People often make resolutions in the new year, yet fail to meet them. In certain cases, it’s because the resolution was too vague, making it more difficult to know whether it was actually met. Alternatively, setting a resolution that’s far too ambitious can truly set you up for failure. If you’re looking for a resolution that’s relatively simple to complete and extremely beneficial to your oral and overall health, consider making the commitment to see a dentist twice a year for a dental checkup! Keep reading to learn the benefits of doing so from a dentist directly.
Maximizing Dental Insurance Benefits
If you currently use a dental insurance plan, it’s best to start making the most of your newly reset benefits while you have them. Not only is using your plan early in the year a great way to meet your deductible as soon as possible, but you can expect basic preventive dental services (i.e. checkups and cleanings) to receive the best coverage. It’s an easy way to make the most of your monthly premium and pay less for the care most essential to your long-term oral health.
Catch Dental Problems Before They Turn Serious
Dental checkups give you an opportunity to get a closer look at the current stage of your oral health. For many dental diseases, including tooth decay and gum disease, the early signs of development aren’t noticeable with the naked eye or from symptoms like pain. Once you start to notice signs of trouble, it’s likely too late to manage with preventive care. At that point, restorative solutions must be performed to get your smile back to normal.
Keep in mind that restorative dentistry is far more expensive and time-consuming to complete compared to preventive measures, giving you another reason to fulfil your resolution of two checkups a year (as well as positive at-home oral care).
Get Tips for At-Home Hygiene from a Pro
It’s always a good idea to take advantage of the time you have with your dentist when you’re there. While dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants are prepared to perform detailed exams, capture X-rays, perform a comprehensive cleaning, and apply fluoride if necessary, they are also a wealth of dental knowledge. If you have questions on how to make your brushing and flossing the best it can be (and ensure a new year free of dental disease), your checkup is the best time to get input. You just might learn that the products you’re using aren’t the best for your particular smile needs!
Start off the new year right by saving on your essential dentistry and perfecting your oral hygiene at home. Call a dentist to schedule your next checkup!
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani always puts preventive dentistry first in her dental office, ensuring her patients can maintain the smiles they were born with to the fullest extent. Of course, if dental disease causes issues, she’s hold the knowledge and expertise necessary to restore your smile to the fullest, both in terms of dental function and appearance. To schedule an appointment with her office, you can contact her through her website.