Primary Prevention: 4 Reasons to Have Your Dental Checkup Early

Now that a new year has begun, it’s a great time to set goals for self-improvement in the coming months. While many people will visit the gym more to focus on their health, don’t forget that your dental well-being is just as important. Having a checkup with your dentist every 6 months helps you prevent dental problems down the road. If you haven’t already, why not resolve to have your dental visit earlier in the year? Keep reading for 4 reasons why it’s a good idea!

Reason #1: Insurance Resets

Many dental insurance plans start over on January 1 making it a great time to schedule your next checkup. Often, preventative care is covered by insurance companies because they know that it can help avoid more costly treatments down the road. For example, by identifying and addressing early signs of cavities now, you can avoid an expensive root canal later.

Reason #2: Oral Cancer Screening

Did you know that an oral cancer screening is included in a standard dental checkup appointment? Unfortunately, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. The good news is that if it’s caught early enough, it’s often treatable. That means it’s essential to visit your dentist sooner rather than later to ensure that you haven’t developed any signs of this serious condition.

Reason #3: Avoid Gum Disease

Another serious dental problem that often goes unnoticed is gum disease. Nearly 75% of American adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease and aren’t aware of it. Because the early signs are so hard to detect, you’ll need a skilled expert to diagnose it early. If you wait to see your dentist, your gum disease could worsen and enter your bloodstream which is associated with other health disorders like heart disease and diabetes.

Reason #4: Professional Cleaning

In addition to an examination, you’ll also receive a professional cleaning during your checkup. Even if you consistently brush and floss your teeth twice daily, there are places you might miss that your dentist is sure to take care of. This removes any plaque buildup or tartar from the surfaces of your pearly whites as well as between them and below your gumline. As a result, you’re much less likely to develop tooth decay or gingivitis.

Now that you know the many advantages of having your dental checkup earlier in the year, there’s no reason to procrastinate. Call your dentist today and you’ll start the year with a healthy, happy smile!

About the Practice

At Queen Creek Complete Dental you and your entire family benefit from a team of experts with nearly 20 years of experience, who provide a full range of services under one roof. They use state-of-the-art technology to accurately identify early signs of cavities and gum disease and treat them early. They’re comfortable with patients of all ages and stages of dental development so you and your children don’t need to visit multiple providers. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (480) 722-1200.