The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist twice every year for a routine checkup and cleaning to avoid common oral concerns, such as cavities, gum disease, or chronic bad breath. But if you’re watching your budget closely or haven’t noticed any obvious issues in your mouth, you might be tempted to skip your standard preventive visit this fall.
But if you have dental insurance, this season can be ideal for scheduling your next appointment. Continue reading to learn about 3 reasons to see your provider before the year ends!
Reason #1: You’ve Likely Met Your Deductible
Dental insurance can be a simple and effective way to reduce out-of-pocket costs for different services and procedures. Most of these plans are designed to promote proper prevention, so they cover up to 100% of routine checkups, cleanings, and X-rays.
However, these policies also often include an annual deductible that must be paid before benefits can apply. Most dental insurance restarts on January 1st, so many people have already met this requirement in the back half of the year. That means you’re less likely to owe anything for a standard appointment in the fall, so you can put that money into the holidays.
Reason #2: Time Available Before Schedule Changes
Many people wait until they have time off of school or work to book their dental appointments, meaning that the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other traditional celebrations can become incredibly busy. You might have a hard time getting an appointment if you wait too long to contact your provider.
But your dental office likely still has openings in the period before the holiday rush, meaning that now can be an ideal time to contact them for routine preventive care.
Reason #3: Look and Feel Your Best for the Holidays
Many people look forward to the end of the year because it’s the perfect time to catch up with family, friends, or others close to your heart. But there are also plenty of sweet treats, like pumpkin pie, candied apples, or other sugary temptations, popular during fall that can erode your enamel. You may be more likely to develop damage or decay as a result.
Seeing your dentist for a checkup and cleaning strengthens your teeth and gums going into the holidays, which can help prevent issues like chips, cracks, cavities, or gum disease.
As you can see, there are several excellent reasons to contact your dentist to receive routine services before the holidays arrive!
Meet the Author
Dr. Erin Prach takes pride in helping improve her patients’ lives by enhancing their dental health. She earned her dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Wyoming Dental Association, which helps her stay current with the latest technology and treatment options. Today, she offers a full menu of services to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. She accepts dental insurance and offers flexible financing to help make your dental care more affordable. You can request an appointment on the website or call (307) 337-4770.