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5 reasons why putting off dental checkups for long can turn out to be expensive

Dental problems can cause pain, discomfort, and loss of productivity at work

oral healthHere's what can help (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Visiting the dentist every six months may not be something you look forward to, but it is really important to your oral health. Certain individuals may choose to forgo their dental appointments owing to dental anxiety or financial concerns but we rarely consider the risk involved as we may save some money in the short run which may prove expensive in the long run.

“Dental experts now are well trained to help with dental anxiety and make sure the patient has a comfortable experience which doesn’t scare them from visiting a dentist again in the future,” said Dr Madhavi Shetty, endodontist and co-founder, Funcdent – The Functional Dentistry Centre.

Here’s why dental check-ups are essential

Early detection: Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to identify dental issues at an early stage. This includes cavities, gum disease, and oral cancers. When problems are detected early, they are often easier and cheaper to treat. “If left untreated, these issues can progress and become more complex and costly to address,” said Dr Shetty.

Dental cleanings on regular checkups can effectively remove the harmful tartar preventing the formation of cavities. Giving the analogy of the importance of car servicing to keep it functioning at its best, Dr Manvi Srivastava, department of dentistry, Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Noida International University said that small cavities can also be diagnosed during checkups and can be treated on time by giving a filling to the tooth. “Regular dental checkups are comparatively inexpensive compared to the possible treatments such as root canal treatment and implants; which you may have to avail due to neglected oral health,” said Dr Srivastava.

Oral hygiene guidance: Dentists provide valuable guidance on oral hygiene practices during check-ups. “They have the ability to instruct you on correct brushing and flossing methods and suggest suitable oral hygiene products. Neglecting these recommendations can lead to poor oral hygiene, which can result in dental problems and costly treatments,” said Dr Shetty.

Go for regular check-ups (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Cosmetic dentistry: Regular dental check-ups can also address cosmetic concerns. “Stains and minor alignment issues can often be corrected more easily and inexpensively if detected early. Delaying treatment for cosmetic reasons can lead to the need for more extensive and costly procedures such as veneers or orthodontic treatment,” said Dr Shetty.

Emergency care: Skipping regular check-ups may lead to dental emergencies. According to Dr Shetty, toothaches, infections, and other sudden dental problems can be painful and require immediate attention. “Emergency dental care tends to be more expensive than routine check-ups and can involve procedures like extractions or emergency root canals,” said Dr Shetty.

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Lost work productivity: Dental problems can cause pain, discomfort, and loss of productivity at work. “Missing work to deal with dental issues can result in lost income, making the overall cost of neglecting dental check-ups even higher,” contended Dr Shetty.

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Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, aviation safety, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More


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