Start the Year Off Right: The Benefits of an Early Dental Checkup

December 8, 2025

Man smiling at his dental checkup

As you get ready to welcome the new year, you may be planning what you should start it with. You might want to go with a bang to bring in all the good vibes. There is no better way to do this than scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning. Doing it early can get your preventive care in for the first half of the year, while also giving you several advantages. Here’s what you should know.

Catch Oral Health Issues Early

When you have an oral health issue, like cavities or gum disease, it’ll start off minor. The symptoms that you may feel might not be too worrying. You may put them off, but when they are left untreated for too long, you can end up in a dental emergency.

Thankfully, you can avoid any serious complications by going to your dentist. They have the expertise to spot dental problems while they are still small. If they find these red flags, then you can get the treatment you need. You will be able to get a simple filling to get rid of a cavity instead of needing a crown to fix up major damage from it.

Start the Year with a Clean Smile

When plaque and tartar build on your teeth, they can harden. Once this happens, it cannot be cleaned by regular brushing and flossing. However, your dentist has the special instruments needed to remove them. If not, then you increase your risk for cavities and gum disease.

However, by scheduling a routine cleaning, you can start the new year with a blank slate. This simple visit can be a great way to help you avoid oral health issues in 2026.

You Can Meet Your Dental Insurance Deductible Sooner

Your dental insurance is also something you should consider. For many plans, they reset at the beginning of the year. Oftentimes, this includes your deductible. This amount is how much you need to pay before your provider will cover anything. By seeing your dentist early and getting the treatments you need, you can then meet it much sooner. This means that you will get all your benefits earlier and use them to their full advantage.

In the end, there are plenty of reasons to visit your dentist at the beginning of the year. Remember these three while you celebrate 2026 knowing you’ll have a stronger smile you love.

About the Author

Dr. Win Bell earned his dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is dedicated to the Cary community by giving them the highest-quality care possible. Dr. Bell is proud to offer preventive care, helping you avoid a wide range of oral health issues. Through his expertise and state-of-the-art technology, you can start the new year knowing your grin is problem-free. If you want to make sure your oral health is the best it can be, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Bell’s office at (919) 467-7360.