Snakes, spiders, public speaking, confined spaces, the dentist…some people may find at least one of these things to be scary. Okay, being trapped in a small space sounds like something to worry about, but most of these topics get way too much bad PR.
A visit to the dentist is not something to fear because they are there to help you, but even if you can’t get your worries under wraps, they can help you relax with multiple options for sedation dentistry.
Keep reading to learn some of the most common reasons patients don’t see the dentist, as well as why making an appointment shouldn’t cause dental anxiety.
Why Do People Often Say They Don’t Go to the Dentist?
There are probably a million reasons people tell themselves the dentist should be avoided, but here are some that get mentioned often:
- Nothing is wrong: A person may think they are doing great just because they have no oral pain and their teeth look okay in the mirror, but that can be misleading.
- No insurance: Either someone has no insurance at all, or they feel they don’t have enough coverage for treatment to be affordable.
- Shame: A person with a poor dental situation and/or bad breath may avoid the dentist due to embarrassment. Meanwhile, things will continue to deteriorate.
- Fear: It can be caused by negative experiences in the past, being scared of sharp objects, or some other reason a person deems valid.
- Forgetfulness: Some people will say they forgot to make an appointment.
Why Should I Make a Dentist Appointment?
If your teeth had any say in the matter, they’d say your dentist is to be cheered, not feared. Here are some reasons to make that appointment:
- You shouldn’t fear dental tools. If you get worried when you see tools the dentist uses, simply asking them or a hygienist what the tools are used for can relieve anxiety. People fear what they don’t understand.
- Treatments can be explained ahead of time. Maybe you worry what will be done to you at the dentist. In advance, you can ask what a checkup or specific treatment entails so you don’t have to wonder.
- The average appointment is 60 minutes or less. When a standard exam or cleaning is involved, it’s not a situation where you’re going to need to clear an entire afternoon.
- Dentists are people, too. Behind the mask, your dentist is just a human being who studied hard in school to pursue a dream. Asking them about their life or what they like about being a dentist can help you realize you have some things in common with this person you’ve been avoiding.
People can always create a reason why they don’t want to do something, but it is important to consider the consequences of every decision. If you want to have a nice smile for many years to come, don’t let dental fear get in your way and schedule a checkup soon.
About the Author
Dr. David Parsons has more than 40 years of experience and most of that has been spent right here in his hometown of Winfield. When it’s time for a routine checkup, he will inspect your teeth, gums, oral tissues, jaw, and throat to ensure there are no underlying problems, plus a hygienist will perform a detailed cleaning to remove plaque and tartar before they can cause cavities and gum disease. To schedule your next exam, visit his website or call (620) 221-0730.