About four years ago, I made my first trip to the dentist in what felt like an eternity. My teeth seemed fine — I was brushing and rinsing regularly (flossing was hit-or-miss), and I had the good fortune of strong enamel, thanks to my dad’s genes. Still, after so much time without dental care, I was anxious about the condition of my teeth and felt embarrassed about my long hiatus.
During that appointment, the new dentist informed me that I had eight cavities that needed fillings. He set up a plan for me to return for the necessary work over two visits, and even with insurance, the total cost was over a thousand dollars. How could this be? Previous dentists had always praised my dental health. Had years of neglect truly led to such decay? What had I done to myself?
I panicked and didn’t book those appointments. Instead, I bought a product called MI Paste, which claimed to restore enamel, and I became obsessive about my dental care routine. Every day, I scrutinized my teeth in the mirror, searching for the cavities I was told I had. I felt no pain, but every time I bit into a cold strawberry and flinched, I assumed it was due to a hidden cavity. I even had nightmares about my teeth falling out.
I finally returned to the dentist last year, three years after the initial “eight cavity” visit. To my surprise, this time I was told I had six cavities. Perhaps my efforts had worked in reversing some issues. However, they wanted to schedule more appointments to fill those cavities.
This time, I didn’t panic, but I also didn’t schedule the work. Instead, I checked the dentist’s reviews online and discovered several comments suggesting he often recommended unnecessary treatments for profit. I felt uneasy and sought a second opinion from another dentist.
That second dentist told me what I had always heard before: my teeth were remarkably healthy. Not a single cavity. I learned two valuable lessons from this experience: first, the original dentist was likely untrustworthy, and second, I should not have delayed routine dental care because of my anxiety. What if the first dentist had been right? What if I had undetected problems that worsened over time? I spent years anxious about my teeth because of misinformation. If I had seen the second dentist earlier, I could have avoided a lot of unnecessary stress.
I know many people share this fear of the dentist. Many dread any work beyond a cleaning. One of my friends delayed seeking help for a deep cavity in hopes of fixing it herself. Eventually, the pain became unbearable, and she needed extensive treatment. Her embarrassment only made it harder to seek care, but pain eventually pushed her to act.
It’s essential to acknowledge that anxiety and shame aren’t the only reasons for delaying dental visits. The cost can be a significant barrier, with fillings costing hundreds and more extensive work running into thousands. If you’re in need of dental care but struggling financially, look for local dental schools, public clinics, or free services. Some dentists offer a limited number of free treatments for those in need, and checking for Medicaid options can also help.
Our mouths are a gateway to our overall health, deserving of the same care as any other part of our bodies. If you need dental care, don’t wait and don’t feel ashamed about how long you’ve delayed it. You won’t be the first patient a dentist sees who has put off care. And if you ever feel unsure about a diagnosis, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Everyone deserves a healthy mouth.
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Summary:
Many people delay dental visits due to fear, shame, or cost. A personal experience highlights the importance of regular dental care and seeking second opinions when necessary. Our oral health is critical to overall well-being, and avoiding care can lead to unnecessary anxiety and complications. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance, regardless of how long you’ve waited.
Keyphrase: dental care anxiety
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