Lifestyle
By Jamie Smith
Updated: March 19, 2021
Originally Published: November 19, 2020
About four years ago, I finally visited the dentist for the first time in what felt like an eternity. My teeth seemed fine—I had been brushing and rinsing regularly (though flossing was hit or miss)—and thanks to some good genes, I inherited my dad’s remarkably resilient tooth enamel. However, after so long without professional care, I was anxious about what I might find and embarrassed about my long delay.
During that appointment, my new dentist delivered some shocking news: I had eight cavities that required fillings. The plan was to tackle this extensive work over two visits, which would cost me over a thousand dollars, even with insurance. How could this be? I had always been praised for the health of my teeth in the past. Had a few years of neglect—okay, probably six—really led to such deterioration? I panicked.
Instead of scheduling the visits for the fillings, I opted to buy some MI Paste, which supposedly restores enamel. I started flossing and rinsing diligently, scrutinizing my teeth daily in the mirror, convinced I could detect the cavities. I felt no pain, but a cold strawberry would send me into a spiral of worry about hidden issues. I even had dreams of losing teeth.
Fast forward three years to last year, when I returned to that same dentist, embarrassed but knowing I needed to address any potential problems. This time, I was told I had six cavities. Hmm, maybe my efforts had helped reverse a couple of them. They wanted to schedule more appointments for fillings, but I didn’t panic this time. I checked the dentist’s Google reviews, which revealed several comments suggesting he performed unnecessary work for profit. That made my stomach churn. I sought recommendations and booked an appointment with a different dentist for a second opinion.
That dentist reassured me, echoing what others had said before: my teeth were in excellent shape, with not a single cavity in sight. I learned two important lessons: first, the original dentist was likely a fraud, and I left a negative review. Second, I should never have waited so long to maintain my dental health, regardless of my anxiety or the state of my mouth. What if I had had serious issues that I couldn’t feel? I had years of nightmares thanks to that first dentist’s lies. If I had gone to the second dentist sooner, I could have avoided a lot of unnecessary stress.
I also know the serious consequences of neglecting dental care. A friend of mine delayed treatment for a deep cavity, thinking she could fix it herself. Eventually, the pain became unbearable, affecting her ability to eat and live comfortably. She ended up needing significant dental work. Her embarrassment about waiting only compounded her fear, making it harder to seek help.
Many people share this fear of dental visits. Having any procedure done beyond a cleaning isn’t enjoyable. I’ve had my share of dental woes, and I’ve seen loved ones struggle with various issues, often despite good hygiene. Some people simply have poor enamel or even none at all. There’s no shame in seeking dental care, regardless of your situation. If you’re doing your best with dental hygiene, that’s all you can do. Even if you’re not, you still deserve relief from pain and the care necessary to improve your oral health.
Often, financial barriers prevent people from getting dental care. Without insurance, or even with it, costs can be daunting. Filling cavities can run into the hundreds, while more extensive procedures can cost thousands. If you’re in need but strapped for cash, look for local dental schools, public clinics, or ask private dentists if they ever provide free services. Some offer a limited amount of free work for those who can’t afford it. Also, check if you qualify for Medicaid.
Your mouth is a crucial part of your overall health—it deserves care just like any other part of your body. If you need treatment, don’t hesitate. You won’t be the first patient who has delayed care. And if you ever feel something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Everyone deserves a healthy mouth.
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Summary:
Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s been years since your last appointment. Many share the fear of dental work, leading to procrastination, which can worsen potential problems. This article recounts a personal experience of deferring dental care, only to discover later that anxiety and shame were unfounded. It emphasizes the importance of seeking regular dental treatment and not letting fear or financial constraints stand in the way of maintaining oral health.
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