Hopefully, you're familiar with the inside of your dentist's office. Biannual dental appointments can help you avoid cavities and gum disease. However, some people drag their feet when it comes to scheduling their dental appointments. Here is some information that can help you stop putting off your next trip to the dentist's office:
1. Preventative dental care does not need to be painful
It's common for people to feel anxiety about the prospect of a dental exam. Many people worry about the pain they may experience at the dentist's office. Fortunately, preventative dental care does not need to be painful. During a routine dental appointment, your dentist will remove tartar and plaque from your teeth using dental floss and other tools. They will also polish your teeth using a special type of toothpaste. Having your teeth scaled may be a little uncomfortable if you don't floss regularly. However, you shouldn't feel any pain during your appointment.
2. Dentists aren't interested in shaming their patients
Over the course of your dental appointment, your dentist will ask you about your home oral care. Your dentist will want to know how often you brush and floss your teeth so they can make the appropriate recommendations. No one likes to be scolded, so you may be tempted to avoid scheduling a dental appointment, especially if you haven't been taking good care of your teeth. However, you should remember that your dentist isn't interested in shaming you for your oral care. Rather, your dentist wants to collaborate with you to help you have the healthiest teeth possible.
3. Most dental problems will worsen if not treated
Many parts of the body can heal themselves. Anyone who's ever broken a bone or gotten a cut has experienced this natural mending process. Unfortunately, teeth are the exception. After a person's permanent teeth grow in, they have the teeth that will remain with them throughout their lives. If teeth develop cavities, these cavities will worsen over time, potentially causing tooth infections and the need for root canal therapy. Putting off a trip to your dentist's office may help you avoid bad news about your dental health temporarily, but in the long run, it can set you up for larger dental bills and more invasive treatments.
Your dentist is there to help you solve existing dental problems and prevent new issues before they arise. Becoming informed about proper dental care can give you the push you need to take excellent care of your teeth.
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