Americans don’t visit dentists as often as they should. According to the American Dental Association, 32% of Americans with dental coverage and 74% without it have never had preventative care. Meanwhile, 7% with insurance and 28% without it say that they haven’t been to a dentist for 10 years. What’s even worse is that 3% with dental coverage and 21% without one predict that they won’t get their teeth checked for the next five years. Such behaviors put your teeth at risk and may even cost you more than you estimated initially.

To give you an idea on how visiting a dentistry clinic can save you money, here are five costly issues you face by forgoing preventative care.

Issue #1) Dental Decay and Gum Disease

Plaque build-up is one of the common issues you’ll face throughout your life regardless of how often you brush and floss. If you don’t visit your dentist often, you’re bound to experience dental decay and gum disease. In addition, if your cavities aren’t in control, they’re bound to grow larger, messier and costlier. Therefore, visit your dentist regularly to remove plaque consistently.

Issue #2) Oral Problems

Preventative dentistry may require dental x-rays at times, especially if your dentist wants to diagnose decay or a hairline crack on one of your teeth. If detected early, these issues won’t need more than a simple treatment like dental filling or some other minor form of restorative dentistry work. If you decide against visiting your dentist, you may end up paying for a costlier treatment such as root canal therapy.

Issue #3) Oral Cancer

By regularly checking your oral hygiene and teeth, your dentist can spot suspicious areas and signs of oral cancer. According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, 43,250 individuals have been diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer in 2014. Even if you’re diagnosed with the disease, your chances of beating it will be higher if it’s still in the early stages.

Issue #4) Dental Malocclusion

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), headaches, earaches and issues with your bite can be prevented early, sparing you from days of numbing pain. Visiting your dentist regularly will allow your dentist to carry out simple dental adjustment which would prevent the main causes of these diseases, which include teeth grinding and clenching.

Issue #5) Discolored or Yellow Teeth

A white smile is important for your confidence, career, and even love life. If you visit your dentist regularly, you can maintain the gleaming white color of your teeth. He or she’ll get rid of all the problems which can compromise the health of your pearly whites, allowing you to smile freely.