Eye exams and dental visits often fall to the bottom of the to-do list, but neglecting them could have lasting consequences. If you’re like many adults in the U.S., chances are you’re overdue. According to the CDC, only about 57% of adults get an annual eye exam, and roughly 65% visit the dentist each year. That means millions are missing out on preventive care for two of the body’s most important and telling systems.
More Than Meets the Eye (Or the Mouth)
One of the most important reasons to stay on top of routine exams is simple: prevention. A small cavity caught early can be treated with a quick filling, but wait too long, and it could turn into a root canal or even lead to losing a tooth. The same is true for eye health. Elevated eye pressure, if detected early, can be managed to prevent glaucoma-related vision loss. But once that damage occurs, it’s permanent.
The earlier a problem is detected, the simpler, and often more affordable, the solution. That’s something both your wallet and your future self will thank you for. It’s easy to assume that eye exams are only necessary for people who wear glasses, or that dental visits are just for cleanings. In reality, your eyes and mouth can reveal early warning signs of serious health issues.
Routine eye exams can uncover high blood pressure, diabetes, and even neurological disorders. Dentists are often the first to identify oral cancer, autoimmune conditions, and gum disease, which is closely linked to heart disease and diabetes. What’s most alarming is that many of these conditions develop silently, without pain or obvious symptoms, until they’ve reached an advanced stage.
Regular checkups give you a critical head start, helping to catch problems early, when they’re easier to treat and less likely to cause lasting damage.
You’re Probably Already Covered, And Not Using It
The irony? Most insurance plans already cover these visits in full. Annual eye exams and twice-yearly dental cleanings are typically 100% covered under both employer-sponsored and individual health plans. That means no copay, no deductible, and no extra charges. Unfortunately, many people either aren’t aware of this or simply don’t make the time to schedule appointments, leaving valuable benefits unused each year.
No Insurance? You’re Not Out of Options
If you don’t have insurance, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Many community health clinics offer services on a sliding scale based on income. Dental and optometry schools often provide exams and treatments at significantly reduced rates, cleanings, fillings, even eye exams, all done under supervision by trained professionals. National programs like VSP’s Eyes of Hope and the Lions Club also offer free or low-cost vision care and glasses for those who qualify. A quick online search or visit to a local public health department can point you toward services available in your area.
Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call: Take Charge of Your Health Today
If it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam or dental cleaning, now’s the time to take action. Call your provider, check your insurance portal, or explore local clinics and programs if you’re uninsured. These appointments are quick, but their impact can be lasting.
Your body often speaks in subtle ways, and your eyes and mouth are among the first to send signals. Whether it’s a shift in your vision or early gum inflammation, these signs are worth noticing and acting on.
The best part? You don’t have to wait for something to go wrong. Preventive care is simple, affordable, and often free. Real health isn’t just about treating problems, it’s about getting ahead of them.