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The new year is right around the corner. If you’re like many people, you are probably making plans for the year ahead. Life can get busy pretty quickly as you work on your goals. It’s easy to delay seeing your dentist until you have more flexibility in your schedule; however, you don’t want to wait too long to have a cleaning and checkup. Here are 5 benefits of scheduling your dental checkup early in the year.
1. The Holidays Can Affect Dental Health
The holidays can mean bad news for your smile. More snacking, eating sweet treats, and deviating from your usual oral hygiene routine can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. A cleaning and checkup will ensure the holidays don’t come back to haunt your smile.
2. Your Dental Insurance Resets
Your dental insurance benefits will reset on the 1st of the year. Although you have 12 months to use your coverage, less than 3% of Americans meet or exceed their annual limits. You can avoid throwing money down the drain by visiting your dentist early. You can use your monthly investment to improve your oral health in 2023 for minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Lower Your Long-Term Oral Health Expenses
The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup every 6 months, even if you don’t have any oral health concerns. Dentistry is designed to stop common dental problems from occurring in the first place. Preserving your dental health lessens the likelihood of needing treatment later to save money down the road. Research has found that every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on restorative and emergency fees. You’ll keep cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss at bay while having a little more money in your pocket.
4. Avoid a Dental Emergency
You probably never expect a dental emergency to happen to you, but they are common. 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency annually. While accidents can happen, many urgent oral health issues result from untreated dental problems. Routine appointments allow your dentist to monitor your dental health to ensure there aren’t any untreated concerns hiding in your mouth. You won’t have to worry about a toothache interrupting your day or an unexpected dental bill by scheduling a cleaning and checkup.
5. A Healthy Mouth Supports a Healthy Body
Your oral and general health are connected. Certain dental issues can increase your risk of health problems, like gum disease’s link to heart attacks and strokes. Ensuring your mouth is healthy will support your wellness to feel your best during the upcoming year.
If it has been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, now is the perfect time to recommit to your oral health.
About Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti
Dr. Ponnaganti earned her dental degree at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued her education in advanced services, like dental implants, laser dentistry, and oral sedation. She is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you need a dental checkup, request an appointment online or call (727) 485-9330.