Visiting the dentist is a basic yet important way to look after your teeth. Issues like tooth loss and receding gums are irreversible, meaning it’s vital that you get your teeth checked now and then to ensure that they’re healthy and in good condition. Unfortunately, a lot of people are wary about going to the dentist. There could be a number of reasons for this. Some people might be afraid of the dentist, others might be worried about the cost, and others just can’t find the time to do it.
It’s important that you make an effort to visit your dentist at least twice every year. This will ensure that your dentist catches any potential disease or condition that develops in your teeth and gums. They’ll also be able to help you clean your teeth more deeply than any kind of brushing or flossing could achieve. There are plenty of other benefits that come with visiting the dentist regularly, but what if you’re still worried about going?
Are you worried about things like braces?
A lot of adults would prefer not to visit a dentist because they’re worried about teeth braces. This is usually something that teenagers and young adults wear. There’s even a stigma around adults wearing braces. Fortunately, there are different kinds of teeth braces that can help straighten your teeth without ruining your smile. These transparent braces are very easy to use and far more convenient than traditional metal braces.
If you’re concerned about something like braces, then it’s a good idea to still visit the dentist to see if they offer different options. Dental products, whether for cosmetic or medical reasons, have changed a lot over the past couple of years and you might be surprised at the wide range of options available these days.
Are you concerned about the cost?
Getting good dental care is going to cost you money–there’s nothing you can do about that. At best, you can alleviate some of the costs with your health insurance or even financing options. Sadly, if you want to take good care of your teeth then you’re going to need to invest in seeing a good dentist at least twice a year.
Fortunately, once you’re taking care of your teeth properly, you can actually start saving money. Operations for something like removing teeth can be expensive, and getting replacement teeth or fillings can also be quite expensive. That’s why it’s a good idea to take care of your teeth now before you develop any serious problems that will be even more expensive to deal with.
Due to multiple pregnancies and then losing a full-time position and becoming a stay-at-home mom, my dental care plan disappeared and my dental care went downhill. For the past ten years, I’ve dealt with abscesses, infections, broken teeth, etc. Take a look at the photo above. This is me, unfiltered, and in excruciating pain. You do not want this to happen to you.
I am finally having the final seven teeth removed (under anesthesia to avoid the issue below) and will need to have four others that are broken off at the gum line cut out, and my jawbone needs to be filed down so that I can be properly fitted for dentures. Once I have healed from that procedure scheduled for December 18, I will be on the way to having my beautiful smile back again in time for my birthday in February!
Could it be a real phobia?
There’s also the potential issue of odontophobia, a real condition that makes people terrified of even thinking about going to the dentist. This could be triggered by something like a past traumatic experience.
It’s important that you diagnose odontophobia if it’s the real problem. Make sure you speak to a physician or doctor and they’ll help you determine if it’s a real phobia and how to overcome it.
Speaking as someone who experiences this at the mere mention of having to go to the dentist, I can tell you it is a real phobia. I have to take anxiety medication just to step foot in the building where my dentist is, otherwise I start crying and shaking uncontrollably the minute I walk in the door.
