Now that December is here, it’s time to wrap up the current year and prepare to start strong in 2025. Although many people resolve to eat healthier or spend more time at the gym, don’t forget that your dental condition matters, too!
Scheduling routine visits with your dentist every six months allows them to monitor your condition to spot and address any issues before they progress into serious problems. Unfortunately, some people skip their appointments if they don’t have any immediate concerns. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why you should book your checkup for early in the new year!
Motivation #1: Dental Insurance Benefits
Did you know that an estimated 100 billion dollars of dental insurance benefits go unused annually? Most policies fully cover basic preventative care, including standard checkups and cleanings, to prevent a need for more costly and complicated treatments down the road. If you have insurance but avoid appointments, you’re not making the most of the policy you’ve already invested in.
Most insurance plans reset their benefits at the start of the calendar year, meaning perks like complimentary preventative exams and imaging are once again available. Taking advantage of them can save both your budget and oral health as you head into the new year.
Motivation #2: Hidden Concerns
Although brushing and flossing twice daily are essential components of your at-home dental hygiene routine, it’s possible to develop issues and not know it. For instance, the early signs of gum disease are notoriously difficult to spot, so the disease often progresses to the next stage. Furthermore, you might develop cavities in places that are difficult to see on your own, like behind your molars or between teeth.
Fortunately, your dentist knows what to look for and can spot areas of concern before they worsen. They can catch gingivitis and help stop it in its tracks, for example, or provide tooth-colored fillings or a root canal to address cavities or infection to preserve your natural teeth.
Motivation #3: Oral Cancer Screening
Many patients are unaware that their dentist screens their mouths for signs of oral cancer as a standard part of routine visits. This condition is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and can be lethal if it’s not addressed quickly enough. Sources estimate that about 64% of diagnosed people will survive the next 5 years. While this illness typically only impacts 1 in 59 men or 1 in 139 women, it’s incredibly dangerous and can be expensive to treat.
Visiting your dentist early in the coming year ensures that you’re taking proactive steps to maintain your oral condition and finances to meet all your goals early on.
About the Author
Dr. Barry Franzen has 25+ years of experience helping patients build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his DDS degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and received prosthodontic training at the University of Missouri and Truman Medical Center. Now, he offers a wide array of services to meet all your needs, whether you require basic preventative care or have developed a more serious issue. He combines a kind and caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (414) 543-5432.