When it comes to oral hygiene, for many patients the first thing that comes to mind is brushing their teeth. While this is important, it’s also crucial to care for your gums as well! Sadly, it’s estimated that roughly half of all US adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease. But this doesn’t have to be the case, especially if you have dental insurance in Chardon and emphasize seeking preventive care! Here’s more about how dental insurance won’t just save you money in the long run—it’ll save your mouth a lot of trouble, too!
Why Preventing Gum Disease Is Important
Gum disease is a serious and widespread issue, but there are actually varying degrees of severity and progression. That said, it’s still something that you should strive to avoid entirely! Some of the most common symptoms of gum disease include swollen and bleeding gums, a receding gumline, pain when chewing, bad breath, and loose teeth that can eventually fall out. As the disease progresses, the infection can spread beyond your gums and cause numerous other problems that affect your overall wellness including heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
Luckily, gum disease is very avoidable if you seek regular preventive care from your dentist, coupled with practicing adequate oral hygiene. Routine dental exams give your provider the chance to inspect your mouth for any potential infections before they have the chance to cause lasting damage to your gums. They can also provide a professional level of cleaning that effectively removes the built-up plaque that often contributes to gum disease—and the sooner gum disease is caught, the much easier it is to address!
How Dental Insurance Helps Your Smile (And Your Wallet)
Sadly, many people take dental insurance for granted and fail to take advantage of everything that it can do for their smile and oral health. Many view it as a means to polish their smile and address issues like cavities and dental emergencies, but it can do so much more—especially in the fight against gum disease. And although dental insurance plans are unique, the vast majority of them cover preventive dental care.
To put it simply, if you’re regularly visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings, you’re much less likely to develop serious periodontal disease that necessitates treatment. This treatment includes procedures like bone grafts, gum recontouring, flap surgery, and more—all of which will run much higher than your average dental exam! That said, avoiding these procedures entirely is best for your smile and your wallet. In fact, according to research conducted by the University of Illinois, for every dollar spent on preventive treatment, anywhere from $8 to $50 is saved on future treatment!
Taking advantage of your dental insurance and seeking regular preventive care is arguably the best way to mitigate gum disease and protect the health and beauty of your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Nicholas Slezak has proudly served patients and families in the Chardon, OH area for several years. Dr. Slezak received his dental doctorate from Case Western Reserve University and is an active member of both the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, feel free to reach out online or over the phone for assistance: (440) 285-8211.