If you’re like most people, there’s likely someone in your life that’s guilty of racking up quite a string of missed dental visits. This person could even be you. Our Southgate, MI, dentists understand that sitting in the exam chair isn’t always the most fun, but not seeing our team on a regular basis can put you at risk for complications in the future.

Here are 4 motivations behind delaying dental treatment.

Why Regular Cleanings Are Worth the Fuss

You’ve likely heard it before, but our dentists recommend that you receive a teeth cleaning and exam every six months unless directed otherwise. Professional cleanings at least twice a year help ensure that any built-up dental plaque or tartar is removed from your teeth.

Of course, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily are beneficial. However, these oral hygiene habits alone do not effectively get rid of all bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Specialized dental tools and one of our trained hygienists are needed for that task as some buildup, namely tartar, can prove too stubborn to remove on your own.

People Often Believe Not Seeing the Dentist Is:

1) Fine Because Nothing Is Obviously Wrong

You can think of taking care of your oral health like car maintenance. If you wait around and do nothing until something bad happens, you’re going to be in for a costly surprise. On the other hand, if you take preventive measures on a regular basis, you set yourself up for long-term success.

It’s easy to think, “Well, there isn’t anything wrong with my teeth right now so I’ll put off scheduling an appointment.” However, the whole point of preventive care is to be proactive, not reactive. The better strategy is to get in front of possible dental issues and stop them in their tracks early on, not drag your feet and have to do damage control later.

2) Too Expensive

Finances can play a big role in how often you seek out healthcare services. For instance, if you’re prioritizing other critical necessities like food and rent, it’s understandable why you might feel it’s best to put aside a dental appointment.

This is a problem we are not unfamiliar with at our Southgate, MI, dental office. Because we know that every patient operates on a different budget, we offer flexible payment plans with CareCredit®. Our dentists and staff are committed to working with you to make sure you receive the best care possible no matter where you’re at financially.

3) Best for Their Dental Anxiety

Fear can be a powerful deterrent. If you’re someone who has dental anxiety or is afraid of feeling judged due to a lapse in oral hygiene, it’s understandable why you might not want to go to the dentist. You may feel immobilized by fear and unable to take that next step.

While they may seem impossible to overcome, we assure you that you are stronger than your anxieties. They’re not worth putting off the care you need and risking dental complications that require treatment like tooth extraction or root canal therapy. Of course, if you do end up needing advanced treatment, our dentists will do what is necessary to improve your oral health.

4) Appropriate Given Their Overall Schedule

Life can get hectic enough with work and family that the idea of squeezing in a dental appointment goes right out the window. Fortunately, our dentists are aware of how busy patients can be and thus, offer convenient office hours that make it easier for you to be seen. Starting as early as 8am, we welcome you to relax in the exam chair while we take care of your smile.

Connect With Our Office Today

Our dentists in Southgate, MI, get the hesitation you might have with regards to dental treatment. We want you to know that we’re dedicated to making our office a non-judgmental space so that everyone feels comfortable walking through our front door. Call Northline Dental today at (734) 284-8088 to request an appointment.