4 Reasons to Start the New Year with a Dental Checkup

What are your goals for 2024? Many people focus on their personal wellness and finances when they are setting their New Year’s resolutions, and that is commendable. But when you are making a list of goals, you should not forget about your oral health! This blog post touches on some reasons why you should schedule a dental checkup early in the year. Your health and your wallet could benefit!

Take Full Advantage of Your Insurance

It is standard for dental insurance to reset every January 1, which means that you likely have a new set of benefits to use throughout 2024. Your plan probably allows you to attend two cleanings and checkups each year at no out-of-pocket cost. If you book your first appointment during the first few months of 2024, you will have plenty of time to make sure you attend your second checkup before your benefits expire.

Learn About Your Dental Health

Did you eat a lot of tasty treats during November and December? Many people indulge in sugary alcoholic beverages, decadent desserts, and sweetened coffee. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself in moderation, it is important to remember that sweet treats can cause cavities. Additionally, many people are stressed during the last few months of the year; that can cause them to grind their teeth.

If you attend a dental checkup early in 2024, your dentist can determine if any recent indulgences or stressors have damaged your smile. If they find any signs of developing problems, you can receive appropriate treatment before the situation becomes too serious.

Set Strategic Goals

Many people carry out their daily oral hygiene routine without much thought. While it is wonderful to have well-established brushing and flossing habits, there might be some room for improvement in the way you care for your teeth at home. During your checkup, your hygienist or dentist can give you tips on how to take great care of your teeth from day to day. For example, you might need to adjust some of the techniques you use or switch to products that will address your specific oral health concerns.

Set a Good Example

The early part of the year is a good time to book checkups and cleanings for your whole family. When you make it a priority to care for your oral health, you set an excellent example for your kids. As they grow, they could very well follow in your footsteps and take great care of their teeth year after year.

Have you scheduled your first dental checkup of 2024 yet? If not, now is the time to get your appointment on the books!

Meet the Practice

Dr. Ulysses Marable has been serving the Fort Valley community at Fantastic Smiles since 2007. He loves to establish trusting relationships with families while providing top-quality general oral health services. He is a strong advocate of preventive care and encourages everyone to attend a cleaning and checkup every six months. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Marable and our team, contact us at 478-825-3000.