Experts recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. If you haven’t already scheduled a dental appointment for 2023, now is the perfect time to do so. There are several advantages to having your first dental checkup of the year completed as early as possible; here are just 5 examples.
1. Visiting Your Dentist Early Lets You Meet Your Deductible Sooner
Does your dental insurance plan reset at the beginning of the calendar year? If so, you’ll need to meet your deductible before you can take advantage of the coverage that your plan provides. The sooner you schedule your first dental appointment of the year, the sooner you can meet your deductible so that you can use your benefits to help pay for any dental work that might be necessary in the near future.
2. Your Dentist Will Be Able to Catch Cavities Early On
Many people assume that they’ll know right away if they have a cavity. The unfortunate truth is that tooth decay often doesn’t cause any obvious symptoms until it has already reached its more severe stages. By having a dental checkup performed now, you’ll give your dentist a chance to identify and treat cavities. This can potentially help you avoid root canal therapy and other costly treatments later on.
3. You Can Potentially Stop Gum Disease from Growing Worse
Gum disease may seem like a very mild dental issue at first, but left untreated it can cause you to lose your teeth. The good news is that professional cleanings can potentially help reverse early-stage gum disease. Thus, a dental appointment at the start of the year can go a long way toward helping you maintain healthier gums.
4. Your Dentist Can Help You Identify Weaknesses in Your Brushing Routine
Even if you’re brushing twice every day, there could be parts of your mouth that you’re overlooking without realizing it. Plaque and tartar can build up in such areas, eventually leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Not only can your dentist remove plaque and tartar buildup, but they can also give you tips for brushing more effectively so that you can take better care of your smile throughout the year.
5. You Can Have an Oral Cancer Screening Performed
Oral cancer may not get as much attention as other types of cancer, but it’s estimated to cause at least one death every hour. Having oral cancer identified and treated during its early stages could make all the difference for your chances of survival. Your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening as part of your regular checkup, so don’t delay in setting up your first appointment of the year.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the NYU College of Dentistry. She is very diligent about keeping up with the latest trends in dentistry so that she can continue to offer her patients state-of-the-art treatments. At Aegis Dental in Carrollton, she provides comprehensive care for adults and children alike. To schedule your first dental checkup of the year with Dr. Chandy, visit her website or call (972) 492-6700.