A few tips on dental do’s and don’ts

January 29, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

The biggest reason for delaying dental care is cost, according to a Consumer Reports survey that asked readers to describe the dental health and cosmetic treatments they received in the last five years.

Cost was cited as a barrier by 43 percent of readers who delayed care. The survey also reveals that only a third of readers are brushing and flossing when they should, and that some patients might be paying for treatments they don’t need.

Some examples of potentially unnecessary treatments are teeth whitening, amalgam-filling replacement, unnecessary restorations, precautionary removal of wisdom teeth, X-rays and surgery for TMJ disorder.

THE COST BARRIER

Seventeen percent of respondents who had a dental procedure for health reasons said they delayed it, notes the report. Even readers with insurance put off a treatment they needed; 23 percent did so because insurance wouldn’t cover the procedure, and 24 percent because they had already used up the maximum that their insurance plan would cover for the year. According to Consumer Reports, there are several ways consumers can keep costs down or get by without insurance:

Shop around and bargain. Look up typical insurance rates in your area at FairHealth- Consumer.org and HealthCareBlueBook.com, then ask providers to accept that amount, or less, as a cash payment.

Consider free and low-cost clinics and health centers. Some community health centers offer dental care with fees based on the ability to pay. Consumers should call their local health department to find one nearby. Be prepared to encounter waiting lists in some locations.

Look into dental and dental-hygienist schools. Consumers who are willing to be treated by supervised students can avail themselves of schools that offer free or discounted care to the public. A list of schools is available at ada.org/267.aspx.

Investigate dental discount plans. For an annual membership fee of around $50 to $100, one can get access to a network of dentists who have agreed to discounted rates. But CR recommends that consumers watch out for pricey add-ons and extra procedures they don’t need.

The report notes that having dental insurance is better than not having it, especially if an individual’s insurance is job-based. But don’t expect free or nearly free care. CR’s survey found that of the 71 percent of respondents who had dental insurance, 90 percent received some sort of coverage, but only 46 percent said it covered more than half of the cost.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR TEETH HEALTHY WITHOUT GOING BROKE

Do brush and floss. Recent research suggests that poor dental health can affect a lot more than your smile. The plaque-causing bacteria on your teeth and gums, for example, could enter your bloodstream and clog arteries. Good oral hygiene can prevent these problems.

Don’t fear pain. The most painful of the procedures CR asked about turned out to be tooth extraction, which makes sense because having a tooth pulled leaves you with a healing wound. Even so, only 6 percent of the respondents said the pain was severe. For mild pain after a tooth extraction or other procedure, an over-the-counter pain medication usually does the trick after the local anesthetic wears off. For severe pain, your dentist might prescribe a narcotic such as codeine.

Do deal with anxiety. If you fear the dentist, your best strategy is to keep up with your regular cleaning and home hygiene so you don’t have to go as often. If you need a cavity filled or root-canal surgery, tell your dentist and his assistants that you’re an anxious patient so they can give you choices to deal with pain and discomfort. An anti-anxiety drug might be an option, although it’s best to use it sparingly.