January is National Get Organized Month!  It’s the perfect time to take these simple steps to get your oral health on track. 

1. Schedule your dental appointments for the whole year.

When was the last time you visited the dentist, and when are you supposed to return? Coast Dental, SmileCare and Nevada Dental Associates allow you to schedule all of your appointments for the entire year as a convenience to you and your family.  If you wait, the dentist’s or hygienist’s schedule could fill up and you won’t have as many choices of dates and times.

2. Set aside funds in a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account

Even if you have dental insurance, you most likely will also have some out-of-pocket expenses. Many employers offer a health savings account or flexible spending account that enables you to set aside a pre-determined amount from your paycheck to cover medical and dental expenses.  These typically include:

• Office visits
• Teeth cleanings
• Sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• X-rays
• Root canals
• Crowns and bridges
• Dentures
• Implants
• Extractions
• Braces
• Lab Fees
• Prescription drugs
• Some mouth rinses
• Smoking cessation programs (but not over-the-counter drugs such as nicotine gum or patches)

3. Deduct medical and dental expenses on your taxes (restrictions apply).

The IRS lists the types of dental expenses you can claim on your taxes.  You can only claim medical and dental expenses on Schedule A (Form 1040) if the expenses total more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).  The list is similar to the one above.  Keep in mind that you cannot include in the Schedule A any expenses for which you were fully reimbursed by a flexible spending account or health savings account.

4. Purchase a power toothbrush and brush heads for the whole year.

Power toothbrushes like the Revolation and InteliSonic are clinically proven to reduce significantly more plaque from teeth, in between teeth and at the gumline than a manual toothbrush.  No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, dentists recommend replacing the brush heads every three months or after you’ve been ill.   By stocking up on brush heads, you won’t run the risk of forgetting to replace them later.

5. Add your dental office’s phone number to your cell phone.

This one only takes a second, but can save you a lot of hassle in the future!  Pull out your phone and save your dentist’s phone number right now. If you have a dental emergency, you’ll be glad you have it handy. 

With a little bit of planning now, you can make sure you have everything you need to keep smiling in 2012!

Written by: Beth Gaddis
Reviewed by: Chris Duffy
Reviewed by: Tim Hill