For most patients, it’s recommended that you see your dentist every six months for a regular cleaning and checkup. During this time, your hygienist can clean away all that plaque and tartar that got left behind, and your dentist can check your smile for oral health issues, like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. However, many Americans don’t see a dentist as often as they should. Here are some of the most common reasons and why you shouldn’t let them get in the way of your oral health.
No Current Issues
Just because you aren’t feeling any symptoms currently doesn’t mean that you should be skipping your regular cleanings and checkups. It may seem that everything is okay with your smile, but some small issues are difficult to detect without the help of your dentist. By tackling small issues now, you can avoid painful, costly dental emergencies from developing in the future.
Forgetting
With such a busy life and so many things to have completed, scheduling a dental visit isn’t always at the top of your priority list, so it can be easy to forget. A simple solution is to give yourself a text reminder. If you have an appointment coming up, set up a reminder to go off a week or so before your appointment so it’s fresh on your mind. Before you leave the dental office, don’t forget to schedule your next appointment.
Shame
If you haven’t been to the dentist for a long time, you may be feeling embarrassed. Shame is a common reason why people are uncomfortable coming into the office. As much as you may think it is, it is extremely unlikely that your oral health is the worst that the dentist has ever seen. They have taken care of countless smiles throughout the years. Even if your smile has seen better days, the dental team won’t laugh or say anything rude. The practice is a judgment-free zone, and your oral health is the number one priority!
Fear
Dental anxiety is incredibly common. Whether you are uncomfortable with the idea of dental tools in your mouth or you had a negative experience as a child, by expressing your concerns with the dental team, you can work to create a dental environment that makes you feel more comfortable. There are even sedation options, like nitrous oxide and IV sedation, that can help you to receive dental treatment in a more relaxed state.
Financial Concerns
Cost is a frequent concern of patients when it comes to dental treatment. Before your appointment, ask if your dentist is in-network with your insurance plan. If you don’t have insurance, ask the team if they have a membership plan, specials, or flexible financing options. Fear of cost shouldn’t be a reason to avoid essential dental care.
Don’t let the reasons above get in the way of you receiving essential dental care. By working with your dentist, you can work towards maintaining a healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar is an experienced dentist who has been working in the oral healthcare field for over 13 years. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule your next dental checkup in Frisco, visit her website or call (972) 972-4646.