’ve seen in this article, dental care is indispensable to our overall good health. But though having a healthy smile comes at a price, it is indeed possible for you to take care of your teeth even if you are on a tight budget.