The state of the economy is forcing many people to make difficult choices, even when it comes to their health. People are putting off medical care, and that includes their dental care as well.

Practicing good oral hygiene and receiving regular dental exams are critical to good oral health. But quite a few Aspen Dental dentists are telling me that patients are struggling with the decision on whether or not to move forward with the care they need and are delaying everything from cleanings and fillings to dentures to treatment of gum disease. These are decisions that can prove costly down the road from a health perspective, and a cost perspective.

Considering the link between gum disease and certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke, patients should try to make regular visits to the dentist just as much of a priority as regular visits to their primary care physician.

Ultimately, seeking preventative care and taking care of small dental problems before they become big problems really pays off.

Here’s a video on what you can expect from your first visit to Aspen Dental. Click on this link below:
What You Can Expect on Your First Visit to Aspen Dental

According to a report by Oral Health America, early dental treatment is cost effective. In fact, the cost of providing preventive dental treatment is estimated to be 10 times less than the cost of managing symptoms of dental disease in a hospital emergency room. In addition, the report notes that improving oral health by multiple preventative approaches, including periodontal (gum) disease management, saves more than $4 billion per year in treatment costs.

Advice for Denture Patients
When we talk about regular oral care, I remind people that this is just as important for the nearly 50 million Americans who wear full or partial dentures. Even patients who have no natural teeth should have their mouth examined annually not only for signs of oral cancer, but also for proper denture fit. Tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures; this can make eating uncomfortable or downright painful.

The American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, but Aspen Dental dentists find that people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

Another key concern for people with dentures is the use of denture adhesives. While adhesives can help dentures feel more stable and secure, long-term excessive use can potentially pose health risks. Patients should closely follow labeling instructions for denture adhesive products. If dentures feel loose or cause discomfort, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible about an adjustment or replacement.

In a nutshell, and I’m sure you’ve heard time and time again – Is to have regular visits with your dentist. This will save you money and pain in the long term… a winning solution for your wallet and teeth. Aspen Dental dentists and office teams work hard to help patients get the care they need—and make it affordable, too—even in this economic climate.