A new year often means new beginnings – which can also mean that you’re pretty busy! While it’s understandable if scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning appointment is the last thing on your mind, the sooner you do, the better. Since this type of visit is preventive, checking it off your to-do list earlier in the year will benefit you in more ways than one. Here’s how.
Dental Insurance Benefits Reset
Every year on January 1st, your dental insurance benefits completely reset. As far as your policy is concerned, you haven’t gone past your annual maximum, and you haven’t used any of your free checkups and cleanings. The first one you book will be covered by your plan, so why wait? Plus, if you do need more extensive care, like fillings or crowns or root canals, then it’s more advantageous for you to take care of that now and make some progress towards your deductible.
Check on Your Oral Health
Dentists don’t recommend getting two checkups and cleanings per year based on a random whim. By spacing them out roughly six months apart, your dentist can keep a close eye on your oral health and is more likely to identify concerning symptoms before they grow into complicated problems. One cavity, for example, is much easier (and cheaper) to treat than two or three!
Refresh Your Teeth
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis is just as important as checking in on your health. After all, bacteria buildup is the most common cause of cavities and gum disease! While your toothbrush and floss can accomplish a lot, it takes some special tools and advanced skills to remove plaque and tartar – the hardened forms of oral bacteria. Your dentist will help you start the year with a fresh, bacteria-free smile.
Protect Your Pearly Whites
Checkups and cleanings are also a great time to give your pearly whites some extra protection for the days to come. Fluoride treatments can easily be added to routine appointments and are uniquely able to strengthen your enamel against cavity-causing bacteria. Athletic mouthguards, meanwhile, can help you avoid losing a tooth, and customized nightguards are great for those who grind or clench their teeth at night.
A timely preventive care appointment can really set you up for success. Studies consistently show that biannual checkups and cleanings significantly reduce the risk of harmful oral conditions. Since you’ll also be doing your wallet a favor, why not get your first visit of the year on the books? The peace of mind alone will be so worth it!
About the Practice
Our three experienced dentists at McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas combine their unique skillsets to provide our patients with comprehensive care. They’ve been serving the community with quality dentistry since 2003 and are proud to be in-network with most major PPO dental insurance plans. To schedule your first checkup and cleaning of 2026, simply call our office at 760-621-8700 or submit a request online!
