Nearly One-Quarter of Canadians Skipping Dental Visits Due to Cost Concerns
A growing number of Canadians are skipping visits to the dentist because they simply can’t afford it. According to recent data, nearly 25% of Canadians are avoiding dental care due to cost-related concerns, raising alarms about the long-term consequences for the nation’s oral health.
Access to affordable dental care remains a significant issue across the country, with many Canadians forced to prioritize other expenses over their oral health. This trend highlights not only a financial barrier to preventive care but also an increasing risk of more severe dental problems down the road.
The Rising Cost of Dental Care in Canada
For many households, the cost of regular dental checkups, cleanings, and more complex procedures is prohibitively expensive, especially for those without dental insurance. While provincial healthcare systems provide access to medical services, dental care is largely excluded from public coverage, leaving many Canadians to pay out of pocket or rely on limited employer-sponsored insurance plans.
A 2024 survey revealed that cost was the primary reason 23% of respondents hadn’t seen a dentist in the past year. This issue is most prevalent among low-income Canadians, seniors, and younger adults who often lack comprehensive dental insurance. For those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, neglecting dental care can have even more serious health consequences.
The Health Implications of Skipping Dental Care
Oral health is closely linked to overall well-being. Poor dental hygiene and untreated oral health conditions can lead to more severe problems such as gum disease, tooth loss, and infections, which have been associated with heart disease, diabetes complications, and other chronic illnesses.
Experts warn that putting off dental visits may result in higher healthcare costs in the long run. Emergency dental treatments, such as extractions or root canals, are not only more painful but also significantly more expensive than preventive care.
Steps Towards Affordable Dental Care
In recent years, policymakers have taken steps to improve access to dental care for vulnerable populations. The federal government introduced the Canada Dental Benefit in 2022, aimed at helping children under 12 in low-income families access dental services. While this initiative was a step in the right direction, advocates say there is still much work to be done to expand coverage to adults and seniors who face similar financial barriers.
Some provinces have also launched their own programs to address affordability, but these efforts remain limited. Expanding public dental coverage could prevent costly emergency visits and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
What’s Next for Canadians?
As the conversation around healthcare affordability continues to grow, advocates are calling for more comprehensive solutions to ensure that dental care is accessible to all Canadians, not just those who can afford it. Until then, the reality is that many will continue to delay or avoid necessary dental visits, risking their long-term health in the process.
Source : Swifteradio.com
