Dental care is a no brainer for anybody who wants to keep their teeth healthy and strong for longer. However, despite the availability of specialist practices, treatments, and technology, not everyone manages to keep up with their dental healthcare routine.
When we have all the knowledge and tools we need to avoid harmful and painful tooth problems, it’s strange to discover that one-third of the middle-aged American population has bad teeth.
There is no denying that lack of insurance care or low income can make it difficult to give your teeth the attention they deserve. However, you’d be surprised to know that in many cases, it’s not the cost of dental care that stops people from improving their pearly whites.
Indeed, more often than not, Americans cite their busy schedules, their phobia of the dentist, and their shame as excuses to skip dental checkups.
Not enough time
When you work long hours and need to juggle with multiple projects at the same time, finding the right dentist for you can be tricky. For people with a hectic schedule, regular trips to the hygienist and frequent dental checkups are a challenge.
However, there are a few solutions to help you manage your dental health. Busy professionals find it easier to commit to healthcare appointments if they can plan their day effectively. In other words, booking your next appointments several months ahead can be just what you need to make it fit your business routine.
Additionally, some dental practices offer extra hours early in the morning or in the evening for their clients who can’t free up time during the day. It can be useful to find a dentist who can provide opening hours that suit your needs.
You’re terrified of the dentist
Believe it or not, but around 70% of Americans admit being scared of going to the dentist. For some, it’s a case of mild anxiety that makes them a little nervous or sometimes uncooperative during ‘scary’ procedures. For others, however, the phobia is such that they would rather skip their visit altogether.
Overcoming your fear is hard work. You can see significant improvements with regular meditation and behavioral therapy. However, not everyone responds positively to behavioral techniques. You can, however, discuss your problems with your dentist to find an appropriate solution.
More and more dental practices offer sedation dentistry services to help their patients relax. Sedation services can range from mild sedation with ‘laughing gas’ or with a pill, or full sedation with general anesthesia.
As anesthetists are professionally trained and certified, it’s not uncommon for dentists to call in an expert from a company such as Premier Anesthesia on a day-to-day basis. General anesthesia is used to manage high anxiety levels during a variety of dental procedures.
You Can Make Dental Work less Terrifying
While your dentist will give you an aesthetic or sedation to help you relax, there’s more you can do. These tips can help you prepare for your visit to the dental office and keep you calm during the procedure.
- Watch what you eat and drink. A few days before your dental appointment, avoid taking a lot of caffeine. Instead, eat more foods high in protein as they have a calming effect.
- Choose a low-stress time for the appointment. You’ll be more relaxed for dental when nothing is bogging down your mind. Don’t go at a time when you’re likely to be rushed or under pressure. An early Saturday morning would be a good time.
- Use hand signals- agree with your dentist to use hand gestures for any communication during the procedure. If you feel uncomfortable, for example, signal the doctor to stop or ease off.
- Listen to some calming music- music is therapeutic and has a way of calming the nerves. If the sound of drilling and the dentist’s tools bothers you, use your earphones to listen to your favorite tunes.
- Breathe regularly and slowly- when nervous, it’s common to hold your breath. This is counteractive as it reduces your oxygen levels and increases panic. Instead, focus on slow but regular breathing to suppress your anxiety.
You’re ashamed
When, for any reason, you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, it’s normal to feel a little intimidated. However, your dentist is a professional who cares about your dental health. As such, dentists are familiar with sensitive issues that might prevent their clients from seeking care. Therefore, you can rely on their discretion and professionalism. Your dentist is someone you can trust.
Dentists are working hard to not only offer high-quality care and expertise but also to encourage their patients to book more appointments. With new opening hours and sensible solutions to mental obstacles, dentists are going the extra mile for you. Are you ready to seize the opportunity to look after your teeth?