Why You Shouldn't Skip the Dentist Because You're Broke

Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Dentist Because You’re Broke : When was the last time you saw the dentist? If you’re like most people, it’s been more than a year since your last appointment.

It’s not because you can’t fit an appointment into your busy schedule. Dentophobia (the fear of dentists) isn’t the culprit either. The American Dental Association reports that 59 percent of people haven’t been to a dentist in over 12 months because it’s too expensive.

And who’s surprised? Without insurance, a standard cleaning can run you as much as $200, and if you need x-rays, your final bill can leap beyond $500.

But as you’ll find out today, skipping the dentist to save money today can windup costing you more tomorrow. Here’s why you’ll want to keep up on your oral health and, more importantly, how you can do that.

What Happens if You Avoid the Dentist?

You can’t run from a cracked tooth or chipped filling forever. Eventually, you won’t be able to ignore the pain anymore, and when you do, it can cost a whole lot more than if you went to see a dentist right away.

But even if you can avoid these big dental issues, you may be damaging your health.

Brushing and flossing are important habits that keep your pearly whites looking their best, but they aren’t as effective as a dentist’s visit for cleaning plaque and tartar that builds up.

Plaque damages enamel and gums, causing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Studies show gum disease can eventually lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other significant health issues.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

You’ve broken your tooth or your jaw is in excruciating pain. What can you do if your savings can only cover half of the bill? In these urgent situations, emergency loans can help you make up the difference.

So, what are emergency online loans? They’re short term online loans that provide a small yet valuable boost to your budget so that you can handle whatever life throws at you.

An emergency personal loan comes with a simple and fast application process that you can complete online using your laptop or smartphone. That means you can easily fill out an application for loans over the phone if you have spare time before the dentist can see you.

How Can You Afford Routine Checkups?

Like any credit, emergency loans are designed as safety nets to help you when you unexpectedly chip a tooth. It doesn’t make sense to rely on these cash loans for routine checkups, as dentists recommend scheduling a cleaning every 6 to 9 months.

Borrowing that often is unsustainable and expensive, so try these cost-saving methods instead.

Dental Discount Card

Dental insurance can be expensive, and it doesn’t cover as many procedures as you might think. A more affordable option is a dental discount card. For a fraction of the cost of insurance, you can receive as much as 60 percent off treatment, provided your dentist accepts this plan.

Tap into Medicaid

Low-income individuals qualify for dental coverage in some states without paying for monthly premiums like discount cards or insurance.

Shop Around

If your dentist is too expensive, research local dental schools or community health centers that offer low-cost dental care on a sliding scale.

Set Aside Savings

Whether you use a dental card or make an appointment with a local dental college, you’ll want to make dental savings a permanent part of your budget. It’s a lot easier setting aside $50 a month than it is to fork over $200 upfront for a cleaning.

Conclusion

Neglecting your oral health is a bad idea for your well-being and your wallet. Save yourself time, energy, and money by following these tips.