The new year has just begun, and it’s highly recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice before it ends. You might be tempted to put off your first appointment for a few months, but when it comes to oral health, it’s always better to get the care you need sooner rather than later. Here are 4 important reasons why you should schedule a dental checkup and cleaning as early in the year as possible.
1. It Lets You Start the Year with a Healthy Smile
Even if you’re brushing and flossing regularly, there might still be accumulations of harmful plaque and tartar on your teeth and gums. The sooner your dentist has a chance to examine your mouth, the sooner they can get rid of plaque and tartar before they can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. These issues can be treated, but avoiding them altogether is always preferable.
2. It Lets You Keep Your Oral Health Expenses Under Control
Having dental problems caught early can potentially save you a lot of money. For example, untreated tooth decay could eventually lead to needing root canal therapy or an extraction. However, if a cavity is caught while it’s still small, it can typically be treated with a filling, which is much less costly. A preventive appointment early in the year could make it less likely that you’ll need more expensive treatments in the coming months.
3. It Gives You a Head Start on Maximizing Your Dental Insurance
Many dental insurance plans reset at the end of each calendar year. If there are any benefits remaining at this time, they won’t be carried over; they’ll simply be lost. Consequently, if you’re not using your dental insurance to the fullest, you could potentially be losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars on dental care without even realizing it.
As such, you need to take whatever steps you can to maximize your insurance benefits before they expire. One of the easiest ways to do that is to visit your dentist, since many dental plans offer 100% coverage for preventive care. The more proactive you are about using your dental insurance, the easier it is to get the most out of your investment.
4. It Gives You a Chance to Improve Your Oral Care
Are there any spots in your mouth that you keep missing when you brush? Could you benefit from adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine? A dental checkup is an excellent chance to get feedback from your dentist about the care you give your smile so that you can be sure that you’re practicing the best dental health habits for the rest of the year.
About the Author
Dr. Khorasani is very passionate when it comes to bringing his patients the personalized high-quality dental care they need to protect their smiles. His current practice, Atlas Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Plano, offers a wide variety of dental services and accepts various popular dental insurance plans. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Khorasani, visit his website or call (469) 367-0266.