Dental health is essential to overall well-being. Adults who avoid tooth replacement, repair, or dental restoration may be at risk of developing further dental issues. Many people delay seeing a dentist due to dental phobia, dental treatment anxiety, insurance coverage, and financial constraints.
Avoiding the dentist can lead to serious dental problems. Discover the dangers of delaying dental care, the risks of skipping appointments, and action steps you can take to improve dental health.
Common Reasons People Avoid the Dentist
Are you fearful of the dentist? You are not alone. Dental fear or a bad experience in the dental chair can keep people from seeing a dentist.
Dentophophia and dental fear are more common than you may think. The Cleveland Clinic reports about 36% of people in the U.S. have a fear of dental treatment, with 12% having an extreme fear.
Avoiding the dentist can increase your risk of developing oral health issues.
3 Oral Health Risks Linked to Avoiding the Dentist
Visiting your dentist at least twice a year is vital. During these appointments, the dentist will evaluate your oral health and look for early signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
1. Tooth Decay
Putting off dental visits can increase the threat of tooth decay. Plaque and bacteria buildup can damage tooth enamel. Damaged tooth enamel can lead to more severe dental health issues, including:
- Cavities
- Periodontitis (gum disease)
- Root Canals
- Tooth Extractions
It’s crucial to prioritize consistent oral care to prevent these common dental complications and maintain dental health.
2. Gum Disease and Tooth Loss
Putting off your dental appointment can increase the risk of gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can result in gum disease. Over time, gum disease can cause teeth to become loose, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups reach areas of the mouth that tooth brushing and flossing can’t. Professional dental care will help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
3. Health Complications
Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t just good for your smile. It’s great for your overall health.
Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to health issues, including respiratory issues, heart disease, and dementia. Diabetes can also cause problems with oral health if poorly managed. Diabetics who neglect dental care and ignore tooth problems may end up with more severe health complications in the future.
Take Care of Your Teeth
Delaying dental care appointments can put you at risk of developing dental disease. Untreated dental issues can lead to tooth loss, health complications, and high dental costs.
Taking care of your teeth should be a top priority. Preventive dentistry action steps lower the risk of common dental issues from developing. Brush teeth daily and see the dentist for routine dental cleanings and exams.
Reduce the Risk of High Dental Costs
By neglecting regular cleaning and check-ups, dental issues can worsen. A delay in dental care can potentially lead to the need for more complex and extensive dentistry treatments.
In fact, 80 percent of Americans who delay dental care know it will cost them more in the long term.
Preventative care is usually less expensive than restoring damaged teeth or gum tissue. See a dentist regularly and protect your teeth before oral health problems escalate.
Don’t let the cost of dental care keep you from seeing a dentist. We help make dental care affordable for everyone. Three Rivers Dental Group accepts most dental insurance and offers flexible payment plans.
Experience Comfortable Dental Appointments
The fear of the dentist and dental anxiety are common. Dental anxiety and fear can affect millions of Americans. They relate seeing a dentist based on a bad dental experience from the past. These feelings can be overwhelming and can prevent people from seeing a dentist.
We help our patients manage dental fear to improve oral hygiene. Common dental anxiety triggers often keep patients from addressing their oral health issues. We understand dentist visits can be difficult for some patients. Our sedation dentistry options provide pleasant, comfortable, and anxiety-free dental experiences.
Our dental services are customized to meet your individual needs. Dental services include fillings, crowns, sealants, and root canals. Extractions, dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants may be recommended in cases where teeth cannot be saved.
We are committed to offering the finest oral health care possible in a soothing environment. Learn more about our dental treatment plans and how sedation dentistry helps our patients relax when receiving dental work.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Ease dental fear and anxiety by taking action steps to benefit oral health. Make dental visits a part of your regular oral hygiene routine. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can significantly reduce the risk of costly dental procedures.
Schedule professional dental cleanings and exams. Seek immediate dental attention if teeth are loose, missing, damaged, or deteriorating.
We are committed to delivering healthy and confident smiles. Contact Three Rivers Dental Group today to discuss your dental care options for missing or damaged teeth. Call 1 (855) 4 NO FEARS or schedule an appointment on our website. Our dental offices are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Greentree, Cranberry, Greensburg, and Jennerstown.