Re: Gum Disease at Age 23

This is all about priorities. It appears that it may not have been a priority to you to care for your teeth in the past, but now it is which is good because healthy teeth are part of good overall health. Any damage from the past needs to be fixed, and certain lifestyle changes may need to be made to insure good future health. The lifestyle changes are usually the least expensive and easiest part of this. From this point forward, you need to make sure you have great homecare, which includes proper brushing and flossing, and maybe some dietary changes if you tend to be into sugary substances. As far as fixing the damage; you need to find a dentist that you are comfortable with. If money is an issue, check to see if there is a low cost clinic or dental school in your area. You can save up to 50% over private practice fees and still receive excellent care. Many people say that they cannot afford to go to the dentist and yet they don't brush or floss. Brushing and flossing is the cheapest dental insurance you can buy. Also, people don't realize that it is not that expensive to go for routine maintenance. In my office the fee for 2 cleanings a year, one with x-rays, would run about $350. That is about $7 a week. One less pack of cigarettes, two less cups of coffee, one less lunch out in a weeks time and you are there. You have to want this, though. Again, it's priorities.