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 oral health, but 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 is price. This holds true across all age groups. 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, dental health problems, self-esteem issues, and more expensive and extensive 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
Protecting your oral health can be a great way to protect your most important assets, including your teeth, your health, your finances, and your sense of well-being.
THE BELIEF ORAL HEALTH Is ALREADY GOOD
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 proactiveness is certainly admirable and worth continuing. However, your oral hygiene efforts cannot remove tartar or replicate resources and techniques used by a dental team.
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 our most valuable commodities. Research has shown that spending time on things that make us happy is more rewarding than buying something expensive.
We all want to save our precious time, so it can seem easy to skip the dentist to preserve some moments 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 later.
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
ANXIETY
You are not the only one who has dental anxiety or fear. An estimated 80 percent Americans suffer from some form of dental anxiety. 9% to 15% of Americans avoid the dentist entirely because of fear or anxiety.
People with dental anxiety are more likely than others to cancel or avoid their dental appointments. This can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. It can also cause anxiety about the health of their physical, mental and social well-being. The good news is that there are many options available. Your dentist can help you get through dental anxiety because it is so common.
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 make you feel comfortable and care about your needs. 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 linked to your mental health (see #4 & #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.