Most New Year’s resolutions revolve around increasing your health and your wealth. But did you know your oral health is connected to your overall health? In fact, more than 120 diseases can be detected by the dentist during a routine exam. By prioritizing dental resolutions not only will it help create a win-win situation for your oral and overall health but your financial situation as well. There’s no better way to solve dental issues than avoiding them in the first place, and it’s true that a dollar saved is a dollar earned!

Power up your healthy habits

Even if you think your oral health is in good standing, preventive care is an important way to maintain it. As you clean between your teeth and brush regularly, you may notice your gums become less sensitive and bleed less. Here are a few smile-friendly tips to help keep your routine:

• Gently brush teeth thoroughly twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily between the teeth to remove plaque. Make sure to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months.
• Limit alcohol intake. Sugar-heavy beverages, like some wines, fuel harmful bacteria and can be a major risk factor in tooth decay production. If choosing to enjoy a few drinks, try to alternate your alcohol with a glass of water in between to keep your mouth rinsed and hydrated.
• Include vitamin-rich foods in your diet. Green leafy vegetables, potatoes, and red and green peppers help give your teeth nutrients while also boosting your immune system.

Check-in with your dentist

Scheduling routine dental exams allows your dentist to monitor your oral health and address any issues before they become bigger problems. Getting your teeth cleaned also helps remove tartar buildup that can only be removed by a dental professional, preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues resulting from excess tartar. This saves you time and money and keeps your dental and overall health in prime condition.

TruAssure plans focus on prevention with exams, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants covered at 100% in-network, and most plans cover two routine cleanings every calendar year. When TruAssure members visit a network dentist, they can save between 20 to 40% on their dental treatment. Here is an example of how much you can save when you visit a network dentist.

Brush up on your dental benefits

With the start of a New Year, reviewing your dental benefits and knowing what is covered under your plan, your annual maximum amount, and when your dental benefits start over is important.  Dental plans are either by calendar year or by plan year. If your dental benefits are by calendar year, they renew on January 1, meaning your annual maximum will reset at that time. Certain benefits may also reset at the beginning of your dental plan year, such as the number of cleanings, exams, and X-rays allowed with your plan, making it easy to get the preventive care you need to start the year off right.

The New Year is the perfect time to commit to positive changes in your life, and your dental health is no exception. Enhancing your oral health routine, practicing preventive care, and maximizing your dental benefits will significantly impact your long-term oral and overall health while also protecting your wallet. Now that’s something we can all smile about!