Why Now is the Time to Schedule Your Preventive Dental Appointments for 2026

New year, new you? This winter when you’re setting all your goals for 2026, don’t forget your smile! That’s right- while many people use the beginning of a new calendar as an opportunity to work towards new achievements, what they may not realize is that now is also the perfect time to plan ahead to protect their teeth and gums! Here’s why January is the ideal time of year to safeguard your oral health for the months ahead by booking your preventive exam and cleanings for 2026!

The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Your smile is your calling card, and one of the very first things people notice about you. Unfortunately, however, that means when it’s not in great shape, it can leave a negative impression and cause a variety of problems for your health and self-esteem. The good news is that in conjunction with a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, your regular preventive dental exam and cleaning can help keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best! Here are a few benefits to visiting your favorite dentist every six months.

Oral Cancer Screening

One of the best things about your regular preventive dental exams is that they include a comprehensive oral cancer screening.  Each year about 54,000 new cases of this potentially fatal disease are diagnosed, many of them by dentists during routine exams. In fact, an estimated 84 percent of cases are caught in their early stages by dental screenings, increasing the survival rate from around 50 percent to over 80 percent.

Clean, Healthy Teeth

In addition to your oral cancer screening, your preventive exam and cleaning are an excellent opportunity to get your teeth clean to protect them and your gums from harmful bacteria deposits that could cause cavities and gum disease. Not only that, but you’ll leave with a whiter, brighter smile to start off the year with, too!

Early Detection, Prevention, & Restoration

Many patients are surprised to learn that they have oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, or even that it may be time to replace an old crown or filling.  The good news is that although you may not want to get the news that you have tooth decay, by diagnosing it early, your dentist can treat it faster, before it has a chance to get worse and cause more damage to your smile!

Saves You Money

Finally, your dental check-ups save you money. In fact, if you have dental insurance, your exam and cleaning are likely already included, so you’d be losing money by not seeing your dentist regularly. Furthermore, if they do diagnose a problem at your 6-month appointment, you can treat it before it ends up costing more down the road. Thus, your preventive check-ups can save you money as well as the time it would take to treat more serious issues later!

Remember, now is the time to book your 2026 dental exam and cleaning appointments, so get on the books today for your preventive care and you’ll have plenty of reasons to smile in the new year!

About Dr. Kumar

Dr. Sowmya Kumar earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture at Mangalore University in India before moving to the United States and earning her Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and her dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. To schedule your preventive exams and cleanings for 2026 at Premier Walk-in Dental, visit our website or call us today at 321-631-4334.