Easy ways to take charge of your oral health (and yes, you have to floss)

Been to the dentist lately? If you're like the majority of Americans without dental insurance, your answer might be a chagrined "well ... no." The likely culprit behind people putting off that visit is cost, according to the Dental Lifetime of Care study from Synchrony, a leading consumer financial services company. Conducted on behalf of Synchrony's financial solution, CareCredit, a credit card used to purchase health and wellness products and services. The study found that out-of-pocket dental care can range from $51,000 for a single adult to more than $95,000 for a couple and family during a lifetime!

Cost is a factor that contributes to 92% of people without dental insurance delaying general dental care, according to the Synchrony study. It's an understandable trade-off when you're weighing a potentially expensive visit to the dentist you have to pay for out-of-pocket against paying your mortgage or buying groceries. But dental care is one thing you shouldn't put off. Good oral health is an important key to good health, period.

If you don't have dental insurance through your employer, CareCredit may be a financing option to consider. It's a credit card that patients can use for products and services that aren't covered by insurance, including dental, and is accepted at 80% of dental practices nationwide. CareCredit allows you to pay overtime for routine care and unexpected dental care, rather than in one big chunk, making it possible for people to visit the dentist more regularly. This could include care needed for a toothache, a cracked tooth, or swelling of your face and jaw, among other conditions.

Meanwhile, it's essential to also take care of your teeth at home between those visits. Here are some ways to practice good oral health:

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. That's the magic number recommended by the American Dental Association. Brushing for two minutes removes 26% more plaque and food than brushing for shorter periods.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. They're gentler on your teeth and gums and they can actually clean your teeth better because they can nestle into tight spaces better than hard bristles can.

Use fluoride toothpaste. It's tried and true for a reason. Fluoride helps reduce tooth decay.

Floss every day. It removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth and strengthens your gums.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Didn't know staying hydrated helps your teeth? As you're getting your eight glasses per day, you're also rinsing away debris and food particles.

Limit sugary drinks and snacks. Love cookies? So does the bacteria in your mouth! Sugar fuels harmful bacteria, which produces acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth.

Don't smoke. Among an ocean of other reasons, it's a huge risk for gum disease and oral cancer.

See your dentist! All of these tips will help you maintain good oral hygiene between visits. So, even if you haven't been to the dentist in a while (or longer than that) just go. They've seen it all and will be glad you came. So will you.

The CareCredit credit card is a convenient and reliable solution that offers financing options for qualified consumers to receive the care they want and need. Before moving forward with any treatment, check to see what financial assistance, health insurance, specialty savings accounts (Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts), provider payment plans and third-party financing may cover.

In addition to dental care, CareCredit can also be used for hearing, chiropractic, cosmetic procedures, vision, even pet care products and services not covered by your insurance. For more information, visit https://www.carecredit.com/.