Recently, Dr. Nahata sat down with one of his patients to talk about why the patient had delayed getting the dental care he needed. His first reason may sound familiar:
This patient had been seeing the same dentist for many years. Whenever the patient saw that dentist for an appointment, the first thing that the dentist would say is, “You’ve really done a number on your teeth!”
Feeling uncomfortable or shamed at the dentist is one of the biggest reasons why people avoid getting dental care. It prevents people from fixing minor problems early, allowing a small problem to turn into a much larger dental issue.
Fear of being judged is an understandable reason someone might delay dental care, but putting off care can have far-reaching consequences. Delaying care can impact a patient’s overall well-being and diminish their quality of life.
Here are five of the top reasons why you should prioritize timely dental care:
1. To Prevent Serious Health issues
Untreated dental problems can contribute to a host of systemic health problems. Bacteria from cavities or gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Regular oral health appointments enable early detection of dental problems. When caught and treated early, it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and prevents minor problems from affecting your smile and overall health.
2. To Maintain the Appearance and Function of Your Smile
When your teeth aren’t looking their best, it can make you feel reluctant to show the world your smile. Additionally, dental problems that lead to misaligned teeth can affect the efficient functioning of your teeth.
Many cosmetic dentistry treatments not only address the appearance of your smile, but also its functionality. Treatments like Invisalign to correct misalignment and dental implants to replace missing teeth improve both the look of your smile and the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
3. To Avoid Unnecessary Pain and Discomfort
Dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and infections, can cause significant pain and discomfort if left untreated. Scheduling regular oral health appointments and seeking treatment for dental problems as they arise helps you avoid unnecessary dental pain and discomfort.
For example, when you address the early signs of gum disease as soon as it is diagnosed, you can prevent gum disease from turning into more severe periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause serious oral infections and bone loss, which can lead to dental pain and discomfort.
4. To Enhance Your Quality of Life
Maintaining good oral health and the appearance of your smile can directly impact your overall quality of life. A healthy, attractive smile can boost self-esteem and improve your self-confidence.
Studies have shown that poor oral health can lead to social withdrawal and a decrease in the quality of a person’s life. When your smile looks and feels its best, you are more likely to say yes to social invitations and take initiative in the workplace.
5. To Save Your Money
Delaying needed dental care can turn simple problems into more extensive and more expensive oral health conditions. For instance, getting a cavity filled when first detected is far less costly than the root canal therapy you might need if the cavity starts to affect the roots of your teeth.
Prioritizing your dental care is key to keeping the cost of care manageable. You’ll pay far less for routine preventive and restorative dental care today than you would for more intensive treatments in the future.
As Dr. Nahata’s patient was talking about how happy he was with the results of his treatment at TDA, he said he only wished he had restored the look and health of his smile sooner! At TDA, he found a dental team that didn’t make him feel ashamed of his smile. Instead, he found a supportive group of kind professionals who helped him achieve a smile he’s proud of!
