Maintaining Oral Health without Dental Coverage

26 million.

That is the approximate number of Americans currently without health insurance. Are you among them? Even if you are fortunate enough not to be, health insurance still does not guarantee that you have dental coverage.

Lack of dental coverage is a common reason for making infrequent dental appointments, or even not going at all. Oftentimes, people only consider a visit to the dentist in the event of an emergency. This is an alarming pattern; everyone deserves a healthy mouth, teeth and gums regardless of their personal situation. Fortunately, there are still ways that you can maintain your oral health without dental coverage – both on your own and with the support of modern, forward-thinking dentists. Below are a few important valuable tips.

Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene Routine at Home

As previously stated, people lacking dental coverage often wait until an issue becomes an emergency before contacting the dentist. Luckily, you can help yourself avoid this situation with a rigorous and consistent home oral care routine. Most people try to take care of their teeth; however, a lack of diligence can cause problems to accumulate quickly.

For example, forgetting to floss daily can quickly lead to an accumulation of bacteria that can cause periodontal (gum) disease. Failure to spend enough time brushing can cause plaque to build up and damage the enamel of your teeth. Be sure to floss at least once a day and take a full two minutes to brush your teeth at least twice a day. You can further ensure the health of your teeth by using an antiseptic mouth rinse. Try and replace your toothbrush (or electronic toothbrush head) approximately every three months to avoid a buildup of bacteria on the bristles. If you have difficulty flossing your teeth or find the experience too painful, try investing in a water pick.

Small investments of time in your routine and money in dental care products will likely pale in comparison to what you might spend at the dentist if these problems are left unchecked.

Seek a Dentist with an In-House Membership Plan

To combat the growing lack of dental coverage, some dentists have engineered membership plans to help support affected patients. These plans generally offer guaranteed access to a selection of services and treatments in exchange for a monthly or yearly fee (fees which generally cost far less than a health insurance plan). For example, a yearly investment in such a plan might get you something like two full dental exams (complete with X-rays and cleanings) plus oral health treatment like fluoride varnishes and even access to an emergency dental appointment should the need arise. These plans can help you maximize your oral health without getting insurance involved.



If you wish to learn more about a Broomfield family dental practice that offers multiple levels of membership plans, contact Petersen Family Dentistry today! Give us a call at (720) 308–9798 or connect with us online.