Save, smile, repeat: oral health on a budget

A healthy smile doesn't need to break the bank. Spend less, save more and maintain your oral health routine with these cost-saving suggestions.

Buy the basics at a dollar store.

There’s a whole section dedicated to oral health, so pick up some fluoride toothpaste, floss, extra toothbrushes, lip balm or mouthwash. Be sure to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months.

Stock up on toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss at a big box store.

Be sure to check the price per unit to confirm you’re getting a good deal and double-check the expiration date to see if you’ll use it up in time. Buying in bulk will keep your oral health necessities on hand throughout the year. No more last-minute runs to the store!

Check out sales for your oral health products.

Bargain hunting can lead to big savings over time. Dig through your junk mail and newspaper ads for print coupons, or go online and check the store's website or app for digital discounts.

Skip the teeth whitening toothpastes and kits.

Stick with basic cavity-fighting toothpaste instead of the fancier options, which might promise to whiten teeth but don't actually have added benefits. Fluoride is the most important ingredient and it is found in most budget-friendly toothpastes!

Consider switching to a store's private brand.

Most stores source their products from the same suppliers as national brands, so you’re getting the same product under a different name — just make sure it has fluoride!

Get the most out of your toothpaste tube.

Use only the recommended pea-size amount and then squeeze the last little bit out. You’d be surprised how many more brushings you can get when you squeeze the tube from the bottom and flatten on the way up!

Shop around online to find the best deals.

When it’s time to replenish your oral health supplies, take some time to browse online. Often, you can stack coupons from manufacturers on top of store discounts to bring the cost down even further.

Snag some samples at your next dental visit.

Most dentists provide a small goodie bag of oral health supplies, which may include a different type of toothpaste, toothbrush or floss that you haven’t tried before.

Although there are many ways to cut costs, it’s always best to prioritize your oral health. Be sure not to skip out on visiting your dentist for regular checkups, which are covered at 100% on most dental plans. Seeing the dentist regularly can save you money in the long run by detecting any dental problems early before they get costly to treat

Check out even more Grin! articles