The Painful Cost of Dental Care

Chronic pain affects more Americans than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined, and pain is the most common cause of disability in the United States. September is national Pain Awareness Month, dedicated to raising visibility about the impact of living with persistent pain.

More than 100 million adult Americans experience chronic pain, and an additional 25 million have acute pain caused by injury or surgery, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Dental pain is primarily acute, caused by treatable problems such cavities, dental abscesses, gum disease or an injury. And, with regular preventive care and cleanings, plus wearing mouth protectors during sports, the majority of dental problems can be avoided.

Dental problems are not limited to tooth loss and persistent pain—periodontal disease has been connected with health issues such as cardiac problems, strokes, diabetes, chronic digestive and respiratory issues, low energy and a host of other medical complications. Untreated dental infections can move into the bloodstream or bone marrow, affecting major organs, causing sepsis and sometimes even death.

People who live with chronic pain may also be at higher risk for dental disease.

Unfortunately, the high cost of dental care means that many people are unable to afford to see the dentist. They wait until they can get an appointment at a free clinic, ignore the pain until the tooth dies or end up in an emergency room where treatment is typically limited to painkillers and antibiotics, at a much higher cost than regular checkups or basic dental care.

To help avoid oral diseases, dental professionals recommend:

• Decreasing sugar consumption (in particular, foods with added sugars) and maintaining a well-balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Stopping tobacco use and decreasing alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss.
• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene—ask a professional dental hygienist for home care tips.
• Using protective sports equipment to reduce the risk of facial injuries.
• Regular, professional dental checkups and cleanings.

Dental decay and gum disease do not cure themselves. For example, when chronic tooth pain subsides, it’s typically a sign that more damage has occurred. The pain will almost certainly reoccur and likely be worse.

Those who have been delaying getting dental care due to budget issues should consider the affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance: dental savings plans. Plan members can save 10%-60% on a wide variety of preventive dental care—including cleanings, checkups and x-rays and restorative treatments—from a nationwide network of 100,000 dentists.

“Many plan members say they joined a dental savings plan because dental insurance doesn’t cover existing dental problems,” says Bill Chase, senior vice president of marketing for DentalPlans.com. ”With dental savings plans, members enjoy reduced rates on the dental care they need within 72 hours of purchasing their plan. There’s no reason to endure dental pain—or skip the care that will keep your smile healthy—when you have a dental savings plan.”

And with no annual maximum limit on how much members can save at the dentist, dental savings plans enable people to afford to get treatment for typically costly, complex procedures, with no delays.

Find out more about dental savings plans at dentalplans.com, or by calling 844-779-1021.

About DentalPlans.com

DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings online marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives. www.dentalplans.com.

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