New Year, New Dental Appointment: Why Scheduling a Checkup Early Is a Great Idea

The New Year is a time for new beginnings and casting aside old bad habits. In keeping with this spirit, why not make it a resolution to break your habit of procrastinating about scheduling your dental appointments? The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist at least twice a year for routine exams and cleanings so you can keep your smile beautiful and prevent oral infections. Here are a few reasons why it’s a great idea to book a dental appointment during the first few months of the year.

You Can Avoid Any Oral Health Surprises the Holidays Left Behind

The holidays are a wonderful time of year dedicated to celebration, gift-giving, feasting, and gathering with loved ones, but they can be harsh on your teeth if you’re not careful. Sweet treats like candy canes and Halloween candy, savory starches like sweet potatoes and Thanksgiving Stuffing, and alcoholic beverages like red wine and eggnog are distributed liberally during this time of year. The acids and sugars they contain can do a lot of damage to your teeth if you don’t consume them in moderation and practice excellent oral hygiene.

Luckily, your dentist is trained and equipped to examine your mouth and correct issues in their early stages before they become big problems. If you’re worried that you indulged a little too much over the holidays, seeing the dentist can clear up any issues and leave you with some peace of mind.

You Can Start the New Year with a Pretty Smile

Decades of use can take their toll on a person’s smile, and yellowing, discoloration, cracks, chips, and the like can leave someone’s grin not as pretty as it could be. During a routine cleaning, your dentist can remove much of the plaque and buildup that leads to stains, and dental bonding can fill in or cover up minor flaws in minutes and without anesthesia during your visit. This can leave you with a grin you won’t be shy about showing off.

Don’t let the new year season slip by without making a positive change. Scheduling a dental appointment can have you smiling beautifully and save you from painful and expensive dental emergencies in the long run.

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry earned his dental doctorate at the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency with the United States Navy. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, and the Charles A. George Dental Society. His office in Houston, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule an appointment for the new year, contact the office online or dial (281) 971-3440.