If you know anything about cars, you know that to prevent major problems from popping up, you need to get your car tuned up once or twice a year. The same principle holds true for your teeth. If you don’t attend a checkup and cleaning with your dentist in Lincoln every six months, various oral health issues can develop, like cavities, gum disease, chronic bad breath, and seriously stained teeth. However, dentists understand that remembering to make and keep these appointments is not always easy. To make it simpler, here are three tips to help you fit your biannual dental checkups into your busy schedule.
Schedule Your Next Appointment Immediately After Your Exam
Can you remember the date of your last dental exam? Probably not. It’s something most of us don’t think about. As a result, months can go by without our realizing we should have scheduled a checkup a long time ago.
Instead of letting all this time pass without routine dental care, go ahead and book your next checkup at the end of your last one, while you’re still in the office. Even if you have to reschedule, it’s good to have something penciled in that your dental office can remind you of later.
Set Reminders in Advance
A lot can happen in six months. Your appointment can sneak up on you even if you write it down on your calendar. When you first record the date of your next checkup, create another reminder for a couple of weeks before that. This will give you ample time to schedule your work around your appointment or reschedule if something else comes up.
Pick a Time of Year and Stick to It
Making your dental visits part of your annual routine can help you remember them just in case the tips listed above don’t work. It helps to choose months of the year when you’re not as busy. Transitional periods like the start of spring are great natural reminders that you’re due for an exam.
Has it been more than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning? If so, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist today. Regular appointments can help keep your smile bright and healthy!
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is a dentist in Lincoln, NE who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1999. He is one of only two dentists in all of Nebraska to hold the prestigious position of Visiting Faculty Member at Spear Education. He personalizes treatment for each patient, and believes that regular preventive visits are crucial for long-term oral health. To learn more, visit Dr. Olberding’s website or call (402) 488-2325.