We are very skilled at convincing ourselves that we want pleasure and avoid pain. What if our motivations are leading us astray?
Visiting the dentist isn’t something you enjoy for many reasons. Routine visits to your dentist are the best way to prevent or treat any problems. Only 35% of Americans over 35 visit the dentist each year.
These are six reasons people avoid going to the dentist. Six reasons why you should visit the dentist twice a year to feel great every day.
COST
People avoid the dentist at any age because of the high cost. While it may be more fun to save money on your next vacation, investing in your oral health will pay dividends.
Bad oral health can lead to tooth loss, self-esteem problems, and more expensive dental work. Maintaining good oral health will help you keep your teeth healthy and increase your self-confidence.
INVESTMENT: Why your dentist is important
Protect your financial future and your oral health by purchasing your dental health now.
BELIEF ORAL HELTH CAN BE SUFFICIENT
People believe that if they brush regularly and have no symptoms, then their oral health is in good shape and it’s not necessary to visit the dentist.
It’s admirable to be proactive. This is something that’s well worth maintaining. Even the best oral hygiene practices can’t eliminate tartar or replicate the techniques and resources of the dental team.
Tartar is also known as dental calcium. It is a hardened, crusty substance that forms from plaque on your teeth. Tartar can not only be ugly but also easily stain. Tartar can make it hard to clean plaque off teeth. This can increase your risk of developing gum disease, gum disturbance, or cavities.
Your dentist can detect and treat any tartar buildup in your teeth. Routine cleanings and examinations are a great way for your dentist to identify and treat any signs or decay of teeth, gum disease, and fractures as quickly as possible.
SELF-CARE IS A REASON TO VISIT YOUR DENTIST
Two visits to the dentist are recommended each year. You will be able to improve your quality of life and sleep by visiting the dentist twice a year.
TIME
Time is our most valuable resource. Research has shown that it is more rewarding to spend our time doing things that make you happy than to buy stuff.
You may be tempted to save time by skipping the dentist to save time.
Just like other reasons to avoid going to the dentist, there is a catch. While it may seem easier to skip routine preventative care at the beginning, it can end up costing more in time and money.
Gum disease and tooth decay can cause irreversible damage. Restorative treatment is the only way to fix them. If a problem isn’t fixed quickly, you will be spending more time trying to fix it.
LONG-TERM REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT OUR DENTIST
It can save time. Early visits to the dentist can help you save time, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and reduce stress.
ANXIETY
You are not the only person suffering from dental anxiety. Anxiety affects around 80 percent of Americans. Fear and anxiety can lead to a 9% to 15% decrease in dental visits.
Patients with dental anxiety are more likely than others to cancel or skip appointments. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and eventually tooth loss. This can cause anxiety about one’s mental, social and physical health. There are many options. Your dentist can help you with dental anxiety.
Self-Empowerment is the reason to SEE YOUR DENIST
Talking to your dentist can help you take control over your dental experience. Your dentist will develop a customized plan to help you reduce anxiety and improve your comfort.
SHAME
It can be frightening to have your teeth and mouth examined if your oral health is not good. It can feel as though your dentist will be judging your dental hygiene.
It’s a vicious circle: The more embarrassed you are about your smile, then the worse your oral health problems will get. How can you remove the shame associated your smile? Look for a dentist who is friendly and will make you feel at ease. No matter how bad your oral health is, a good dentist will not judge it.
READINGS TO HELP YOUR DENTIST: RESTORE YOUSELF ESTEEM
Feel confident in your smile, and you won’t feel embarrassed about your teeth and mouth.
MISSING THE CONNECTION BEHIND ORAL HEALTH & OVERALL HEALTH
Your oral health is directly related to your mental well-being (see #4 and #5).
Poor oral health can lead you to heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Your oral health could be at risk if you have certain medical conditions such as metabolic and immune disorders.