DENTISTRY IS EXPENSIVE! Well, it can get that way…

The patient asks, “How much to pull this tooth out?”

The dentist answers, “$300.”

Surprised, the patient asks, “$300 for just a few minutes work?”

The dentist replies, “Well, I can extract it very slowly if you’d like?”

Dental jokes aside, we get a lot of comments on how costly dentistry is in New Zealand. In order to avoid expensive dental treatments and emergencies, you need a strategy. That strategy is all about prevention, taking responsibility and taking great care of your teeth and gums. After all, the longer you leave an issue, the harder it is to solve.

There are some inexpensive ways to promote healthy teeth and gums, which we have listed below:

1) Rinse using warm salt water – This helps keep your gums healthy.

2) Brush once a week with baking soda – This helps keep your teeth white and alkalizes your mouth; when you have an acidic environment in your mouth, the acidity is likely to damage your teeth.

3) Use an electric toothbrush – They take up to 60% more plaque off than a manual toothbrush. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time.

4) Floss every day – Do this before brushing, so that your toothbrush can get into crevices that may have been blocked before!

5) Stay away from sugar and fizzy drinks – Drink water, it is much better for you and is especially easy to drink during summer! If you eat sugar, brush and rinse right after.

6) Don’t smoke – We understand this may be easier said than done, but it will positively impact your oral health!

Now, about the professional care…

• Get all the active decay treated by your dentist. See your hygienist and get all the plaque cleaned off your teeth.
• Then, start on a preventative care plan.
• once a year see Melanie for a hygiene treatment to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. This takes 30 minutes and costs $120.00.
• Once a year see Dr. Mike and Melanie in an Active Maintenance appointment. This clean and exam is to check for any new decay or issues. This takes one hour and costs $160.

Once you’re on this annual cycle, dental expenses become a lot easier to manage. Get any issues sorted before they get bigger or turn into an emergency!