Hidden Benefits of a Healthy Smile
March 04, 2014I’ve just returned from my 6 month dental check-up with a thumbs up from Dr. Tom – no cavities! Even for a dentist, Dr. Tom has the brightest, straightest smile I have ever seen. Having a healthy smile goes much deeper than just being able to flash his pearly whites though. A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years, according to WebMD. Nice teeth can also positively affect your confidence, self-image, and self-esteem too.
What’s the cost of not taking care of your teeth? A root canal could be around $750, a crown can start at $1,000 and if you need a dental implant, yourdentistryguide.com says you should plan on paying out upwards of $3,000 per implant. Not to mention, you’ll probably need to take some time off work to get one of these painful procedures done during the week.
Even with dental insurance coverage, the high cost of dental procedures prevents many people from seeking care. In a recent study of Los Angeles residents conducted by Empirica Research, 51% with dental insurance say they’ve delayed care because of cost. The reality is that dental insurance is really designed to encourage preventive treatment. That’s why most dental plans pay 80-100% of preventive services such as cleanings, X-rays and checkups – so take advantage of this fact if you have dental insurance. Basic restorative services such as fillings and periodontal cleanings are generally covered at only 50-80% and you’ll commonly get just 50% reimbursement for procedures such as implants and crowns.
So call up your dentist today and make sure you get on the calendar to get a semi-annual checkup. As an adult, having the tooth fairy find your tooth under your pillow would not be ideal. After all, there’s more at stake than just a nice smile.