We humans are very good at convincing ourself to avoid pain and seek pleasure. What if the motivations we use to guide our actions could actually be leading us astray.
Visiting the dentist is not a pleasure activity for many reasons. Routine dental visits are the best way to prevent and treat problems with your teeth. However, only 35% of Americans over the age of 35 visit the dentist each year.
These are 6 top reasons people don’t go to their dentists. And 6 reasons that a twice-yearly visit to your dentist can make you feel great every day.
COST
The biggest reason people avoid visiting the dentist across all ages is cost. Although it may seem less fun than saving money for your next vacation to get your teeth cleaned, investing in your oral hygiene pays off in many ways.
Poor oral health can lead to tooth loss, poor self-esteem, and more expensive dental work. However, good oral health can help maintain your teeth, improve your overall health and self-confidence.
INVESTMENT: A REASON YOU SHOULD SEE YOUR DENTIST
You can protect your oral health and your long-term financial future by purchasing your dental health now.
THE BELIEF ORAL HEALTH IS ALREADY SUFFICIENT.
It’s easy for people to believe that if they regularly brush and floss and have no symptoms, then their oral health is in good shape and that going to the dentist is a hassle.
Your proactivity is certainly admirable and worth continuing. However, even the best oral hygiene efforts cannot remove tartar or replicate dental team resources and techniques.
Tartar (also known as dental calculus) is a hard, crusty substance that forms from plaque left on your teeth. Tartar is not only unattractive, but also susceptible to staining. It makes it hard to remove plaque from your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disturbance, or gum disease.
Your dentist can detect problems early and help you remove any tartar that may be hiding in your teeth. Your dentist can identify and treat signs of gum disease, tooth decay and fractures early on, through routine examinations and cleanings.
SELF-CARE IS A REASON TO VISIT YOUR DENTIST
Visit the dentist twice per year, along with getting enough sleep and eating healthy food, is an essential form of self-care that can improve your health and daily living quality.
TIME.
Time is one of the most valuable commodities we have. Research has shown that spending time on things that make us happier than buying something is a better way to spend our money.
We all want to save our precious time, so it can be tempting to skip the dentist to save some minutes for work or play.
As with all the other reasons to avoid the dentist, there is a catch. While avoiding routine preventative care may save you time in the beginning, it could end up costing you more money and time.
Gum disease and tooth decay can cause irreversible damage. Restorative treatments are the only way to fix them. If a dental problem is not addressed promptly, you will spend more time in the dentist’s chair trying to correct it.
LONG-TERM REASONS TO SEE YOUR DENTIST
It’s a time-saver: Choosing to see the dentist today can help you save precious time, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and reduce stress.
ANXIETY
You are not the only one who has dental anxiety. An estimated 80 percent Americans suffer from some form of anxiety. 9% to 15% of Americans avoid the dentist entirely due to fear or anxiety.
People with dental anxiety tend to cancel or avoid appointments, which increases their chances of experiencing tooth decay and tooth loss. This can also lead to anxiety about the health of their physical, mental and social well-being. The good news is that there are many options available. The good news is that dental anxiety is very common and your dentist can help you through it.
SELF-EMPOWERMENT: A REASON to SEE YOUR DENTIST
Talking to your dentist can help you take control over your dental health and experience. Your dentist will work with you to create a customized plan to ease anxiety and increase comfort.
SHAME
It can be intimidating to have someone look at your teeth and mouth if your oral health is not in top shape. It can feel like your dentist or hygienist is going to judge you for not taking care of your oral health, or having problems with your teeth.
It’s a vicious circle: the more shame you feel about your teeth, the worse your oral health problems will be. How can you stop feeling embarrassed about your smile? Look for a dentist who will guide you with compassion and make you feel at ease. No matter how bad your oral health is, a good dentist will never judge you.
REASONS TO SEE YOUR DENTIST – RESTORE YOUR SELF ESTEEM
You can feel confident and free from shame about your teeth and mouth.
MISSING THE CONNECTION BEHIND ORAL HEALTH & OVERALL HEALTH
Your oral health is directly connected to your mental well-being (see #4 and #5).
Poor oral health is linked to serious health problems such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, low birth weight, and premature birth. You may also be more susceptible to oral health problems if you have certain medical conditions such as metabolic and immune disorders.