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Staying on top of your oral hygiene is paramount for your overall health. The problem is, dental care can also be costly. Rather than leave your oral health to deteriorate because of the financial toll, it’s worth thinking of ways you can have the money available for such care when you need it. The tips below may prove useful.
Join a Dental Care Scheme
You won’t find too many people who would say no to reduced dental fees. You may be surprised to learn that there are dental schemes designed to allow you to pay a set fee annually and benefit from lower fees from participating dentists. The beauty of these schemes is that many of them offer immediate benefits and cover for pre-existing and cosmetic procedures and conditions.
Some dental schemes promise savings of up to 40%, which can be a significant sum of money when you’re dealing with costly dental procedures. When you know your oral health is important, but money is tight, joining a dental care scheme is a smart move.
Weekly Payments
While not a money-saving strategy per se, weekly payments can be a way to make sure your dental work will be manageable based on your income. These payments can work in two ways. You can open a bank account and deposit money into that account each week. By the time you require dental work, you may have enough to cover it or at least lessen the blow of a one-off payment.
Alternatively, you can choose dentists who offer payment plans. You can get the work done as soon as you need it, then pay off the balance at a set amount each week. This method can cost you far less than if you were to use your credit card with an average interest rate of over 14%.
Practice Preventative Care
You can keep your dental bills at an all-time low by merely practicing good oral hygiene. Floss, brush, and rinse daily, and limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
Steer clear of some of the worst food for your teeth, such as dried fruits, sour candies, and potato chips. Surprisingly, potato chips are loaded with starch that becomes trapped between your teeth and promotes plaque.
If you’re not sure how to floss thoroughly or which products to use, consult your local dentist. They will be more than happy to offer tips and advice.
Schedule Regular Cleanings
The average American is not visiting the dentist as often as they should, which can have disastrous consequences for your oral health and wallet. Save money on dental care by scheduling regular cleanings with your dentist.
They can note and fix minor issues before they become larger ones, which can save you from needing expensive dental work in the first place. For example, a filling is a lot more affordable than a root canal, crown, or extraction when that tooth goes beyond the point of saving.
If you do need to have expensive dental work at this point, you can at least enjoy peace of mind that it could have been a lot more costly if you didn’t see your dentist regularly.
Dental care is expensive, but it is also necessary for your overall health. If you want to save money or make sure you have enough for your oral health needs, consider a dental care scheme, weekly payments, and preventative measures. You may not be able to avoid paying dental fees altogether, but you can at least make them a lot more manageable for you and your family.