Periodontal disease, which results from poor oral health as well as other factors, has been identified as a possible risk factor for heart and lung disease. But fear, apathy and cost put many Australians off from going to the dentist. It’s true that dental care can be extremely expensive, so here are some ways to keep the costs down.

1. Preventative measures

The worse teeth get, the more expensive they get to fix. A filling may cost around $150 but a root canal will easily set you back $1500. Going for an annual check up and getting a proper clean will prevent more serious problems down the line. If you can put away $20 each month that should pay for an annual check up. While some dentists recommend six monthly check ups, if your teeth are in good condition then yearly should be fine.

2.  Orthodontics

Getting braces isn’t cheap but in the long run it can save you thousands because straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, your gums will be healthier, and there’s less wear and tear if your teeth are properly aligned. Think of it as a long term investment that’s worth sacrificing a couple of annual holidays for. Braces aren’t just for teenagers: older adults are increasingly getting orthodontic treatment these days.

3.  Mouth guard

A professionally fitted mouthguard will cost a fraction of replacing knocked out or damaged teeth. Always get any dental sport injury checked out immediately, because fractures can lead to serious tooth infection and abscess. Knocked out teeth can often be reimplanted in the socket within an hour of an accident, which is much cheaper than getting artificial implants later on. If you’re not sure how to do this, store them in water or milk and get to a dentist immediately.

4. Health insurance

Many people skip adding dental insurance to their private health insurance, but the cost is often minimal compared to the uninsured cost of dental care. Even if you only go for check ups you could offset most of the cost. Younger singles and couples may only need general cover, but families and older Australians might be wise to choose higher cover, in case of needing orthodontics or dentures.

5. Dental plans

Dental plans can be used separately or in addition to private health insurance. For an annual fee, they can offer reduced dental fees and can reduce or eliminate the gap even if you have health insurance. As well as discounted treatment, they can allow you pay large bills in small monthly instalments.

6. Dental teaching clinics

Free or discounted treatment may be available from dental teaching clinics, where dental students are supervised by experienced dentists. However some clinics restrict free treatment to those eligible for public dental care (generally children, refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Australians on concession cards).

7. Medicare

Medicare covers some dental costs in some circumstances. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) started in January 2014 and pays up to $1,000 over two years for children aged 2-17. It doesn’t cover orthodontics or cosmetic work. The National Partnership Agreement (NPA) provides funds for 400,000 adults on public waiting lists, eligibility varies by state.

8. Go overseas

Taking a “dental holiday” in South East Asian country or India is an option if you need work that’s likely to run into thousands. Make sure you do extensive research before choosing any overseas practitioner. Overseas countries may not have the same professional or regulatory standards as Australia does, but there are some clinics that specially cater to Australian and international patients, and may even have Australian-trained dentists working there.

Good oral care starts at home with a proper brushing and flossing routine, so make sure you and your family have that locked down. Quitting smoking is also important.

Chloe Quin is wellness expert with Health.com.au