Are you one of the many men who avoid the dentist?

If so, you may end up spending much more money on dental care than men who make regular visits to their dentists.

A recent study by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association showed just how much can be saved by keeping up with preventive dental checkups and cleanings.

The study estimated that $8 to $50 could be saved on restorative and emergency dental care procedures for every dollar spent on preventive dental care like regular checkups and cleanings.

These findings are especially relevant in today’s economy. Taking better care of your teeth today could save you money in the future.

Preventive Dental Checkups

Most Americans are looking to trim budgets and, unfortunately, preventive dental care is sometimes viewed as a cost that can be cut. However, avoiding the dentist now may mean having to pay even more later for comprehensive dental care that could have been prevented. Most dental diseases and their accompanying dental care treatments can be prevented by regular dental checkups. It’s estimated that early detection and treatment of dental problems could save Americans $4 billion each year.

In addition to saving money, it is important to visit the dentist regularly for checkups because of the link between dental health and overall health. Dental disease has been linked to overall health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Recent studies have also shown a link between dental health and longevity.

For those who want to maintain good oral health but can’t fit regular dental checkups into their budget, discount dental plans are a quick and easy money-saving option.

Whether you lack dental insurance or you want additional savings at the dentist, a discount dental plan can help make you stay in your budget and, most importantly, protect your smile and dental health.