Why Preventive Care Is the Most Affordable Dental Strategy You Can Invest In
Jessica Levco
February 12, 2025
By investing in preventive dental care, people can maintain better oral health and avoid the higher costs and health complications associated with untreated dental issues.
Cleveland Clinic suggests that routine visits help prevent problems before they start. Regular dental cleanings are an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. Preventive dental care costs much less than treatments like fillings, crowns or bridges. Getting your teeth cleaned helps prevent common dental problems, which can save you money in the long run, Cleveland Clinic says.
The American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes the importance of preventive dental care for both financial savings and long-term health benefits. Regular dental check ups and proper home oral hygiene can prevent dental diseases, reducing the need for more extensive and costly treatments.
The ADA's Action for Dental Health initiative says that nearly half of adults over age 30 suffer from some form of gum disease, which can often be prevented through regular dental care.
The ADA provides guidelines for employers to offer dental benefit plans that cover preventive services, emphasizing that such plans help employees maintain good oral health and reduce absenteeism due to dental-related problems.
Let’s examine why preventive dental care is important.
Understanding Preventive Dental Care
You might ask, “What is preventive dental care?” Preventive dental care is how to keep your mouth healthy, including your teeth and gums, the Oral Health Foundation reports. It says the main causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease, but by preventing or managing these issues, you have a better chance of keeping your teeth for life.
Daily dental hygiene is a crucial step in your preventive care. The ADA recommends brushing twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste like Sensodyne and flossing, but routine dental check-up visits are an essential and cost-effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you’re looking for affordable dental care, then it might be time to consider a dental membership plan. Altogether Dental makes membership simple: pay a monthly fee to enjoy 15-50% off all dental procedures — everything from cleanings, fillings, orthodontia, dentures and more.
The Financial Benefits of Preventive Dental Care
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. annual cost of dental care is $135 billion, and it reports that:
Students miss over 34 million school hours because they need emergency dental care.
Almost $46 billion is lost annually because people don’t get needed dental care.
In 2017, there were 2.1 million emergency room visits for dental problems.
Between 1996 and 2013, $26.5 billion was spent on dental care for kids and teens. About 70% of this money went to preventive care, including the dental check up.
The CDC and its partners support proven ways to prevent cavities, like dental sealants and adding fluoride to community water, the report says. These methods are strongly recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force because they help stop cavities and save money.
Health Advantages Beyond Cost Savings
The CDC says adding fluoride to community water helps everyone. It reports that:
Providing fluoridated water for one year is estimated to save $6.5 billion by reducing the need for dental treatments.
Communities with fluoridated water save about $32 per person each year by preventing cavities.
In communities with 1,000 or more people, every $1 spent on adding fluoride to water brings an estimated $20 in savings.
This preventive measure helps because drinking fluoridated water helps keep teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25% in both kids and adults. And that means less tooth pain, fewer fillings or extractions, and fewer missed days at work and school, the CDC says.
Oral health has long been linked to overall health. Cleveland Clinic reports that poor oral health may lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, endocarditis, pregnancy and birth complications, and a host of other health problems.
Overcoming Barriers to Preventive Dental Care
Sometimes affordable dental care is difficult to find. According to the ADA, common barriers to care include:
Financial concerns: High cost of procedures.
Insurance: Inadequate coverage, high deductibles.
Limited access to care: Rural locations without dentists or clinics, lack of transportation.
A dental savings plan like Altogether Dental can help you save 15-50% on all dental procedures, and you can use it as often as you need. Membership starts at just $7.50 a month, making affordable dental care easy to budget. You sign up, find a dentist in your area and mention your membership when making an appointment.
Practical Tips for Implementing Preventive Dental Care
In addition to your routine visits to the dentist, Mayo Clinic says that taking care of your mouth every day is the best way to protect your oral health. It advises that you:
Brush at least twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride treatment toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush your tongue.
Floss daily to clean between your teeth with floss, a water flosser or other tools made for this purpose.
Eat a balanced diet and cut back on sugary foods and drinks.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed.
Avoid tobacco products, as these harm your teeth and gums.
Preventive measures can save you both money and time, but also keep you healthy.
