Your teeth may be easy to overlook, especially when they're not giving you trouble. However, dental care should not be seen as optional. Adequate dental care can prevent abscesses, cavities, tooth loss, and even heart disease. If money is tight and you're unsure how you can fit dental care into your budget, you should know there are still plenty of ways to get the oral care you need. Here are four things you can do in order to afford dental care.

1. Find a dentist who offers a sliding payment scale.

Some dentists offer sliding scale payment structures. These payment structures take into account the financial means of each patient when setting the cost for treatment. If you are low income, this is a good opportunity to save money on your dental bill. This is a great option for uninsured or underinsured patients, but even people with dental insurance can save money with sliding scale payment tiers.

2. Find out if you qualify for free or discounted dental insurance.

Dental insurance can help you afford dental care. Most basic dental insurance plans cover two checkups each year, and more elaborate plans may cover part of the costs of restorative treatment. You will need to pay a monthly fee in order to maintain your dental insurance. In some states, people with low incomes can qualify for free dental insurance through Medicaid. Even if you don't qualify for free dental insurance, you may be able to take advantage of discounts through your employer. Some dental practices offer in-office insurance plans that may only be used at their practice; these are usually cheaper than plans purchased through insurance companies.

3. See your dentist less frequently.

Reducing the frequency of your dentist visits can also help you save money. Biannual dental appointments are recommended for most adults, but proper dental care doesn't need to be an all or nothing proposition. If you can only afford to see your dentist once a year, that one dental appointment is better than nothing. If you're planning to reduce your number of annual dental appointments in order to save money, discuss your plans with your dentist. They can make adjustments to your treatment that will help you keep your teeth in good health.

4. Choose strategic preventative treatments.

Certain preventative treatments can make you less likely to develop tooth decay. These treatments constitute an upfront investment, but they can prevent more costly dental work in the future. Getting sealants on your molars can protect your teeth from plaque and cavities. Sealants can be applied to your teeth in a single, painless dentist appointment, and they last for years.

For more information, contact a dental care service.