When most people think about oral hygiene, their pearly whites are the first thing to come to mind; but your gums are just as important as your teeth! And sadly, it’s estimated that 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 and emphasize seeking preventive care! Here’s more from your dentist about how dental insurance won’t just save you money in the long run—it’ll save your mouth a lot of trouble, too!
The Importance of Preventing Gum Disease
There are different stages of gum disease with varying degrees of severity and progression; that said, it’s still something you should strive to avoid entirely! Some common symptoms 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.
Fortunately, gum disease is very avoidable if you seek regular preventive care from your dentist! Routine dental exams give your dentist the opportunity to inspect your mouth and catch any potential infections before they have the chance to cause lasting damage to your smile. They can also provide a professional level of cleaning that you yourself aren’t capable of. This can easily remove 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 Benefits Your Wallet & Your Smile
Many people view dental insurance as a means to polish their smile and address cavities, but it can do a great deal more for your oral health! Although dental insurance plans are unique, the vast majority of them cover preventive dental care—which is vital in the fight against gum disease! 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!
To break it down, 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.
Gum disease is not something that’ll disappear on its own—and letting it progress can lead to some painful and severe consequences. Taking advantage of your dental insurance and seeking regular preventive care is arguably the best way to mitigate this and protect your smile.
About the Practice
The Lake Nona Dental Group is proud to house six incredibly skilled specialists: Dr. Michael Oslund, Dr. Matthew Yantorni, Dr. Ivan Montijo, Dr. Lauren Coughlin, Dr. Sagir Patel, and Dr. Laura Van de Water. Together they combine decades of collective experience to provide an exceptional level of dental care for all their patients. The practice is pleased to offer many available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you’d like to schedule a visit, you can contact the practice online to find the closest office near you.
