Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends a dental checkup and cleaning every six months to prevent cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer? Despite this, many people avoid going to the dentist due to anxiety or because they assume their mouth is healthy if they don’t have an immediate issue.
Plenty of patients wait too long between visits and then worry that their dentist will judge their dental condition when they finally book an appointment. If you’re concerned about how you’ll be perceived, continue reading to learn 3 reasons you can set your fears aside!
Consideration #1: They Want to Help
If you don’t floss regularly or your teeth look worse for wear, you might dread visiting the dentist because you assume you’ll be told off for your dental condition. Fortunately, most dentists today are aware that berating patients is not an effective way to encourage them to care for their teeth and aren’t likely to harass you.
Their top priority is your oral well-being. If they find issues, like thinning enamel or puffy, bleeding gums, they might ask questions to help direct treatments. For instance, they might inquire about your hygiene habits so they can identify the best way to mend cavities, address gum disease, or offer suggestions for improving your at-home dental regimen. This isn’t intended to guilt you or make you feel bad for your current situation but to provide information to guide their problem-solving process.
Consideration #2: You’re Not the Worst Case
You might think that your teeth and gums are in such deplorable condition that your dentist will surely have a few things to say about it. However, you might not realize that your dentist has likely seen grins in a worse state than yours. They see numerous patients on a daily basis and the chances of your smile being the most unhealthy they’ve ever come across is incredibly unlikely.
Plus, they’re professionals, and their job is to improve your dental well-being. Regardless of your current oral status, they won’t recoil in horror or make snide remarks. If they ask questions about your appearance, it may be to determine whether you’re interested in services to boost your confidence.
Consideration #3: Your Issue Might Progress
Dental problems usually don’t resolve themselves; quite the opposite. Generally, the longer you wait to have it addressed, the more likely it is to progress and cause additional damage. For instance, a simple cavity that could be handled relatively easily with a tooth-colored filling can become infected and require an emergency root canal and dental crown to function normally.
Seeing your dentist as soon as you notice an issue allows them to handle it right away to avoid additional harm and the need for more complex and costly treatments to fix it.
Even if you’re feeling ashamed about your dental condition, it’s better to contact your dentist and be seen sooner rather than later to safeguard your smile.
Meet the Author
Dr. Brett Noorda has nearly 25 years of experience helping people build their happiest, healthiest grins. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry where he graduated with honors and achieved the Larry E. Sorum Memorial Award for Excellence in Endodontics. He provides a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, so whether you need basic preventative care or a more complex procedure, he can accommodate you. You can request an appointment on the website or call (702) 456-7403.