Do you skip your dental appointments with Dr. Stewart because you don’t have time or can’t afford it? Your teeth are not a luxury. Keeping a healthy smile is important to keep your mouth and overall body strong. Believe it or not, many people choose to neglect their dental health and spend their time and money on other luxuries, treats, and other less important habits.
If you find $100, what would you spend it on?
Americans spend about $2 billion on Halloween candy each year. It’s a little ironic that this is equal to the amount spent on dental products each year. About $1.8 billion is spent on toothpaste, $775 million on toothbrushes, and $885 million on oral antiseptics. It makes sense because you have to clean away all the candy you’ve eaten.
When you meet someone, what do you notice?
Usually the first thing someone notices about you is your eyes, followed by teeth and then hair. Since teeth seem to be more noticeable, you would think people would want to spend more money to make them look good. However, Americans only spend about $50 billion a year in the dental industry, including treatments and cleanings. On the contrary, $100 billion is spent in hair care.
On your days off, what do you do?
If you think you can’t miss half a day of work or school for your dental appointment, think again. Skipping appointments causes more trouble in the long run. Adults miss about 164 million hours of work each year for dental problems and treatments. Children miss about 51 million hours of school each year. Wouldn’t it be better to spend your “vacation days” actually having fun, instead of at the dentist’s office? And trust us, your co-workers would rather you miss work to fix your bad breath problem.
If you were stranded on an island, what would you bring?
Choosing among the toothbrush, automobile, computer, cell phone, and microwave, 34 percent of teens and 42 percent of adults said the toothbrush was the invention they could not live without. The automobile came in second. Many people have become so dependent on technology products that make their lives easier, but these products wouldn’t have an effect on your health if they were taken away. The toothbrush, on the other hand, is a necessity to keep your mouth and body healthy.
Taking care of your teeth and gums should be at the top of your priority list. At your appointment with Dr. Stewart, he can help you appreciate your smile and make sure your mouth is healthy so you can get on with your other tasks. Visiting our office twice a year will help save you money, time, and pain in the long run. Contact our dental office in Livonia, MI at (734) 425-4400 to schedule an appointment. We welcome families from the surrounding areas of Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Novi, Dearborn, Redford, and other nearby communities.