Many Americans avoid their dentist. Understanding the reasons behind missing appointments can help overcome the avoidance.
- Cost: A common misconception is that routine dental visits are costly. You may fear that without dental insurance, it costs too much to see the dentist. Yet, the truth is if you take good care of your teeth and mouth, bi-annual dental visits won’t end up costing a great deal. Think of it like maintenance on your car or doing yard work. The more frequently you tend to these tasks, the easier they are to handle. Also, your dentist may offer payment options to assist you.
- Anxiety: Fear of a dental visit may be a problem for some, but dentists offer ways to help curb anxiety by offering sedation methods. The best way to make the experience positive is to communicate your fears and let your dentist come up with the best type of treatment.
- Being lectured: Getting lectured by your dentist can be frustrating. If you’ve neglected your dental hygiene, then you may fear a lecture is in store. While in fact, reprimanding a patient isn’t on a dentist’s radar and is considered counterproductive. Instead, think of your dentist as a coach helping you obtain optimal dental health. Routine visits allow for early detection and prevention.
Aubrey Myers, D.D.S.
Williamsburg Center for Dental Health
757-565-6303