Having a healthy smile doesn’t have to cost the earth, in fact, looking after your teeth and gums can save you money in the long run. There are plenty of things you can do at home to maintain a healthy mouth and keep the costs of your dental care low, so if you are on a budget, here are just a few simple and cost effective ways to take care of your teeth.
Switch brands or look for discounts
When faced with rising prices and increased outgoings it’s understandable that you might want to cut back on treats, luxuries and even everyday items if they are not necessary, but routine staples such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss shouldn’t be amongst them. These items are essential to keeping your teeth, mouth and gums in great shape and are even more important if you’re wearing braces or need to maintain excellent oral health ahead of a dental procedure.
Rather than cutting back, why not look at switching brands? So long as you choose fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush that is appropriate for the current state of your mouth, as recommended by your dentist, you can’t go far wrong. Look for buy-one-get-one-free offers or shop around for discounts, to get the top brands of toothpaste, floss and mouthwash for a cheaper price.
Turn the tap off whilst you brush
Not only is it better for your teeth to not use water when brushing as it prevents the fluoride from being washed away, but it can also save you money on your water bill. Simply wet your toothbrush, apply your fluoride toothpaste and start brushing. Keep the tap off until you need to rinse your toothbrush at the end of the two minutes of recommended brushing time.
Join a dental plan
If your dentist offers a dental plan this is a great way to spread the cost of your oral healthcare and avoid any unexpected bills. A dental care plan allows you to split the cost of your yearly oral care – typically two dentist check ups and two hygienist appointments – into 12 affordable monthly payments.
Quit the habit
If you smoke or chew tobacco, you could be putting your oral health at risk. Not only can smoking cause bad breath but it can also lead to tooth loss, gum disease and oral cancer. With this in mind, and with the ever rising costs of cigarettes and tobacco products, now could be the perfect time to quit the habit. You’ll be making a positive difference to your oral health and saving money at the same time, what’s not to love?
Top tips for looking after your teeth
Irrespective of how much you have to spend on your oral care, there a few tips that you can follow to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy and in doing so help prevent costly dental treatment bills in the future:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Floss daily, or use interdental brushes, to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and gums.
- Use mouthwash to freshen your breath and kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode tooth enamel.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals to help stimulate saliva production, which neutralises acid and protects teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning.
Point 6 in this list cannot be stressed enough. Visiting your dentist regularly might seem like an additional expense, but so long as you do your bit to care for your teeth and gums, you shouldn’t have to worry about costly fillings, root canals and implants.
Looking for a dentist in London to take care of your teeth? Riverside Dental Spa is a dental practice in South West London dedicated to providing high quality general, cosmetic and specialist dental care. More information on their treatments and additional advice on oral health care can be found on their website.