If you are avoiding visiting your dentist because you are embarrassed or ashamed of the state of your teeth, you are definitely not alone. Many people experience apprehension or worry when it comes to dental visits because of the poor condition of their teeth or experience chronic dental issues. If you are someone who is avoiding the dentist because of feelings of shame or embarrassment, it is important to know that there is no reason to feel embarrassed.
Reasons People Avoid the Dentist
A few of the most common reasons that people might avoid visiting the dentist’s office are:
- Traumatic or bad experiences with previous dentists
- Embarrassment caused by rotten teeth
- Concern about the cost related to repairing their teeth
- Anxiety about possible pain or discomfort when having dental work done
- Not having a relationship with a dentist that they trust
- Sensitivity of the gums and teeth
Every dentist has seen patients who experience significant anxiety and stress about their visits. It takes a great deal of bravery to step foot in a dental office and receive treatment for many of these people. For others, pain or discomfort related to an untreated dental issue can leave them with no other option than to see their dentist. Finding a compassionate and understanding dentist is vitally important when it comes to overcoming anxiety or fear related to dental visits. For many people who experience these feelings, once they find a dentist they are comfortable with and work through their primary dental care, their fears often dissolve.
Ways to Treat “Bad Teeth”
If you are one of those people that feels like their teeth are the worst your dentist has ever seen, rest assured that every dentist has seen countless cases of severe oral health problems over the course of their careers. For many dentists, helping their patients to overcome their fear or embarrassment is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
In most cases of fixing missing or rotten teeth, multiple treatment options are usually considered. When your dentist works with you, they should focus on your goals and oral health needs and present a few different solutions that they suggest to treat your condition(s). Your preferences should always be the priority when it comes to a course of treatment.
Will My Dentist Scold Me or Make me Feel Bad?
A good dentist should never do or say anything that makes you feel worse or more embarrassed or worried than you already do. A person’s smile is one of the first things we notice about someone, and odds are if you are avoiding the dentist because of the state of your teeth, you may also be avoiding doing things like laughing with your friends and family or smiling in photos.
A compassionate dentist isn’t just there to help you “fix” your teeth and improve your oral health; they’re also committed to helping you improve your quality of life.
How Can I Get Over my Embarrassment?
As many as 1 in 10 adults experience severe dental anxiety. Having a good, trusting relationship with your dentist and maintaining open channels of communication can make all the difference in your experience at the dentist. If your biggest fear or worry related to visiting the dentist is related to shame or embarrassment about the condition of your teeth, the best thing to do is find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable and supported. A good dentist will meet you where you are when it comes to your comfort level with receiving dental care. When you are able to develop a personal relationship with your dentist, they can play a more active role in helping you to overcome your fear or embarrassment.
Why you Should See your Dentist if You’ve Been Avoiding It
If you are avoiding the dentist because of decaying, missing, or imperfect teeth, it is important to remember that untreated cavities or broken teeth can become much worse without treatment. Not only that, but without proper treatment, these oral health problems can also cause other medical conditions.
Unfortunately, broken, missing or damaged teeth will not repair themselves. The longer you wait to see a dentist, the more complicated, stressful, and more expensive your treatment process may be. A good dentist will work with you to establish a treatment plan that works with your lifestyle, timeline, and budget.
How to Find the Right Dentist
Finding a good, compassionate, and non-judgemental dentist should be hard. Over the past several decades, huge strides and advancements in the technology and practices in the dental industry. At Stonegate Dental, we believe that everyone deserves healthy, beautiful teeth, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help you overcome feelings of worry or anxiety related to dental care. Our Guelph Dentists office offers a warm and open environment that makes it possible to interact with a team that truly cares about your feelings, as well as your oral health. Changing your perception and feelings about dentistry and bettering your wellness is something that we pride ourselves in. Get started on the path to a beautiful and healthy smile with a dental team you can truly trust by contacting our Guelph dentist’s office today!
