Visiting the dentist may not exactly be your idea of a perfect afternoon. However, lots of health problems can arise if you make a habit of skipping out on your biannual dental checkup. Cavities, gum disease, tooth stains, and chronic bad breath can all develop if you avoid routine dental care. Your dentist in Cary understands that remembering to make or keep these checkups can be difficult, which is why they’ve provided three easy tips for fitting these appointments into your busy schedule.
Book Your Next Appointment at Your Checkup
The thought of our next dental appointment hardly ever crosses our minds. In fact, many of us barely even think about our teeth even as we’re brushing and flossing. Because of this, months or even years could go by before you realize it’s time for a routine exam.
Instead of worrying about remembering to schedule your next checkup and cleaning, go ahead and book your next one at the end of your appointment. Even if you end up having to reschedule it, it’s good to have something in the system that your dental office can remind you about later.
Set Reminders in Advance
Six months is a long time, and chances are you’ll forget about your next appointment between now and then. When you write down the date of your checkup on your calendar, it helps to set another reminder for two or three weeks beforehand. That way, you’ll have time to schedule work or personal events around your appointment or reschedule if something comes up.
Stick to the Same Time of Year
You’ll have an easier time remembering to see your dentist when you make your checkups part of your annual routine. Try to avoid the winter holidays or back-to-school season, since those are usually busy times for dentists. Instead, choose a transitional time like the beginning of spring or summer. Eventually, the change in season will be enough of a reminder to schedule your next exam and cleaning all on your own.
Not going to your dental checkups at least twice a year can contribute to a whole host of oral health problems. If it has been a while since your last appointment, call your dentist today. Regular checkups will keep your smile looking and feeling its best!
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh is a dentist in Cary, NC who practiced dentistry in India before moving to the United States and earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Through his memberships in the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the North Carolina Dental Society, he stays up to date on the latest techniques in dentistry. He treats all his patients, including new arrivals, with unparalleled kindness and respect. To learn more about the power of preventive dental care, visit Dr. Singh’s website or call (919) 460-5454.