Most dental insurance companies provide patients with available coverage for two dental checkups and cleanings each year. Most dentists recommend individuals come in every six months to be examined for tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. If your first visit happens later in the spring or summer, it’s okay, right? Although it’s not entirely wrong, a dentist is here to share why it’s best to schedule early on in the year instead of waiting until later.
Reasons Why a Checkup Early in the Year is Best
Maintaining good oral health throughout the year is essential. Dealing with various dental problems that require timely and costly restorative treatment can be the reality if you neglect to see your dentist every six months.
If you know it has been a long time since having your teeth and gums checked, there is no better time to schedule an appointment than at the beginning of the year. Apart from New Year’s Resolutions that many people set months before, there are other reasons why seeing your dentist early on is best:
You Have Dental Benefits to Use
If you have dental insurance, you will see that depending on your plan, you may be eligible to receive 80-100% coverage for your dental checkups and cleanings. Most dental insurance companies model their plans to encourage preventive care, as this reduces the potential for costlier services in the future. Because this will require you to pay little or nothing out of pocket, it is worthwhile to schedule an appointment early on in the year so that you don’t miss out on valuable savings.
Your Oral Health Will Stay in Better Shape
By visiting your dentist in January or February, you have the opportunity to embrace a healthier smile for the remainder of the year. It’s always best to identify problems early on, as this will ensure that issues are addressed before they worsen, giving you the best chance to stay out of the emergency dentist’s office and spend more time enjoying your healthy, beautiful smile. Not to mention, finding decay, cavities, or gum disease in their earliest stages gives you the greatest chance of avoiding timely procedures along the way.
You Learn How to Properly Care For Your Smile
Patient education is an important component of good oral hygiene, which is why seeing your dentist early in the year is a great way to set yourself and your smile up for success. Your dentist and dental team will go over helpful tips and tricks to better clean and maintain your teeth and gums while also recommending products designed to provide a healthier smile.
If one of your resolutions is to practice self-care this year, make sure to spend some time improving and maintaining your smile.
About the Practice
River Station Family Dentistry is led by Dr. Sally Bishko. Leading a team of qualified staff who are committed to helping patients smile, they encourage preventive care as the most effective way to ensure healthier teeth and gums year after year. If you or a loved one need to schedule an appointment for a six-month checkup, contact us at (802) 223-2244.