If you are like many Americans, your tax refund has already hit your bank account. If the extra cash is burning a hole in your pocket, don’t waste it on a big-ticket purchase. Instead, invest in your oral health. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, which means your dental and general health are closely connected. Here are 3 ways you can use your tax refund to invest in a healthy smile to support your wellness.
1. Schedule a Cleaning and Checkup
Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The American Dental Association also recommends visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. However, many people delay routine care because dentistry can be expensive.
Although they’re often viewed as a luxury, cleanings and checkups are a necessity to prevent common oral health issues from occurring in the first place. Research has found that every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on restorative services.
Using your refund to visit your dentist for preventive care is a smart way to preserve your natural smile. You’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy and save money down the road because you won’t need costly dental treatments later.
2. Address Untreated Dental Problems
It’s not unusual for people to wait to have dental work done until they have more flexibility in their finances. Unfortunately, this opens the door to dental emergencies.
While accidents can happen, many dental emergencies result from an untreated oral health issue, like a cavity. Although you may never expect it to happen to you, 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency annually. You can significantly lower your risk and keep tooth loss at bay by using your refund to address any untreated dental problems.
3. Improve the Appearance of Your Smile
A beautiful smile is associated with youth, success, and confidence; however, few people have perfect teeth naturally. Contrary to common belief, cosmetic dentistry is not just for the rich and famous.
People from all walks of life can improve their smiles because there are more treatment options than ever before, which means there’s a solution to fit your budget. You can improve your confidence and outlook on life by fixing the flaws that cause you to hide your teeth, like discoloration, gaps, or chips. You’ll benefit from long-term satisfaction and a better quality of life when using your refund to enhance your smile instead of buying a new TV.
Don’t blow your tax refund on a vacation or large purchase. Instead, invest in yourself by achieving the healthy, beautiful smile you desire.
About Dr. Alison Fitzgerald
Dr. Fitzgerald achieved her dental degree from the Creighton School of Dentistry and has regularly continued her education in advanced services, like orthodontics, sleep medicine, and general dentistry. Request an appointment through our website or call (520) 332-6224.