Dental Anxiety

 

Why You should NOT be Afraid of the Dentist

I often hear people complain about having to go to the dentist for their 6-month check-up.  I often wonder… Why?  Isn’t getting your teeth cleaned like taking your car to be detailed and waxed? Who doesn’t want a nice freshly polished smile?  After much thought, I compiled a list of reasons to not be afraid of the dentist.

1.     You get a chance to catch up with your dentist and the dental team!

Believe it or not, dentists have patients who cannot wait to come into the office to show off the most recent pictures of their families, tell them about their child’s honor roll, or let them know about a new grandbaby. Here is the other secret…the dental team looks forward to hearing about it! Over time they build relationships with their patients, and look forward to the chance to visit.  Sometimes those bi-annual check-ups are the only time they get a chance to say hi, hug the babies and see how big the kids are getting.

2.     Your dentist can make your smile amazing!

Dentists can help you brighten your smile with whitening, achieve a smile you have always wanted, or even straighten your teeth!  They can also give you great advice on at-home-hygiene, diet, and habits that will help you maintain that gorgeous smile! See my previous blog:  The True Value of a Smile

3.     Your dentist can save your life!

Did you know that infections that occur in your mouth can actually affect your overall health? Case in point…If your foot gets infected and is left untreated your entire well-being and life are at risk. This is true for infections in the mouth as well.  Moreover, every time you go in for a routine check-up your dentist checks to make sure there are no signs of oral cancer.  Your dentist is your ally and wants to help you!

4.     Your dentist wants to help you keep your choppers!

By seeing your dentist regularly you can minimize damage to your teeth.  Your dentist will be able to catch decay early, advise you on anything that might be damaging your teeth, and catch any other areas of concern.  Also, diagnosing and treating infections in the mouth early helps to reduce premature tooth loss and can save your life.

5.     Your dentist is there to help you!

Dentists are there for you.  They can help you with any medical concerns you have.  If you are in pain, your dentist can help alleviate that pain. You can discuss that bad breath that you are afraid to mention to anyone else.  You can talk about your fears and your dentist will understand.  Your dentist is looking out for your best interest and has a lot of training and education.  They have countless hours of formal education and hands on training, and many dentists complete a residency and keep up with continuing education annually.  They are constantly looking for new and improved ways to help meet your needs in the best possible way.  

6.     Your dentist understands you!

It seems that everyone has a horror story about a past dental visit.  Telling people you are dentist can be compared to telling someone you are pregnant.  Everyone has a horror story they need to share.  Dentists understand that your concerns are very real.  They want you to have a positive experience as much as you do. Dentistry has made amazing strides in recent years to alleviate the bad experiences that people have had in the past.  Dentists and their teams are trained to address your concerns and to make you as comfortable as possible.  Your needs as their patient are their top priority!

7.     You get a new toothbrush, toothpaste and floss!

Who doesn’t love free stuff? 

These are all reasons to NOT fear the dentist.  If you find that your dentist is not meeting your needs and you are fearful of going to him/her, then you should consider finding a new office.  There are many dentists that will address your concerns with sympathy, compassion, and patience.  Many dental offices offer sedation, relaxation tools, and a friendly face.  Don’t allow fear to keep you from taking care of your health, teeth and mouth.  Who knows…You might even make some new friends!