As the year comes to a close, schedules get busy with holiday plans, shopping, and celebrations. But there’s one important thing you shouldn’t forget—your end-of-the-year dental cleaning! Taking the time to schedule this appointment before the year ends is not only good for your oral health but can also save you money and make the most of your dental insurance benefits.
The Importance of Regular Cleanings
Your teeth and gums need regular care to stay healthy. Even if you brush and floss every day, it’s impossible to remove all the plaque and tartar that can build up over time. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can harden into tartar if it’s not removed. Tartar is much harder to clean on your own and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Skipping regular cleanings increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems. Gum disease, in particular, can lead to serious health issues like tooth loss and infections. A professional cleaning helps prevent these issues by thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums, leaving your mouth healthy and fresh.
Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits
If you have dental insurance, you probably have benefits that reset at the end of the year. Most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year, but if you don’t use them, you lose them. Any unused benefits usually don’t roll over into the next year, which means you’re leaving money on the table if you don’t schedule your cleaning before December 31.
Getting your end-of-the-year cleaning ensures that you’re making the most of your insurance plan. It’s a simple way to maximize your benefits while taking care of your oral health.
Start the New Year Fresh
The end of the year is the perfect time to get your teeth professionally cleaned because it sets you up for a fresh start in the new year. Clean, polished teeth feel great and help you maintain a healthy smile. Plus, a dental cleaning can remove stains and brighten your teeth, giving you a confidence boost for all those holiday photos and New Year’s celebrations.
If your dentist discovers any potential issues during your cleaning, such as cavities or early signs of gum disease, you can address them right away. Taking care of small problems now can prevent them from becoming bigger, more expensive issues later.
Stay Healthy During the Holidays
The holiday season is full of delicious treats, from cookies to candy canes to festive drinks. While it’s okay to indulge a little, these sugary snacks can lead to plaque buildup and increase your risk of cavities. Getting your teeth cleaned before the holidays helps protect your smile by giving your teeth a fresh start.
A dental cleaning also helps you stay on track with your overall health. Studies have shown a link between oral health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and more. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you’re supporting your overall well-being.
A Healthy Smile Is the Best Gift
Taking care of your oral health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. An end-of-the-year dental cleaning ensures that your teeth and gums are healthy, helps you use your dental insurance benefits, and sets you up for a great start to the new year. Don’t wait—schedule your cleaning today and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile!