Brushing up on Good, Affordable Dental Care

Your smile is unique to you and in many ways defines you. But a healthy mouth is about more than a self-confident smile – it also has an impact on your overall wellness.

That’s why preventive care, including good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings, X-rays and exams, is so important. Yet, according to research from the American Dental Association, 59% of adults said they avoid dental care because of cost. You can maximize your chances of minimizing your costs when you stay on top of going to the dentist for routine cleanings and exams.

According to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, preventive dental care practices, including early and routine treatment at the dentist, can save families money in the long run, with $8 to $50 saved in restorative and emergency treatments for every dollar spent on preventive dental care. Research has tied oral disease to costly and chronic health conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease and oral cancer. Often, your dentist can spot early indicators of these health conditions.

Fortunately, there are new options for making dental care more affordable, increasing the chances you’ll get the preventive care you need. The Chewsi app is simple to use and helps you save at the dentist. Download the free Chewsi app and register with the AAANE member referral code. Then, search for a Chewsi dentist near you and make that appointment!

Prevention and Beyond

It’s important for everyone to get routine cleanings every six months to help promote good oral health. That schedule gives your dentist time to detect early signs of tooth decay in the hard-to-reach spots that even a brushing perfectionist can miss.

But while scheduled checkups help prevent cavities, gum disease and other dental health complications, there may be times when you need care that reaches beyond prevention. Restoring a decayed tooth with a filling or replacing a missing tooth with an implant can also play a role in the overall health of your teeth and gums. Regardless of what dental services you need – from cleanings, crowns and braces to dentures, implants and more, the free Chewsi app can help you save.

Caring for Your Teeth at Home

While seeing your dentist regularly is important, how you take care of your teeth each day matters, too.

We all make excuses for avoiding an underrated, yet essential part of our daily dental health routine – flossing. By removing plaque from between the teeth and under the gum lines where a toothbrush can’t reach, daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque.

Brushing is also a critical step. While finding a high-quality toothbrush is essential, learning how to brush your teeth correctly is just as important. As research and technology advances, many toothbrushes now feature modes for whitening and for sensitive teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends choosing any toothbrush with soft bristles, as hard bristles may cause gum tissue to pull back from teeth, exposing the tooth root and leading to increased sensitivity. Consult your dentist for guidance.

Finally, what you eat and drink matters as well. There’s no question that sugar in foods like sticky candies and sweets can cause problems in our mouths. Harmful bacteria interacts with food left on teeth to produce acids, causing plaque buildup and cavities down the road. Watching what you eat can mean a less painful visit to the dentist. Here are some quick tips:

• Skip sweets.
• Moderately consume acidic foods.
• Say no to starchy carbohydrates.
• Select drinks without added sugar.
• Pick fruits and vegetables rich in fiber.
• Choose calcium-rich dairy products.
• Opt for sugarless gum.

Above all, don’t smoke. In addition to being good for your health, quitting smoking means no more nicotine-stained teeth. And, you’ll be doing your gums a favor. Though smoking is known for its connection to cancer and heart disease, most people are unaware of its effect on oral health, causing problems such as periodontitis. Smoking harms healthy gums, causing them to recede.

Add Some Sparkle and Shine

While teeth whitening won’t necessarily improve your health, its results can instantly boost your confidence. There are a variety of whitening products available today, such as gel pens, rinses, toothpastes, strips, over-the-counter trays, custom trays and laser whitening.

Before you decide, it’s best to talk to your dentist to learn more about the risks and benefits of teeth whitening. Though teeth whitening can be a pricier cosmetic procedure not covered by most dental insurance plans, there are new ways to save on whitening services, such as the new Chewsi app.

Chewsi can also help you save on orthodontic treatment for children and adults.  Some of the top techniques to straighten your smile include traditional braces and clear teeth aligners. Talk to your dentist about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the options available to you.

From implants, crowns and braces to cleanings, dentures and more, Chewsi helps you save. The free app connects you directly to dentists affordable for your budget. Download and register.