I'm Asking: Do You Keep Up With Routine Dental Care?

March 19, 2009

Fresh off the news that dentists have noticed an uptick in client visits, a new study suggests many Americans forgo routine dental care because it is considered a "luxury item."

A consumer adviser for the American Dental Association warns (just like your mother!) that prevention is always cheaper than fixing problems later, so anyone attempting to skimp out on routine visits is only hurting herself down the road.

I happen to be a little compulsive about dentist visits and take advantage of my dental coverage every six months, but I know many people don't have coverage and struggle to make room in their budget for routine work. Have you let it slide?
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27 Comments

4 years 8 weeks

I have found that using a Gripit Floss Holder - www.gripit.biz - I can floss daily in about 2 minutes without having to put my fingers into my mouth, a major detractor for me to get into the habit of flossing.

hibiscus96818 4 years 8 weeks

I haven't seen a dentist in over 4 years because I didn't have dental insurance. However, my new insurance does offer dental so I scheduled an appointment for mid April. I'm glad to finally be getting a check up, but I have 2 cavities and I am not looking forward to the drill - ACK!

aimeeb 4 years 8 weeks

Not anymore...fillings just lead to root canals and more problems ie more money!!!

sonya ina 4 years 8 weeks

Yup, sure do! I think it's a must :]

4 years 8 weeks

If money is an issue, you should try www.dentalplans.com I wouldn't be able to go to take my daughter to the dentist without the discounts provided by my plan. We just saved about $800 on her daughter's braces.

Mellietronx 4 years 8 weeks

I sadly don't have the money to do so

mek123 4 years 8 weeks

I go every 6 months (even when we didn't have insurance) because I have dental problems...and I brush and floss regularly...

valancyjane 4 years 8 weeks

I love my dentist and we have good insurance so I haven't missed a dental visit in years. My husband’s just getting back into seeing the dentist after a long time away and he’s living proof that putting things off only makes it cost more in the long run. He’s had to have a root canal and a crown, plus several fillings. I’m lucky that I’ve never had to make the choice between dental visits and other basic expenses. But some people do have to make that choice. Though I think it’s worth it to keep your teeth in working order (your teeth are among the first things people see, and grey or chipped teeth can be a big turnoff), I can’t fault someone for making a different choice. To call it “disgusting” shows a basic failure to understand the tough spot many Americans are in.

LoveSarah 4 years 8 weeks

It's been 2 or 3 years since I've been. But, I've never had a single cavity in my life, or any other problem, so while I probably could use a deep cleaning, I'm not too worried about it. Plus, I honestly just can not afford to go :(

SusanTeufel 4 years 8 weeks

I absolutely am terrified of dentists, so I haven't in about 2 years. I brush every day and floss, though.

ilanac13 4 years 8 weeks

for the past 5+ years i've been very good about it - going every 6 months, but i have to say that i did postpone/cancel my last appointment because my insurance doesn't cover my dentist 100% and i just don't $$ right now to pay for it.

SDTransplant 4 years 8 weeks

I like going in for cleanings, and I also like the clean feeling you get after your teeth have been cleaned! Because it's covered by my insurance and I'm paying for it, I might as well utilize it.

4 years 8 weeks

There are way too many people putting off important dental care treatments because of the costs involved. This is especially true when you consider the important link between oral health and one's overall well being. I was laid off late last year and I quickly learned that taking care of my teeth without dental insurance can be expensive. But there is no way that I'm going to let the tough economic times affect my health. So I joined a discount dental plan from DentalPlans.com and was able to save on teeth cleanings and even a root canal at my dentist. It's a great option if dental care costs are keeping you from seeing the dentist.

skigurl 4 years 8 weeks

i do! to not keep up with dental care is absolutely disgusting

starangel82 4 years 8 weeks

I do because my insurance covers cleanings every 6 months at 100%. But I HATE the dentist.

psychobabble 4 years 8 weeks

I'm usually good about keeping up with it. Even when I was in college I would still go to appointments when I was home on break. However it's been over a year this time. My graduate school had really crappy health insurance that I could never figure out. Now I have a job with MUCH better benefits but I have to wait a few months until my health benefits kick in. My husband on the other hand... I think he went a couple years ago and he hasn't seen a doctor in many years.

GlowingMoon 4 years 8 weeks

I'm a woman who brushes her teeth (and uses a proxa brush) after every meal. I floss twice a day. What do think?? Of course I keep up with routine dental care (and then some). :) I'm borderline OCD about oral hygiene. :) Also, like some posters here, I love my teeth and smile. By the way, so does my husband. Many years ago, when we first started dating, the first compliment he gave me was about my smile. He said,"Wow, you have great smile." He had said something funny, and I had grinned from ear to ear. I like to keep my smile bright and healthy for myself, and for him. :)

KMattes 4 years 8 weeks

I'm also compulsive about my twice yearly cleanings! I'm odd in that I love getting cleanings done--it feels so good to leave the office with freshly clean teeth! Thank goodness for the hubby's health insurance.

care0531 4 years 8 weeks

No I usually end up waiting until I have tooth pains and then it ends up costing me more money for a filling or a root canal- I am bad but my husband is 10times worse!

kscincotta 4 years 8 weeks

OMG, my husband and I are soo bad about going to the dentist. It drives my mother-in-law CRAZY. She brings it up every time we see her. It's become something of a running joke within the family.

miss malone 4 years 8 weeks

Of course I keep up with my dental care! My teeth are healthy and wonderful and I'd like to keep it that way. My dentist is a family friend so we get discounts anyway. :)