The new year is finally here, which means you probably have all sorts of new goals, resolutions, and plans that you’re hoping to tackle in the upcoming months! But before you get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of 2024, something you might want to find time for is your next dental checkup! Planning and attending this visit will set your smile up for long-term success, and it’s in your best interest to go early in the year. Here are a few reasons why.
1. Your Dentist Can Identify Potential Oral Health Issues
Dental problems have an annoying tendency to remain hidden until they become serious and costly to remedy—but early intervention from your dentist can prevent this from happening! During routine dental checkups, your provider will closely examine your mouth for any potential problems that need to be handled. This includes common issues like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, but might also include serious problems that aren’t always obvious to you (one example of this is symptoms of oral cancer). Rest assured, if there are any big or small issues present, your dentist will work to identify and resolve them!
2. You’ll Head into the New Year with a Beautiful Smile
Of course, there are aesthetic benefits to be gained too by seeing your dentist early on in the year. Dental cleanings can actually remove a lot of the mild staining that results from tobacco, coffee, and other consumables known to cause enamel discoloration. Not to mention, you might also have other issues with your teeth that you’d like addressed, and your dentist can work with you to come up with a customized treatment plan for getting your smile back to looking its best.
3. You’ll Start Using Your Insurance Benefits
If you have dental insurance, the start of a new calendar year means that your benefits have reset—and now is the perfect time to begin using them! Most insurance plans cover the cost of preventive checkups and cleanings, since they go a long way towards preventing costly future treatments. Regardless of whether or not you took advantage of your coverage last year, you should take full advantage of your plan this year!
You shouldn’t wait around to schedule your first checkup of the new year; the sooner you do so, the sooner you’re guaranteeing the health of your pearly whites throughout 2024!
About the Author
Dr. Mark Makram received his DDS from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in Naples, FL for several years. His practice is excited to offer various preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options. If you or someone in your family is due for their next dental checkup, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Makram’s team online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (239) 513-9990.
