The High Costs of Neglecting Your Teeth

It’s true; many Americans are neglecting their teeth.  With limited dental coverage provided by insurance companies, many visit the dentist only when a serious problem arises.  However, skipping your regularly scheduled dental check-ups can result in long-term costs to your health and your bank account. Preventative Dentistry is essential to a healthy mouth and body.

If you are waiting until you are in pain to visit the dentist, you are waiting too long.  A small cavity may not cause pain until it has reached the root of the tooth.  A relatively cheap and quick procedure to fill a cavity can prevent the need for a root canal, removal or implant which can cost thousands of dollars per tooth.  During your regular dental visits, you will also be screened for signs of oral cancer.  A recent study found that oral cancer is now the most expensive type of cancer to treat, with the average annual costs at almost $80,000 per year.  The problem with most oral cancers is that they are uncovered so late in the disease that treatment is extremely difficult; early detection is the key to combating the treatment costs.

It is a fact that good oral hygiene is essential to overall health.  Poor dental care can lead to all sorts of other health issues, including the number one killer in America: Cardiovascular disease.  Oral bacteria build up when teeth are neglected and have been linked to clogged arteries and stroke. Another type of heart disease, endocarditis, has also been linked to bad dental hygiene.   Heart disease alone costs over 300 billion dollars in health costs each year in the U.S.

In addition to visiting Dr. VanderMolen regularly for cleaning and check-ups, there are steps you can take on a daily basis to increase your oral health; regular brushing and flossing, a healthy diet low in sugar and avoidance of tobacco products.

It’s never too late to take control of your oral care.  Contact Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today at (217) 546 – 3333, and set up an appointment.  Dr. VanderMolen can provide you with a custom assessment analyze your risk factors and get you back on track to better health.