4 Reasons People Delay Seeing a Dentist

Teeth are designed to last for a lifetime with the proper care; however, 120 million Americans have lost at least one tooth. Many teeth are lost from preventable issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. Your oral hygiene habits at home can lessen your risk, but brushing and flossing aren’t enough. The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup with your dentist in Chaska every 6 months. However, a study from the CDC reports that 35% of adults have not been to a dentist in the past year. Here are the top 4 reasons people delay dental care and how to overcome the barriers.

1. Dental Phobias and Anxieties

The dental office can be a scary place. There are many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. Not to mention, many patients fear pain. Dental-related fears shouldn’t stand in your way of visiting your dentist. Modern advancements in dentistry focus on patient comfort. Many dentists also offer sedation dentistry to prevent any pain, so you can enjoy your time in the dental chair. 

2. No Dental Insurance

The expense of dental care causes many people to wait until there’s a problem instead of seeing their dentist regularly. While you might be trying to save money, you’re increasing your risk of a large bill. Preventive dentistry is proven to stop common oral health issues from occurring in the first place. Every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on restorative services. If you don’t have insurance, there are other options to keep your care affordable, such as third-party financing. You’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy to avoid an unplanned dental bill down the road.

3. Shame or Embarrassment

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, it’s easy to feel embarrassed by the state of your teeth. There isn’t any reason to worry. Your dental team has seen it all. They aren’t there to judge or lecture you about the health of your smile. Instead, they’ll focus on restoring the health of your teeth and gums without compromising your integrity. Your dental team will also discuss ways to keep your mouth healthy in between your cleanings and checkups. 

4. No Symptoms

Life gets pretty busy. It’s easy to push routine dental appointments back until you have more time in your schedule, especially if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Even if you don’t have any concerns, there can be untreated issues lingering in your mouth. They can turn into a dental emergency quickly. Semi-annual cleaning and checkups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health to ensure a dental emergency doesn’t interrupt your day.

It’s never too late to recommit to your oral health. If it has been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, schedule an appointment today.

About Dr. Mark StapletonDr. Stapleton has over 20 years of experience in dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and completed advanced training in general dentistry and complex restorative procedures. He provides the comfortable, compassionate care patients need. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for preventive dentistry.