Spring Cleanings

This weekend in Northern California brought some beautiful weather, mid-seventies and tons of sunshine. Spectacular! There were even some cherry trees starting to blossom-- a sign of the first glimpse of Spring and the warmer weather to come. As I worked in my yard and around my patio enjoying the sun and the warm breeze, I began to mentally make a list of all my "spring cleaning" items. There is just something about the newness and the freshness of the season that inspires me to regroup, reorganize, and prepare myself for the next things that life will bring.

Of course by the end of my brainstorming session the list always ends up consisting of far more than just a few chores that need to be done. It sort of evolves into a list of personal things I need to accomplish as well, including things such as appointments that I've been meaning to get scheduled. As much as I try to stay on track with my own family's medical and dental appointments, they sometimes get delayed during life's daily craziness.

So this year for my spring cleaning, I've organized my whole family for "Spring Cleanings" with our dental office. The timing is perfect ( after the hectic holiday months and before our busy summer schedule) and it will put us all off to a great, healthy start for the new season. Best part is that in 6 months when it's time for our next visit, it will be in the fall, before life gets too crazy again!

I encourage you all to organize your "spring cleanings", too. And then smile, because warm weather and a healthier you are just around the corner.

A Healthy Mouth in an Ailing Economy

Concerned about the recession and the rising cost of your health related care? If so, don't make the mistake of putting off routine dental visits. Keeping up with your regular exams, dental x-rays, and dental cleanings can go a long way toward preventing bigger and more expensive problems in the future.

Many people who have dental insurance make the mistake of not coming in for routine visits. Don't allow yourself to be one of these patients! These simple, routine office visits allow your dental clinicians an opportunity to identify areas of concern early on. In most cases, problems that are detected early are more easily treated. This means means less time in the dental chair, and less cost to the patient.

When dental issues are neglected they don't disappear, they only worsen, leading to more time spent in the dental office (and away from work) and greater cost to the patient. Routine exams, x-rays and cleanings are usually covered at a high percentage rate (often 80-100%) by many dental plans, meaning that these preventative visits may cost a patient little to nothing out-of-pocket. Simple restorative procedures such as fillings are considered a "Basic" service by dental insurance plans and are usually covered at a higher percentage rate than more involved dental work. So identifying dental problems early and treating them right away can actually SAVE YOU MONEY! Another thing to keep in mind: patients who have dental insurance that goes unused will lose those insurance dollars at the end of their "insurance year". This is essentially throwing your hard-earned money away. So, when thinking in terms of your dental benefits, it's a "Use It or Lose It" situation--and no one wants to be a "loser".

For patients who don't have the benefit of a dental insurance program, it still make the best sense to come for regular visits and treat problems early. Many employers will allow employees to put away money in a Flex-Spending account to help ease the burden of health expenses, so check with your employer about specific benefits that you may be able to utilize. In addition, financing options do exist (sometimes even interest-free), and special courtesies may be extended such as a reduced rate for senior citizens.

So, if you've been putting off your dental visit due to fear of unknown costs, at least make sure you're taking advantage of benefits you may already have. And, be sure to take care of those preventative appointments as soon as you can. Smile, and be healthy!