The dentist is the bg scary boogey man from the closet or at least his bill can be. Have you found ways to take the fear out of the expense and reduce your costs?

My dentist is very good about telling me things that may be coming down the road - like fillings that are showing signs of stress and may need replacement.  I have dental insurance, which covers cleanings, but anything else it only covers 70%, so it's nice to be able to anticipate.

When I was much younger, I didn't have dental insurance - but my dentist was (and still is) a personal friend, and he traded me several fillings for 12 hours of babysitting... but that was a long time ago; the "baby" was 2 at the time, and is about to enter his second year of college.

Never had dental insurance except when I was married.

Have 4 crowns in my mouth ! I've had oral surgery twice. I've had 2 abcessed teeth in the past. That's not counting the fillings !

Been there, done that !

I floss my teeth and brush them. I see the dentist 2 times a year to get my teeth cleaned. That keeps me from having more cavities. I do not eat popcorn.

I do, however, grind my teeth when I am stressed.

My teeth show the stress I've been through.

My dentist says that there is additional stress this year on my teeth due to Mom's death and the tornado.

Get my teeth x-rayed every so many years.

I can't remember how much it costs to clean my teeth.

our dentist is great guy he is really into barter so his Son who works with him .we barter alot of things with him .. and the crazy thing we have dental insurance  

I need to have a tooth fix it chipped a bit but honestly I havent done anything about it I'll do it when I get time .

I completely eliminated by dental expenses.  I quit going to the dentist 24 years ago.  I had no dental insurance for about a decade so I didn't go.  So far, nothing bad has happened.   I keep my teeth clean, have no tartar build up, and no pain.   If something goes awry, I will go back.