Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends visiting your provider every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning? Routine preventive care allows them to protect and strengthen your teeth and gums so they’re able to resist common oral concerns, such as cavities and gum disease.
But if it’s been a long time since your last oral exam, you might feel so self-conscious about the current state of your smile that you avoid making an appointment. Continue reading to learn about 3 reasons you shouldn’t feel embarrassed, regardless of the reason for your visit!
Reason #1: You’re Not Alone
If your teeth are covered in stains or have developed decay because you’ve neglected your at-home dental hygiene routine, you might worry that your dentist will be taken aback by what they find when they examine your mouth. However, the truth is that dentists see many patients, and it’s highly likely that your oral issues aren’t the worst ones they’ve encountered.
With that said, it’s essential that you make efforts to clean your smile consistently twice daily. Brushing and flossing both morning and night routinely removes plaque and bacteria that cause problems, so your dentist is less likely to find issues during your next checkup and cleaning.
Reason #2: They’re Focused on Solutions
Some patients are so afraid that their dental team will judge them for any oral issues that might have developed that they avoid scheduling routine visits that help protect and preserve their smiles. But most dentists aren’t overly interested in berating you for their findings because they’re more concerned with devising solutions to address any problems they find.
For instance, you might worry you’ll be scolded for poor hygiene habits if they find cavities, but in all likelihood, your dentist will be more concerned with color-matching the composite resin needed to repair your enamel.
Reason #3: You Could Prevent Worsening Problems
You might not contact your dentist right away if you’ve developed an issue, such as a toothache, that might be due to problems that you might otherwise have prevented.
However, oral problems tend to get progressively worse over time rather than improve on their own, so it’s usually best to contact your provider for help as soon as you notice any areas of concern. This allows them to identify the root cause and devise a customized treatment plan before your condition deteriorates any further.
As you can see, there are several excellent reasons to set your self-consciousness aside and schedule an appointment with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Cedric C. Chenet DDS PA is an accomplished provider with decades of experience meeting the unique needs of people of all ages. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services conveniently under one roof. His attention to detail is combined with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, comfortable treatment results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (321) 253-3136.