Many young adults do not go to the dentist as often as they should. And there are a variety of reasons for this. When we are kids our parents likely brought us to the dentist, doctor, and other appointments. After college the responsibility of making those appointments shifts to the young adult. And there are a variety of reasons that young adults might put off making that first dental appointment.
Not Being Able To Find a New Dentist
One of the most common issues young adults report about going to the dentist is that they now live far away from their previous dentist. If an individual moves after college or for work, it can be difficult to find a new dentist. Many people have anxiety over choosing the wrong one. Our advice is to ask around your office or your friends for recommendations. Asking around your office can be extra beneficial because it is likely that your coworkers have similar insurance plans as you.
Worried That It’s Been Too Long
This one is a bit of a catch 22. Many people don’t make a dental appointment, because they feel like it has been too long. In a sense, they are worried that a dental issue will be a sure thing if they go. However, that’s actually a really important reason you should go. First off, you would be surprised how many young adults actually have reversible dental issues or minor issues that don’t require immediate Whether it has been a year or ten since your last visit, you should make an appointment sooner rather than later.
Fear Of Dentists
Fear of the dentist is one of the most common American fears. This fear often stems from painful or bad experiences when a patient was a child. Shame & guilt can also go hand in hand with fear for some individuals. Unfortunately, it is very common to feel like dentists judge you based on your dental health. Many parents and dentists often use shame as a negative reinforcement on children. As a family dentist, we highly recommend against this. While it is important to instill an understanding of how important oral health is, demanding perfection is unfair. Shame, guilt, and fear experienced as a kid can all echo into early adult life and make it easier for young adults to avoid the dentist. Every dentist has forgotten to floss on occasion or had a soda. The main reason dentists have better oral health habits is that they teach them to their patients daily. At Joy Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on being non-judgemental, we are here first and foremost for your health.
Dental Insurance Issues
Another reason many young adults do not make dental appointments is that they don’t know which dentists are covered by their insurance or they lack insurance altogether. It’s important to understand that it is possible to pay for your dental exams and procedures out of pocket. Many people conflate dental insurance with health insurance. While dental insurance can definitely make it more affordable for you and your family to see a dentist, dental fees, especially for a regular check-up are not nearly as high as you might think. Plus most dentists provide payment plans and other financing options to help uninsured patients get necessary dental treatments in a more affordable fashion.
No Obvious Dental Issues
One of the worst reasons to not go to the dentist is that thinking you don’t have any dental issues. The enamel of our teeth is not very sensitive and gets greatly damaged before you feel a thing. By the time you start to feel pain in your teeth and gums, the problem is already bad. Many dental issues go unnoticed for far too long. So if you are avoiding the dentist because you don’t have a tooth ache, we would highly recommend making an appointment right away. Early appointments are the difference between reversible tooth decay and fillings/root canal.
Make A Dental Appointment in Lewiston Maine
If you would like to make a dental appointment at our offices in Lewiston Maine, please contact us today. At Joy Family Dentistry we want you to feel encouraged in a dental office that is non-judgemental and here to help you get your best smile!