Dentists — we all know we should visit them regularly, but for some reason, many Brits don’t. In fact, the UK ranks poorly in Europe when it comes to dental check-ups. So why are Brits so reluctant to go to the dentist?
It’s not like we don’t know it’s important — most of us have learnt the hard way! But even when we do make an appointment, something always seems to come up at the last minute. So what is it about dentists that puts us off so much? Here are five weird reasons why Brits don’t go to the dentist.
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Waiting Rooms and Boredom
One of the main reasons that Brits avoid going to the dentist is because they can’t be bothered to spend time in the waiting room. This is a shame because regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. However, it’s understandable why people might feel this way.
Sitting in a waiting room can be boring, and finding the time to fit a dentist appointment into a busy schedule can be difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to make the dental experience more enjoyable. For example, many dentists now take waiting room design seriously, meaning they can offer a lot more than just TV screens in their waiting rooms so that patients can watch their favourite programs while they wait.
Many apps allow patients to book appointments and track their dental health. With these technologies in place, there’s no excuse for not getting the dental care you need.
Fear of a Serious Issue
For many Brits, a trip to the dentist is a source of anxiety. According to a recent survey, one in four adults in the UK avoids going to the dentist because they’re worried that there’s something seriously wrong with their teeth. This fear is not entirely unfounded: in 2021, around 31% of UK adults had signs of dental decay.
However, the majority of dental problems can be treated successfully if they are caught early. Regular check-ups and brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste are the best ways to prevent dental problems from developing. If you’re worried about your teeth, don’t wait until it’s too late to see a dentist. Schedule an appointment today for a healthy smile tomorrow.
Bad Experiences
It’s no secret that many people avoid going to the dentist because they had a bad experience, especially when they were younger. Maybe the dentist was unpleasant, the environment was scary, or the procedure was painful. Whatever the case may be, it’s understandable why so many people have a fear of going to the dentist.
However, it’s important to remember that not all dentists are created equal. There are plenty of dentists out there who are gentle, caring, and skilled at what they do. They won’t just look after you; they’ll also teach you how to look after your teeth. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of a bad experience in the past, it might be time to give it another try. You might be surprised at how much difference a good dentist can make.
The Sounds
From the drill to the suction machine, there can be a lot of harsh and unpleasant noises associated with dental procedures. For some people, this can be incredibly overwhelming and lead to a feeling of unease. However, there are ways to manage this anxiety.
Many dentists now offer headphones or earplugs to help patients relax during their appointment. In addition, some surgeries have white noise machines that help to drown out the sound of the equipment. If you’re concerned about the noise in a dental surgery, be sure to ask your dentist about these options.
With a little planning, you can ensure your next visit is as pleasant as possible.
They Have No Teeth
It’s a common misconception that people with dentures don’t need to see a dentist. After all, they don’t have any teeth, so what’s the point? However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Denture wearers should see their dentist at least once or twice a year. Your dentist will make sure everything is right with your dentures.
They’ll check that the dentures are fitting correctly, can make adjustments if needed, and check your gums for infection. This is important because ill-fitting dentures can cause sores and irritation, and gum disease is still a risk even if you don’t have any natural teeth. So if you’re wearing dentures, don’t neglect your oral health — make sure to see your dentist regularly!
Is It Time You Booked a Dental Appointment?
So, there you have it. Five weird reasons why Brits don’t go to the dentist. And while some of them might be a little bit tongue-in-cheek, all of them are valid reasons people use to avoid booking appointments. But we want to remind our British readers (and anyone else who might be reading this post) that dentists aren’t as scary as they seem and that getting your teeth checked regularly is essential to taking care of your health.
So please, book your next dental appointment today and just get it done! We promise it won’t be nearly as bad as you think.
