Many myths surrounding going to the dentist have marred the general consensus on dentists, causing many to neglect their oral health and its maintenance.
Going to the dentist can be such a fear-inducing experience for many, and one bad dentist causes many to abandon seeing a dentist in the future. This can make having to handle a dental emergency a terrible experience.
Dispelling the myths about going to the dentist can help patients be as informed as possible the next time they need to go to the dentist.
Myth #1: Dental Health Isn’t As Important As Other Types Of Health
Many people don’t realize the connection between their oral health and their overall health. Thus, going to the dentist isn’t a priority.
Many types of harmful bacteria and contributors to illness will begin or become worse due to poor oral hygiene.
There is ample evidence that poor dental health can contribute to many types of health concerns, from cardiovascular disease to diabetes.
Myth #2: You Should Only Go To The Dentist When Something’s Wrong
You shouldn’t wait until you’re in a lot of pain or are experiencing discomfort to visit the dentist.
Regular checkups are always recommended so you can maintain the integrity of your teeth as opposed to just taking care of a persistent issue when it manifests.
Myth #3: Dentists Aren’t Equipped To Handle Anxious Patients
Some dentists are more empathetic than others, but all dentists have extensive experience with patients who get nervous about their appointments.
You should be sure to share your hesitations and concerns with your dentist so they can clarify procedures and keep you as calm as possible.
Myth #4: Dentists Judge Your Oral Health
Many people will avoid going to the dentist because they worry they are going to be judged for not having perfect oral health.
A dentist’s role is not to judge or rate how good you are at taking care of your teeth.
Instead, they are there to collaborate with you in an effort to preserve your dental health as well as you can.
Myth #5: Visiting A Dentist When Pregnant In Unsafe
There’s a common misconception that dental procedures, even routine ones, aren’t safe for pregnant people.
While it’s true that some medications used in dental procedures aren’t recommended during pregnancy, regular checkups or cleanings can be perfectly safe when pregnant.
In fact, many people will experience changes in their mouths during pregnancy due to the way changing hormones impact them.
Myth #6: Dental Procedures Are Too Painful
There is nothing pleasant about having invasive dental procedures.
However, a good dentist will adequately support you with appropriate medication that will help you relax and make procedures as painless as possible.
Good dentists will also check in with you during the procedure so they can adjust their technique as necessary, as the last thing they want to do is hurt you.
Myth #7: Dental Maintenance Is Too Expensive
There’s no denying that seeing a dentist can cost a lot of money, and there are many barriers in health care that make accessing medical care much more difficult.
That said, preventative care and maintenance will cost you much less in the long run than invasive dental procedures that require extractions, fillings, and replacements down the line.
Myth #8: There’s No Point In Seeing The Dentist As An Adult
It’s important for children to see the dentist regularly to ensure their teeth are growing appropriately, but not all dental procedures need to or will occur when you’re a child.
For example, adults can get braces.
While adults are more educated on oral hygiene, adults still need the assistance of a dentist to remain cognizant of their current oral health.
Myth #9: Visiting A Dentist Isn’t Necessary If You Take Care Of Your Oral Health
Just because you stay on top of brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash, your oral health may not be perfect.
Dental issues can loom under the surface and they don’t present symptoms.
Thus, the only way you can know if you have a dental issue to be remedied is by getting your regular dental checkups.
Myth #10: Dentistry Isn’t Technologically Advanced
It’s not often we hear about technological advances in dentistry, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen.
Technologies and techniques used in dental procedures are constantly evolving and changing, making things less invasive and less painful.
Final Thoughts
Some visits to the dentist will always be unpleasant, and nothing can be done to avoid how uncomfortable some dental procedures are.
Not all dentists are scary, and many are aware of how some of the myths associated with them can make people nervous to see them.
Dental hygiene and oral health are too important for your overall wellness to ignore because of common misconceptions about going to the dentist.
