Got No Dough - Saving Money in Slim Times

Sometimes when we look for areas to save money, we miss the obvious. How much money do you spend on co-pays when you go to the dentist? Or, if you don’t have dental insurance, how much money do you spend on your dental bills each year? My guess is that it’s probably quite a bit and there are a few simple things we can do to protect our teeth.

Flossing

Just once a day is all it takes to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. I think most people don’t floss because it’s time consuming but what they don’t realize is that it really shouldn’t take that long. Once you get the hang of it, you can floss in less than a minute. If holding the floss on your fingers proves to be too difficult, then grab a pack of the little contraptions that have the floss already loaded.

Brushing

Pop quiz. How long should you brush your teeth? The correct answer is 2 minutes. How long do most people brush their teeth? More like 30 seconds. It can seem like an eternity but if you set a timer or sing a song then the time will go a lot quicker. Twice a day is optimal - morning and night, but if you can, sneak a midday brushing into your schedule. Make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste for best results.

Also, just as important is to make sure your toothbrush is in good shape. A worn out toothbrush is not as effective at removing plaque from your teeth. A good rule of thumb is to replace it every 3-4 months or when it just looks worn or frayed.

Rinse with Mouthwash

Mouthwash not only kills bacteria in your mouth, but it can help prevent it as well. You should rinse 30 seconds to a minute, however long you can handle it. Plus, who doesn’t like to have minty fresh breath??

Good dental habits can really save a lot of money in the long run. So start taking better care of your teeth today and see how much more money you have in your pocket tomorrow.