Since we were kids, we have heard a lot about the value of practicing “good dental hygiene”, but it is often assumed that we already know what that means. Unfortunately, we usually assume that we know what the results of such a regular practice is going to be…but we are wrong.
Most of us only go so far as to think about the condition of our teeth, however, and perhaps our personal appearance. Occasionally, we may also give some thought to the fact that if we took better care of our teeth, we would have fewer visits to the dentist.
We understand at some level that we would not require such drastic dental procedures as fillings, extractions, and root canals. We realize, at least to some extent, that we would possibly look and feel better…not to mention experience less pain…were our dental hygiene habits a little better. We can even grasp that the actual expense of after-the-fact dental procedures will be much greater than the cost associated with just keeping our teeth and gums healthy on a day-to-day basis.
However, most of us never put the whole package together and realize the total impact that neglecting basic dental hygiene can have on us. Not only will our wallets and jaws be impacted, time taken from our daily activities either as we perform our daily required dental care, or as we visit the dentist later to correct the conditions which developed as a result of our negligence. Even worse, we will probably experience unnecessary pain, ill-health, and possible early death, or at least debilitating conditions, as a result of not doing the few simple and relatively inexpensive steps which would take care of the situation before it has a chance to occur.
THE OBVIOUS RESULTS OF POOR DENTAL HYGIENE
Obviously, for most of us, poor dental hygiene leads to cavities (dental caries). Cavities are holes in the teeth which need to be filled by a dentist. From a cost point of view, filling a cavity can cost anywhere from $100 on up. Some particular situations and solutions can cost as much as $1,000 or even more.
Some teeth will be in very bad shape, but can be saved by means of a root canal. The cost of a root canal can be in the high hundreds, and possibly in the thousands of dollars. Some teeth which cannot be saved will have to be extracted. A ballpark cost for tooth extraction is between $75 and $150, although special situations and complications could run that cost even higher, of course.
Not only is there the cash cost of the dental procedures to consider, but there will usually be pain associated with the condition as well. Many of these situations could be prevented by regular, basic dental hygiene steps, thus saving both money and discomfort. Sometimes these situations, and/or the procedure used to correct them, may affect the individual’s appearance, thus negatively impacting their own self image and self esteem. Additionally, if someone has been neglecting the care of their teeth, gums, and mouth, then several teeth may be impacted, creating even more cost in terms of money, pain, and perhaps lowered self esteem.
MORE HEALTH ISSUES RELATED TO POOR DENTAL HYGIENE
For some time, dental health care providers have been aware that diseases and conditions of the mouth, teeth, and gums could contribute to some other health issues. Recent studies have not only confirmed this knowledge but has broadened it as well. Without going into detail here, suffice it to say that poor dental hygiene has now been linked to many diseases and debilitating conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even cancer.
A life filled with disease and pain and all the types of costs associated with that can be the result of neglecting to take a few simple, and relatively inexpensive, steps towards a healthy mouth and gums.
STEPS FOR HEALTHY DENTAL HYGIENE
Regular Brushing and Flossing – One of the first steps someone can take on the road to proper dental hygiene is quite simply to brush their teeth at least twice a day and to floss once a day. While it is recommended by some to brush in the morning and before bed, it could be of value to at least squeeze it in somewhere in the day. Flossing removes the plaque which builds up around teeth. Plaque will eventually lead to tooth decay, and removing it regularly is a major step in the prevention of cavities which will need to be filled or even teeth which will need to be extracted or be saved by a root canal.
Use a Toothpaste Containing Fluoride – Such toothpastes will help prevent the growth of plaque while strengthening the enamel of the tooth itself. Mouthwashes with fluoride and plaque-preventing ingredients may help as well.
Avoid Sugar – This tip could be included in a great many articles. Not only does sugar help promote the growth of plaque, but it also contributes to unnecessary weigh gain. Since over 65% of the adult population of America is overweight, cutting sugar from our diets could have a double whammy in favor of good health
Avoid Tobacco – While smoking and chewing may or may not have any direct effect on the teeth themselves, tobacco products can contribute to diseases of the gums and mouth, including oral cancer.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly – A dentist can spot a developing cavity or other condition before it becomes a big, expensive problem. Bad things may be happening in your mouth, or your child’s mouth, that you may not be aware of, but the dentist can discern and possibly take steps to correct. The dentist’s office will also commonly offer a cleaning that will be far better than what you can normally do at home yourself.
Even if you skip all the other steps, visiting your dentist a couple of times a year just for a checkup and cleaning could go a long way to keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth in a healthy condition.
THE COST OF VISITING THE DENTIST
It is assumed by most people that visiting the dentist is both painful and expensive. However, the cost of a regular checkup is nothing compared to the costs associated with fillings, extractions, root canals, and related dental health care. Those who are lucky enough to have some sort of dental health care benefits, either through dental insurance or a prepaid dental health care plan, may find that their benefits include regular checkups and cleanings that are either free or relatively inexpensive.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT DENTAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE
The cost of poor dental hygiene can be great, the cost of good dental hygiene is small in comparison. However, the results of proper dental care can be a return which is much greater than the costs involved. Take care of your teeth for good health, good appearance, and a life less endangered by ill-health and pain.
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