Plenty of people in the world have put off going to the dentist for far too long. Many things can get in the way of a vacation, but if you find yourself in this category, know that you are not alone.
Here are the top four reasons individuals avoid the Fullerton family orthodontist and some suggestions for getting back on track.
The Value of Scheduling Frequent Cleanings
Unless otherwise instructed, your dentists advise having your teeth cleaned and examined every six months. Cleaning your teeth by a professional at least twice a year is a good way to keep them free of plaque and tartar.
Obviously, it is best to wash your teeth twice a day and use dental floss once daily. Although these practices are helpful, they are not enough to completely eliminate bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Tartar and other persistent deposits may require the help of one of your dental hygienists and some specialized equipment.
Reasons why many people avoid the dentist include:
- Having “nothing” wrong with you
Maintaining good dental health is similar to servicing a vehicle. Waiting until something horrible happens before taking action is a surefire recipe for financial disaster. However, if you consistently engage in preventative actions, you will position yourself for sustained success.
It is easy to rationalize putting off dental care by telling yourself that nothing is wrong with you. However, preventative medicine is based on a proactive rather than a reactive approach. Instead of waiting for problems to worsen before taking action, preventing dental troubles before they ever start is preferable.
- Appointment Fees
Your financial situation may affect the frequency with which you visit a healthcare provider. It is understandable to put off going to the dentist if you need to save money for more pressing expenses, such as food and shelter.
- Dental Phobia and Embarrassment
The emotion of fear can be quite dissuasive. It is natural that some people avoid the dentist out of fear of the dentist or because they have dental anxiety or poor oral hygiene. Feeling paralyzed by dread and unable to take action is a shared experience.
Your dentist will want to reassure you that your worries are not as insurmountable as they seem. They are not worth risking the extraction of healthy teeth or a full mouth repair because you put off necessary dental maintenance. Of course, if your oral health requires more extensive care, your dentists will provide it.
- Inconvenient to Work Around
When work and family obligations pile up, it is easy to forget about scheduling a dental checkup. Fortunately, your dentists understand how hectic life can get, so they will keep hours that work with your schedule.