If you’ve ever stayed away from the dentist because you felt like you had the worst teeth ever, you’re not alone. A lot of people are hesitant or afraid of the dentist because of bad teeth or chronic dental problems. If you’re one of them, rest assured that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Will My Dentist Scold or Embarrass Me?
The last thing a great dentist will do is say or do something to make you feel even more embarrassed about your condition. Your smile is one of the first things that people notice, so if you’re too embarrassed to go to the dentist, you might be too embarrassed to do things like laugh around friends or smile in pictures. A good, compassionate dentist will not just “fix” your teeth; they’re committed to bettering your quality of life.
How to Get Over Your Embarrassment
Believe it or not, 1 in 10 adults has severe dental anxiety (Bowman, Carlsson, Westin, & Hackenberg, 2013). The perception you have of your dentist may be what ultimately determines whether or not your mouth is healthy (Gillie, 2015). Having a healthy channel of communication with your dental provider is one of the best ways to achieve overall satisfaction in your oral health care (Schouten, Eijkman, & Hoogstraten, 2003). If deep down your biggest fear is feeling embarrassed to go to a dentist due to decay or bad teeth, the most important thing to do is choose a provider you feel comfortable with.
Risks and Reasons to Get Treatment If You Haven’t Been to The Dentist in A Long Time
If you’re someone who feels too embarrassed to go to a dentist due to decay or bad teeth, there’s one important thing to remember: untreated cavities or broken teeth tend to get worse with time. They don’t heal themselves on their own. So, the longer you wait to finally see a dentist, the more complex (and sadly, more expensive) the treatment process will become.