Did you know that there are some people that don’t actually visit a dentist twice a year? In fact, there are some people that haven’t seen a dentist for several years, and while it may shock or even frighten you, it’s actually not as uncommon as you think.
You see, many people don’t put their dental care as a priority. They think that as long as they’re able to chew food and smile, they’re fine.
However, dental problems can creep up at any moment and they’re long-lasting. The longer you leave something like gingivitis unattended, the more risk you put yourself at.
This point is especially true if you eat a lot of sugary foods or you don’t have a great history of taking care of your teeth. If you think this is a problem that haunts you, then here are a couple of ways to convince yourself to go visit your nearest dentist.
Early Detection of Future Problems
Problems like oral cancer and gingivitis can be problematic when you leave them for too long. Plaque, tartar and cavities can also produce long-term problems for your health that could extend beyond just dental issues.
If you’re serious about taking care of your overall health, then don’t neglect a visit to the dentist even if you’re convinced that there is nothing wrong with your teeth.
Checking up every six months is recommended so that you can detect the early warning signs of anything that could do irreversible damage such as gum disease. Treating gum disease depends on the severity of the condition, which is why it’s recommended to attend regular hygienist sessions to ensure that these problems are kept in check.
Life-Changing Dental Surgery
Even if you think your teeth are healthy, there’s a variety of dental enhancements that could be perfect for you. Dental implants, for instance, can change the way people live.
They offer a solid foundation for missing teeth and they function exactly the same. This means you won’t need to limit the types of food you eat and even if you’ve completely lost all of your teeth, it can help you take control of your life again and allow you to eat anything you want.
They don’t look out of place either thanks to how natural they appear. Many places around the world, such as Treasure Valley dental care, specialize in facial surgery that can be for both practical uses and cosmetic reasons.
If you just want your teeth whitened, then that’s a possibility as well. It takes several treatments, but each one lasts anywhere between several weeks and months which could be perfect for your needs.
Final Words
Visiting a dentist should be done at least twice a year, but it does take some time to convince yourself to do so. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or health issues (or both) make sure you remember to visit your dentist on a regular basis so that you can improve your smile, confidence, and also your health.
It is actually a delight to read this!!! I am a dentist and we face this problem everyday!!
This comment makes me happy!!
I don’t necessarily think it’s fear that’s putting a lot of people off, at least in Sweden. It’s the crazy price tag for a simple checkup. I tend to go every 2 years, missed one appointment and needed to fix two holes and I got pain from the filling now. So not worth skipping on the appointments…
Great point you’ve made! It’s cost-saving though if you go regularly as then any issues are caught early.. I’m sorry to hear you’re in pain, Erika. I hope that eases for you soon.
Fantastic! It boggles my mind how some people don’t consider taking care of their teeth a priority. :) xx
I’ve been putting off my next visit as I know I need to go but the last appointment was awful, such a bad experience because the woman I had was plain nasty! Having read this, I’ve just called my dentist and asked to see someone who seems a lot nicer! Got 2 months to wait but it’s worth it and now I have the appointment I know I won’t back out. :)
I have a great dentist called Louise, a very caring woman who tells you off if you don’t floss properly between visits and even checks your glands, looks at your inner cheeks, under your tongue etc. and does a thorough check up. It’s free in the UK till you’re 18 then when you start to pay it can be a shock but with the NHS it isn’t too high.
Such a great series of advisory posts sensitizing us to healthcare concern :)
Hi Christy (I’m finally catching up on all your posts!) It is so true! So many patients of mine, don’t see a dentist often enough. Some haven’t seen one for 10 years! I think some are scared to visit their dentist as they don’t look after their teeth properly. But if you leave it, it could end up being more painful (getting a root canal) and also it’s very expensive! Dental hygiene is so important otherwise you might end up having dentures really young!
Thanks for sharing. It’s timely
This is a good reminder for everyone. Usually, I visit my dentist on a monthly basis as I’m still wearing dental braces. I really wished I was born with a perfect set of teeth.
Ugh! Hate the dentist. Have to go though, was trying to put it off and then you remind us. Yes, yes, will go. Perfect timely reminder.
My teeth are in terrible shape and my gums too; I am truly phobic of the dentist and have struggled all my life getting there. I have to be in the worst pain imaginable to even make an appointment. I hate that I can’t get into a better routine or make myself go just for checks but it is like I need the pain in order to get there… tried phobia specialists and even that was too difficult.
I ignored the dentist for a while in my 20s and it caught up with me. Better to do the visits every six months and head off problems.
I am smiling here..lol…haven’t seen the dentist yet…don’t ask about my last visit..lol
I got satisfied with this post, you right! Thanks for sharing, dear!
I admit that I do not have the prettiest teeth.
However, they are cavity free, and my gums are in A1 shape.
Fear and no money are 2 of the main reasons people do not go to the dentist.
The thing is, the more you visit the dentist, the better your teeth & gums, so the less one needs to fear.
Get on a Group extended health care/dental plan! This can cover up to 80% of your dental costs. I go 4 times a year, and it’s always a breeze.
An electric toothbrush is a wonderful in between visits tool that keeps both teeth and gums in tip top shape.
Finally, quit smoking, if you smoke.
Smoking burns your gums, creating a well of hazards. It doesn’t matter how white and perfect your teeth are if you get a gum disease.
Dental insurance is hard to get for some people.
Great post and so important. My wife got me on the twice yearly regiment years ago and I am so glad she did! I’m also blessed to have a great dentist….preventative care is so much easier to deal with then what can happen…
What a perfect timing of this article. Just visited the new dentist yesterday. I am petrified of this profession but had to visit for preventative measure. Thanks for your encouragement, Christy!