Picture this: you just got a bonus at work. As you daydream about how you’ll spend your fortune, images of a beach vacation make it impossible to concentrate on anything else. That is, aside from the dull, aching pain in your tooth. Your dentist referred you to a periodontist, but finances and scheduling conflicts seem to keep getting in the way of making an appointment.

Would an impromptu trip to the Bahamas be fun? Absolutely. But, having tooth or health issues on vacation could ruin the entire experience. Not to mention, ignoring the issue will end up costing you more in the long-term. Taking care of your dental health now will give you peace of mind to enjoy the best of what life has to offer and save you money over time. Here are four reasons to prioritize dental care.

1. Prevent small issues from becoming big problems

As with most things in life, preventative care is always less expensive than emergency care. Prioritizing your dental health will allow your dentist to catch issues in the earliest stages, translating to simpler work and minimal discomfort. Plus, minor treatments are typically less expensive than major dental procedures. Even if you have insurance, this can save you money in the long run.

2. Keep more of your teeth

• According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth.
• According to a 2011 CDC survey, adults age 20-39 were twice as likely to have all their teeth compared (67%) with adults age 40-64 (34%).

Tooth loss commonly occurs as a result of tooth decay and gum disease, both of which are caused by poor oral hygiene. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups will help prevent cavities, decay, and tooth loss and eliminate the need for dentures or dental implants.

3. Maintain good overall health

Many dental health issues occur when bacteria build up in the mouth and attacks the teeth and gums. This same bacteria can seep into the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, causing serious harm. Oral bacteria can put you at risk for heart attack and stroke and complicate diabetes, among other health problems. Prioritizing dental care will prevent bacteria from building up and help you maintain good overall health.

4. Your insurance could change

Whether you’re nearing retirement or your employer is changing its healthcare plan, your insurance situation could change at any time. Prioritizing your dental care will enable you to use your benefits while you still can, making both small and large dental procedures affordable. Purchasing good dental insurance on your own can be very expensive, so don’t put off that procedure you know you need.

Prioritize Your Dental Health at San Diego Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

• According to the American Dental Association, nearly half of U.S. adults suffer from some sort of gum disease.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or swollen or bleeding gums, prioritize your dental health now to prevent bigger problems down the road. At San Diego Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we specialize in preventative dental care and treat all stages of periodontal disease to help you achieve and maintain good oral health.

Patients often ask us if insurance will cover their dental procedures. We accept all PPO plans and are happy to work with your plan. Please review our financial policy for more information on insurance and payment guidelines or give us a call at (619) 543-0905 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kwok.