How to Save Money on Dental Care

Today's economy is in tough shape. As a result, many Malden residents have lost their income and their dental insurance. Soon, courtesy of Massachusetts lawmakers, MassHealth will only cover adults for dental cleaning, exams, x-rays and extractions. At the same time, physicians, insurance companies and the public understand that oral health is closely linked to physical health. It is more important to maintain oral health now than ever. Fortunately, there are many inexpensive techniques to keep teeth healthy and prevent expensive dental set backs.

Start with a healthy diet. Soda is very acidic. So acidic that even diet soda will cause tooth decay. Keep soda and sweetened drinks to a minimum, not more than one or two glasses of soda in a week. Do not drink milk or eat snacks at night after brushing. Only eat sticky sweets close to meal times. Remember that processed fruit snacks including Fruit Roll-ups and Fruit by the Foot are not healthy snacks; fruit snacks are candy wearing a healthy looking package.

Plaque is a layer of bacteria that forms on teeth within a few hours of cleaning. Plaque becomes calculus or tartar when left alone. Bacteria in plaque causes cavities and gum disease. Remove plaque at least twice a day by brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and gum disease and to save money.
Brush teeth two or three times per day. Always use a soft brush. Fluoride toothpaste is helpful, but the mechanical action of brushing is more important than any toothpaste or mouth rinse. Mechanical toothbrushes can be more effective than standard toothbrushes. Inexpensive mechanical brushes that spin in one direction do not clean as well as toothbrushes that rotate back and forth (Oral-B models), or vibrate sonically (Philips Sonicare) .

Floss daily. Flossing is the best way to clean in between teeth. Standard floss remains the best. People who are not able to use floss correctly can try the Reach Access Flosser, the Water Pik Flosser (not a Water Pik) and the Oral-B Humming Bird.

Some mouth rinses such as Listerine remove plaque. Look for the seal of the American Dental Association. The seal should indicate that the rinse helps to control gingivitis.

Use fluoride. Most communities in Massachusetts have fluoride in their tap water. Some bottled water has fluoride (it isn't on the label, call the bottler to find out). This fluoride is helpful for young children to build strong, cavity resistant teeth. Over a hundred health and public health organizations and government agencies recommend water fluoridation. The Centers for Disease Control refer to fluoridation of public drinking water as one of the top ten public health achievements in the twentieth century.

Adults with high rates of tooth decay and medical conditions such as xerostomia (dry mouth) need extra fluoride. Dentists and physicians can prescribe stronger fluoride rinses, gels and toothpaste to slow and prevent decay. Dentists and dental hygienists often apply very strong fluoride during office visits for extra protection.

Your dentist and dental hygienist can help you save money on oral health. See your dentist regularly. Sure it's inconvenient. It may not be cheap to go to the dentist for a check up. Your dentist can find small cavities and fix them. Waiting for the cavity to become noticeable or painful usually means that the tooth will need expensive root canal treatment, a crown, or extraction.

Dentists recognize medical conditions and habits that create oral health problems. Chewing tobacco is a common cause of oral cancer. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD causes a high rate of tooth decay. Over 400 medications and a variety of diseases cause xerostomia. Dentists know how to counsel patients for prevention and treatment of oral health problems. Sometimes, it is necessary for the dentist to speak with the patient's medical doctor about how a medical issue effects their oral health.

Prevention is the best way to save money on dental care. Begin with regular home care - brushing and flossing. Use fluoride. Avoid soda and sticky sweets. See your dentist and dental hygienist regularly.