We get it. Every night, every news channel and page talks about inflation and possible recession. It’s natural to want to be cautious about where you want to spend money and where you can wisely cut back. When looking at where to cut back, some U.S. adults choose oral health care as one area they can cut back spending. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this before during Covid when dental cleanings and dental care were delayed, and we can tell patients that the results weren’t good. We’ve learned from years of experience that preventative care is essential to maintain maximum oral health. The pain, costs and treatments that arise from delaying care are never worth any previous avoidance.
If we can give you one piece of advice, it would be never to delay preventative care. Would you be surprised if your car’s engine seized up after missing multiple oil changes? Trust us. Your oral health is more important than that. Now let’s go through a study about dental care avoidance and why your oral health should always be a top priority.
Delta Dental Research
Delta Dental came out with key findings from research done in late 2022 about U.S. adults’ plans for upcoming treatment. Here are some of those key findings:
- 95% of adults agree that oral health is essential to overall health.
We love seeing so many adults understand the importance of dental care. At our offices, we see patients and their families and notice a direct correlation between preventative dental care and overall dental health.
- 42% of U.S. adults have delayed or canceled a dental cleaning in the past two years.
Now the bad news. The study finds that four in ten, or 42%, of adult Americans, have delayed or canceled a dental cleaning in the past two years. It’s been safe to go back to the dentist, so why are Americans canceling or postponing appointments? The top reason is inflation and rising prices. And this is the reason given across all incomes. Sadly, adults in lower income brackets are delaying oral care more than those in higher-earning counterparts. While understandable, this group is less likely to be able to afford the large bills that can arise from neglecting preventative care.
Why you should not delay dental care
We see patients with the assumption that if they haven’t seen the dentist for two years and are doing fine, then continuing to delay appointments will be ok. Unfortunately, it’s not, and here’s why:
- A lack of pain does not always equal a lack of a problem. Without a professional exam, you aren’t fully aware of the status of your dental health. If you are waiting until you feel pain, there will probably be preventative care that can be done beforehand to avoid any damage, pain and costly work.
- Oral health is connected to overall body health. For example, without regular dental care, your mouth can experience a build-up of tartar, which is hardened bacteria-laden plaque. Unfortunately, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and start to take a toll on your overall health.
- Fighting gum disease weakens your body’s defenses. If your body is focused on fighting the inflammation caused by poor gum health, it can’t be fighting other health issues such as COVID, the flu or colds.
- Little problems become big problems. What might be a small filling now could turn into a crown down the road. What is stubborn plaque could harden into tartar.
- You could lose teeth. A common cause of permanent tooth loss is gum disease. A dental care examination will help identify any redness or swelling right away to prevent advanced gum disease from arising.
Dental care is not rising in costs
Now, let’s calm fears about high bills at the dentist.
Insurance fees have not gone up. The prices paid for cleanings two years ago will most likely be what patients will see now. Prices are generally fixed because of insurance and not at the discretion of a dental practice.
More payment options are available than ever. Patients can decide the way to pay that is best for them.
Getting care now could save you more down the road. Just like that $80 oil change could save from a $5000 engine replacement, that small filling could save you from a crown or even your whole tooth.
Ready to schedule your next dental cleaning? Call us at any of our locations to find the appointment that fits your schedule.