Last week, I paid $215 out-of-pocket for my third dental cleaning this year. Unfortunately, I did not inherit "good teeth genes". So I've been looking to take more preventative actions since getting yet another cavity in my thirties.
Although this is not a guarantee that my pearly whites will still be chomping into my nineties, I still think I'm getting a great deal. This is where I’m placing my bets by spending the extra $215/year to clean my teeth:
Saving money. Medicare beneficiaries spent an average of $874 for out-of-pocket dental costs in 2018 (that's on top of covered services). I'm betting on a good exchange rate, more Preventative Dollars spent means more Future Out-of-Pocket Dollars saved.
Extended teeth warranty. Once we lose an adult tooth, it's gone for good. So if I can pay $215/year in Preventative Dollars to extend the lifetime of my teeth, I'm in!
Saving my brain. When I learned that each tooth lost could increase your risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, and that there is direct link with gum disease and Alzheimer's, the first thing I did was finally develop a daily flossing habit. The next thing? Learn more about oral health and how to keep your teeth!
So, what do you think? Money well spent or money down the drain?
Yes!! I've spent all my $ on fixing every cavity this year and trying to keep it that way. :S