Inflation biting into dental care? Keeping teeth healthy on a budget

(BPT) - If you've been avoiding the dentist due to budget concerns, you're not alone. Economic pressures are forcing millions of Americans to delay health care, and dental visits are often the first to go.

The ripple effect is especially pronounced in lower-income households. About half (46%) of Americans have skipped or delayed dental care due to cost, according to the ADA Health Policy Institute. This trend, though it may seem cost-effective in the short term, often leads to worsening conditions needing more complex, expensive treatment down the road. These economic realities are concerning not just for oral health, but for your overall well-being. Skipping routine dental care can have far-reaching consequences, leading to more severe oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease, as well as missed opportunities to detect conditions such as oral cancers. Ignoring dental problems often results in greater financial, physical and emotional costs later.