Dental Checkups: The Easiest Resolution You Could Wish for

You’re relieved to see this year come to an end. Although 2020 was an exceptionally difficult year, that means there’s only room to improve, right? After struggling so much, you almost need an easy win. For your New Year’s resolution this year, you should consider something that’s simple yet still important—like resolving to visit the dentist at least every six months. Here are four things that this resolution of going for a dental checkup can do for you in 2021.

Change Bad Habits

New Year’s resolutions are all about changing for the better and overcoming bad habits. If you haven’t visited the dentist for a checkup in more than six months, then you unnecessarily put your smile in harm’s way. It’s time to make better choices! Take the opportunity now to stop this bad tendency of skipping this appointment. While some habits may be difficult to break, this is one you can faithfully keep twice every year.  

Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits

Do you have dental insurance benefits through work? If you haven’t been going in for your checkups and cleanings, you haven’t taken full advantage of the services you’re paying for. Although specific plans vary, most dental insurance plans cover the majority (if not all) the cost of these preventive visits.

In contrast, insurance typically only pays a portion of the cost of more advanced treatments like fillings, dental crowns, or root canals. If you’re looking to save money this year or at least get the most value for what you pay for, you need to use your dental insurance benefits the way they were intended—to prevent problems entirely.

Catch Problems Early

Sometimes, even with the best preventive care, oral problems can occur, including tooth decay, gum disease, or even oral cancer. However, these issues can be difficult to spot if you haven’t been to dental school. In every case, dental problems are much easier, less intensive, and more cost effective to treat sooner rather than later. These problems only get worse as time goes on, endangering your smile as well as your overall health. Regular dental visits allow a trained professional to examine your mouth and discover any issues as early as possible.

Stay on the Healthy Path

Did you know that many medical conditions actually have symptoms in the mouth? In fact, dentists sometimes are the first to recognize diabetes or other problems that require more attention. In addition, oral problems have a strong connection to serious issues elsewhere in the body. For example, those with gum disease are significantly more likely to get heart disease and Alzheimer’s. By taking care of your mouth, you can help the rest of your body stay strong and healthy.

If you want 2021 to be better than last year, you may not need to make drastic changes. This one, simple improvement can help you stay healthier and hopefully help you avoid a surprise dental emergency. Are you due for a dental checkup? Contact your dentist today!

About the Practice

At Stec Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we are proud to have three experienced and skilled dentists on our staff. With years of advanced training, each brings a unique background to the table, but they all share a passion for helping families in and around Grand Island achieve healthy smiles. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, you can contact Stec Cosmetic and Family Dentistry by calling 308-382-4440 or clicking here.