Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily at home can help prevent oral concerns, such as cavities or gum disease. In addition to this, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings to catch and treat problems before they can progress.
Despite this, an estimated 40% of adults haven’t visited their provider in the past twelve months. If you’re avoiding a dental exam because you’re worried you’ll be judged for the current condition of your smile, continue reading to learn 3 reasons to set your fears aside!
Reason #1: You’re Not the Worst Case
If you’ve developed oral issues, you might worry that your dentist will think poorly of you or that they’ll be grossed out by more severe tooth decay or swollen, bleeding gums. But your dentist has likely seen mouths much worse off than yours. Whether you developed stubborn tartar that you can’t seem to brush away or have lost teeth and need to rebuild your smile, they have treatments to help.
It’s also worth noting that dental concerns tend to worsen over time rather than resolve on their own. You might think you can wait long enough for the problem to resolve before scheduling an appointment with your provider, but the truth is that you may need their help to address it.
Reason #2: They’re Focused on Problem-Solving
Many patients envision their dentist recoiling in horror upon seeing dark or dirty teeth or gums. Others are concerned that they’ll be chastised, laughed at, or lectured for neglecting their at-home dental hygiene routine.
Although it’s normal to want to avoid scenarios where you might be judged, your provider is a trained professional. Not only are they usually skilled working with patients, but they’re also generally more focused on treating the problem than berating you for it.
Reason #3: Your Condition Could Progress
Did you know that some oral issues, like gum disease, have been associated with other more serious medical problems? If the infection goes untreated for too long, it can enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body.
This can contribute to concerning conditions, including diabetes complications, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. The germs from your mouth can also travel to your lungs, increasing the risk of certain respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. Furthermore, untreated tooth infections can cause pain in the jaw, neck, and face, or lead to sepsis, which can spread.
Although you might feel embarrassed by your current dental status, your provider is likely more focused on helping you build and maintain a healthy smile than on judging you.
About the Practice
At Palm Dental Professionals, patients benefit from two a husband-and-wife dental team who are committed to improving their lives by enhancing their oral health. Drs. Christopher and Kaitlin Rodriguez collaborate to offer a variety of services, including preventive care and maintenance, to meet all your needs under one roof. Their caring approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate treatment results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (561) 404-4325.