For the month of February, the American Dental Association celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month. For some of us, the last time we saw a dentist may actually have been while we were a kid. And for many, that’s due to the cost involved. A survey found that 44% of people didn’t go to the dentist because they don’t have dental insurance. With that in mind, Avibra set out to provide dental benefits for the whole family to help you save money–and stay healthy.
Track Abnormal Growth
Every kid dreads the day their dentist recommends braces, but in many cases it’s not just for looks. Crowded teeth can make for a bacterial wonderland and bad alignment can lead to jaw pain, for example.
Check for Oral Cancers
The lifetime risk of developing oral cancer is about 1 in 60 for men and 1 in 140 for women. It’s estimated that 11,230 will die from oral cancer in 2022. A dentist can check for those warning signs early on.
Find Dental Problems Early
When your tooth starts hurting, that generally means something has happened to the nerve inside the tooth. There’s a lot that can happen between the beginning of a problem and it affecting the nerve. Regular visits to a dentist with X-rays can help spot those problem areas early on.
You Only Get One Set
Okay, yes, technically you get two with baby teeth. But you get the idea here. Your teeth that come in when you’re a kid are the ones you’re hoping to keep when you’re 80. Don’t make decisions in your 20s and 30s that you’ll regret in your 60s and 70s.
Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
People with gum disease are 2 to 3 times more likely to have heart disease. There are a few theories on why this may be, but the numbers should be enough to have you scheduling that dental cleaning appointment on time.
Detect Other Diseases
Dentists are quite the multitaskers. Common symptoms of diseases like diabetes, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis might actually first appear in a person’s mouth.
Keep Tabs On Old Dental Work
Did you get fillings as a kid? Those things aren’t made to last forever–more like about 15 years, depending on the material used. Make sure you’re seeing a dentist regularly to check in on whether you need updates to old dental work before they start causing problems.
Avoid Dental Decay
This one feels pretty self-explanatory. You probably want to keep as many teeth as you can over the long run, and going to the dentist is going to help make that happen. According to the CDC, 7% of Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth to decay by 17 years old. For people 35 to 44, the number increases to 69%.
Feel Better, Look Better
This one is just for the look and feel of it all. Nothing compares to the sensation of smooth, plaque- and tartar-free teeth after a cleaning.
Get Family Dental Benefits from Avibra for $1/Week
Ready to schedule that appointment? Save big with Avibra’s Family Dental Benefits for just a dollar a week.
