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OREM -- More Americans are skipping the dentist as a way to save money, but experts say that might be setting you up to spend a lot more money later.
A Gallop-Healthways poll says over one-third of Americans haven't been to the dentist for over a year, with some saying it's a way to save cash.
However, Dr. George Veit at the Utah Valley University dental clinic sees the opposite side of the spectrum: people choosing the student practice clinic because it's cheap.
"We're seeing an increase in requests for appointments," Veit said.
He says for those skipping the dentist it can lead to costly health problems later. "Gum disease, we're finding more and more, is important for total health," he said. [Click here to listen to our full interview with Dr. Veit]
In fact, studies show connections between gum disease and diabetes, low-birth weight babies, pneumonia and heart problems. Not to mention the costly dental procedures that can result from avoiding the dentist chair.
For more information on how you can make an appointment at the UVU dental clinic, CLICK HERE.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
