Dental checkups and cleanings are the most pivotal form of preventive treatment available. Allowing your dentist to examine your teeth and gums and check for any signs of decay or gum disease, these visits serve to get ahead of oral health problems instead of waiting until something more serious occurs. As important as they are, why do so many dental professionals encourage appointments at the start of a new year? Discover four reasons why you won’t want to put off your next cleaning and checkup.
#1: You Can Meet Your Deductible Quicker.
If you have dental insurance, you have an annual deductible you must meet each year. This kind of investment is one you don’t want to waste, so meeting this annual amount as quickly as possible is important, especially if you discover you need more complex care in the future (i.e., root canal, tooth extraction, etc.).
By scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning early on in the year, you can save even more in the future should a costlier treatment be required.
#2: Your Dentist Can Catch Problems Early On.
Identifying dental decay and gum disease early on is essential if more serious issues are to be avoided. The only way this can happen though is to meet with your dentist for a regular dental checkup and cleaning appointment.
Using specialized instruments and technologies, they can view areas of your mouth more closely, even seeing what lies beneath your gumline for a more comprehensive examination. By checking your mouth at the start of the year, you can avoid the need for restorative care later on.
#3: You Can Ensure Better Overall Health.
Maintaining a healthy smile is important, but you may not realize how impactful your teeth and gums can be on your overall health. It’s common for gum disease and tooth decay to be linked to several heart conditions, like stroke, diabetes, heart attack, etc. Also, Alzheimer’s, dementia, respiratory illness, and other similar problems can occur if good oral health and hygiene are not maintained.
By seeing your dentist for a dental checkup and cleaning, you can reduce your chances of needing to see a local physician for more in-depth, costlier care.
#4: You Can Begin Tackling Your New Year’s Resolutions.
Before the end of the year, many people make a list of their New Year’s Resolutions. If one of them is to practice self-care or prioritize your oral health, a visit to your dentist can be a great way to start tackling your list.
Taking better care of your smile is always a good idea, especially if you want to make sure your whole body experiences a positive change in the new year. Taking the time to schedule a visit and let the professionals examine your teeth and gums will set you up for success as you attempt to cross off your other resolutions along the way.
Don’t let the months go by without scheduling an appointment with your local dentist. With a dental checkup and cleaning, you can trust that your oral health is in the best possible shape moving forward – a realization that can have a positive impact on your daily life.
About the Author
Dr. Carl Gerner’s 45+ year career in dentistry makes him a reputable and respected dental professional among his peers and patients. Apart from changing smiles with innovative solutions, he also serves as a sleep apnea dentist who helps individuals take back their overall health. At True North Dental Group, though, he emphasizes the importance of preventive care, specifically, dental checkups and cleanings. If it has been more than six months since your last visit, check out our website or call (518) 563-7620.