In preparation for your upcoming dental visit, you may feel apprehensive or embarrassed about meeting with your dentist. Regardless of whether you’ve been flossing often, suffered a minor chip, or have bothersome tooth stains, these visits are not meant to increase shame or chastisement. Instead, they’re designed to encourage and support your journey toward better oral health. Learn why you don’t need to worry and find out what your dentist is really thinking about during your appointment.
Why Might You Be Embarrassed to See Your Dentist?
There are countless reasons you may be embarrassed to visit your dentist for a regular appointment. Patients like yourself often cancel or reschedule because of:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Lack of professional oral healthcare
- The state of your teeth
- A fear of being lectured for bad lifestyle habits
- A fear of judgment
Why You Shouldn’t Feel Embarrassed
Although your reasons might be valid, the truth is no one wants to be judged, especially by their oral healthcare provider. As an ally in the pursuit of better oral health, dentists should never position themselves to shame patients for any reason.
Fortunately, most dental professionals enter the profession because they want to help people, not put them down. Instead of feeling embarrassed about your smile, keep these things in mind:
- Your teeth are unlikely to be the worst your dentist has seen
- The problem you have may be fixable and not as bad as you thought
- Your dentist is poised to help you prevent future problems
- “Perfect teeth” don’t exist; instead, what you see on TV is usually because of cosmetic and restorative treatment
What Your Dentist is Really Thinking
You may be surprised to learn that your dentist isn’t judging you; instead, they view their skills and abilities as a way to help you achieve the kind of smile you want. They may offer guidance and helpful tips to make oral hygiene easier or more effective, but do not misconstrue this as judgment.
During your visit, they’re likely thinking about what they can do to help you grow closer to your smile goals. No matter how “bad” the situation looks to you, your dentist only cares about fixing the problem and helping you out of pain.
Remember, most dentists care about their patients and want to see them confident in their smile. Taking the step to schedule a dental visit is one of courage and strength – something your dentist will appreciate.
About the Author
Dr. Udoka Holinbeck is a holistic dentist serving patients of all ages. She is highly trained and provides preventive dentistry to help individuals better care for their oral health. In addition to general exams and cleanings, she and the Bionica Dental Wellness team provide patient education to deepen a patient’s understanding of how oral anatomy works and why it’s essential to avoid common dental problems. Visit our website or call (262) 746-7152 to schedule an appointment and learn more about your smile.