Top Reasons Why People Skip the Dentist

Constantly putting off professional oral care, like teeth cleanings, can seem like the best thing to do in the moment, but it can hurt you in the long run. How else would problems like gum disease, or cavities be caught by our Washington, MI, dentist? After all, some issues can be subtle. 

Here are a few common reasons why adults tend to avoid seeing a dentist on a regular basis. 

Why Routine Cleanings Matter

You’ve likely heard it before, but Dr. Lesinski recommends that you receive a teeth cleaning and exam every six months unless directed otherwise. Professional cleanings at least twice a year help ensure that any built-up plaque or tartar is removed from your teeth. 

Of course, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily are beneficial. However, these oral hygiene habits alone do not effectively get rid of all bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Specialized dental tools and one of our trained hygienists are needed for that task as some buildup, namely tartar, can prove too stubborn to remove on your own. 

Oftentimes, People Miss Out on Dental Visits Because:

1) They Don’t Have Anything “Wrong”

You can think of taking care of your oral health like car maintenance. If you wait around and do nothing until something bad happens, you’re going to be in for a costly surprise. On the other hand, if you take preventive measures regularly, you set yourself up for long-term success.

It’s easy to think, “Well, there isn’t anything wrong with my teeth right now so I’ll put off scheduling an appointment.” However, the whole point of preventive care is to be proactive, not reactive. The better strategy is to get in front of possible dental issues and stop them in their tracks early on, not drag your feet and have to do damage control later.

2) The Cost is a Barrier

Finances can play a big role in how often you seek out healthcare services. For instance, if you’re prioritizing other critical necessities like food and rent, it’s understandable why you might feel it’s best to put aside a dental appointment. 

This is a problem we are not unfamiliar with at our Washington dental office. Because we know that every patient operates on a different budget, we offer flexible payment plans with CareCredit®. Dr. Lesinski and staff are committed to working with you to make sure you receive the best care possible no matter where you’re at financially.

3) They Have Severe Dental Anxiety or Guilt

Fear can be a powerful deterrent. If you’re someone who has dental anxiety or is afraid of feeling judged due to a lapse in oral hygiene, it’s understandable why you might not want to go to the dentist. You may feel immobilized by fear and unable to take that next step.

While they may seem impossible to overcome, we assure you that you are stronger than your anxieties. They’re not worth putting off the care you need and risking dental complications that require treatment like tooth extraction or full mouth restoration. Of course, if you do end up needing advanced treatment, Dr. Lesinski will do what is necessary to improve your oral health. 

Still need help relaxing in the dental chair? We offer sedation methods like laughing gas to ease you through your appointment. 

4) Their Schedule is Full

Life can get hectic enough with work and family that the idea of squeezing in a dental appointment goes right out the window. Fortunately, Dr. Lesinski is aware of how busy patients can be and thus, offers convenient office hours that make it easier for you to be seen. 

For those times when Monday through Thursday don’t work, we have select Fridays and Saturdays available. Need to show up earlier in the morning? Let us know what you’re thinking and we may be able to meet with you prior to 8am on select days if possible.

Need to Make an Appointment?

Our dentist in Washington, MI, wants your smile to be healthy for years to come. You can help make that a reality by scheduling a cleaning every 6 months. Get started by calling Washington Family Dental today at (586) 752-4545 or contact us online.