Humans are extremely adept at convincing ourselves to seek pleasure and avoid pain. But what if our motivations could be leading us wrong?
For many reasons, visiting the dentist is not something you enjoy doing. Routine visits to the dentist are the best way for you to prevent and treat any problems. Only 35% of Americans above 35 years old visit the dentist every year.
These are the top 6 reasons why people don’t visit their dentists. Six reasons why a twice-yearly appointment to the dentist can make you feel great every single day.
COST
Cost is the main reason that people avoid going to the dentist at all ages. It may seem more fun to save money for your next vacation, but investing in your oral health pays dividends.
Poor oral health can cause tooth loss, low self-esteem, and more costly dental work. Good oral health can help you maintain your teeth and improve your self-confidence.
INVESTMENT: Why you should see your dentist
Buy your dental health today to protect your oral health, and your financial future.
BELIEF ORAL HEALTH CAN BE SUFFICIENT.
People believe that if they brush their teeth regularly and don’t have any symptoms, their oral health is good and going to the dentist is not a problem.
Your proactiveness is admirable, and it’s worth maintaining. However, even the most diligent oral hygiene efforts can’t remove tartar and replicate the dental team’s resources and techniques.
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened and crusty substance formed from plaque on your teeth. Tartar is not only ugly, but it can also stain easily. Tartar can make it difficult to remove plaque from teeth. This can increase your chances of developing gum disease, gum disturbance, and cavities.
Your dentist will be able to detect any problems and remove tartar from your teeth. Routine examinations and cleanings can help your dentist identify and treat any signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and fractures as soon as possible.
SELF-CARE IS REASONS TO VISIT YOUR DENTIST
The dentist should be seen twice a year. This, in addition to getting enough sleep and healthy eating, is essential self-care that will improve your health and quality of life.
TIME.
Our most precious resource is time. Research shows that spending our time doing things that make us happy is better than buying stuff.
It is tempting to cut corners to save time and skip the dentist in order to save some time for work or play.
There is a catch, just like all other reasons to avoid the dentist. It may be easier to avoid routine preventative care in the beginning but it can end up costing you more time and money.
Gum disease and tooth decay may cause irreversible damage. They can only be fixed by restorative treatment. You will spend more time trying to fix a dental problem if it isn’t addressed quickly.
LONG-TERM REASONS YOU SHOULD VISIT YOUR DENTIST
It saves time: Going to the dentist early can save you precious time, prevent unnecessary discomfort, and help reduce stress.
ANXIETY
Dental anxiety is not something that you are the only one experiencing. Around 80 percent of Americans experience some type of anxiety. Fear or anxiety can cause 9% to 15% to avoid going to the dentist.
Patients suffering from dental anxiety are more likely to cancel appointments or skip appointments. This increases the likelihood of tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. This can lead to anxiety about their mental, physical and social health. There are many options. Dental anxiety is very common, and your dentist can help.
SELF-EMPOWERMENT is a reason to SEE YOUR DENTIST
Talking with your dentist can help to take control of your dental experience and health. Your dentist will create a personalized plan for you to reduce anxiety and improve comfort.
SHAME
If your oral health is poor, it can be scary to have someone examine your mouth and teeth. You may feel like your dentist is going to judge your dental hygiene.
It’s a vicious cycle: The more you feel embarrassed about your smile, the worse your oral problems will become. How do you get rid of the shame associated with your smile? Find a dentist who will help you feel comfortable and show compassion. A good dentist will not judge your oral health, no matter how poor it is.
READINGS FOR YOUR DENTIST: RESTORE YOURSELF ESTEEM
You can feel confident about your smile and free from shame around your mouth and teeth.
MISSING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND OVERALL HEALTH
Your mental well-being is directly linked to your oral health (see #4 and #5).
Poor oral health can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, low birthweight, premature birth, and other health issues. If you have certain medical conditions, such as immune and metabolic disorders, your oral health may be at risk.