Why is December the Perfect Time To See Your Dentist?

December is a busy month for dentists and patients alike. Between holiday parties, recitals, and other seasonal events, it’s easy for oral health to get lost in the shuffle of December’s festivities.

Scheduling an annual checkup and cleaning appointment is the best way to prevent any oral health issues from developing in the first place. However, it is also the best time of year to establish healthy oral hygiene habits that will hopefully last you a lifetime. Here are some ways you can benefit from having your teeth cleaned at the dentist’s office in December.

Improving Oral Health Routines

Most people don’t think about seeing the dentist until they notice a problem with their teeth or gums. Unfortunately, by the time patients come in to see a dentist, the issue is already advanced and more difficult to treat. As a result, it typically requires more extensive and expensive treatment than a simple preventative cleaning would have cost. By scheduling an appointment in December, you can ensure that you and your family are set up with the best possible oral health routines for the coming years.

Preventative Treatments

Annual checkups are a great time to have your dentist treat any small issues before they become major ones. X-rays taken during a routine visit allow your dentist to identify cavities and other subtle signs of decay before they can cause permanent damage to your oral health. Additionally, preventive treatments like fluoride treatments and sealants are often applied during routine appointments to protect teeth from plaque buildup and decay.

Preventing Bad Breath

Bad breath is often caused by bacteria that build up in your mouth over time. While daily brushing and flossing is a great way to prevent bad-breath-causing bacteria from building up on your teeth and tongue, professional cleanings are also crucial for preventing this from occurring. During a routine check, your dentist will perform a professional cleaning of your mouth, removing any built-up plaque and tartar that are contributing to bad breath. They will also polish your teeth to help remove any stains and make sure that your smile looks as bright and clean as possible.

Insurance Benefits Expire At the End of the Year

For many patients, the end of the year is a time to reevaluate their insurance coverage and make decisions about their coverage going forward. If you’ve paid your deductible for the year or reached your maximum allowable expenses, then your insurance benefits are exhausted as of Dec. 31. If you don’t use your remaining insurance benefits before the end of the year, you lose them for good. This can be a major benefit if you decide to undergo treatment in January, like dental cleanings.

Visit Georgetown Cosmetic Dentistry at 2440 M Street, NW, Suite 328, Washington, DC 20037, or call (202) 785-4141 to learn more about tips to maintain a healthy smile.