We Brits are a notoriously stoic bunch. We often put up with things until they become unbearable rather than dealing with them head-on. When it comes to our health, this often manifests itself in the form of not going to the dentist.
Despite being one of the countries with the highest rates of dental problems, many Brits avoid seeing a dentist at all costs. There are a variety of reasons for this, some more surprising than others. In this blog post, we take a look at some of the most unexpected reasons why Brits don’t go to the dentist.
Shame and Embarrassment
There’s no denying that dental care in the UK isn’t always a priority for most. In fact, it’s been reported that nearly 31% of adults in England have visible tooth decay. And while there are many reasons for this, one of the biggest is that many Brits simply don’t want to go to the dentist. Why? Shame and embarrassment.
It’s no secret that dental anxiety is a real thing. It’s estimated that about 25% of the UK population experience some level of dental anxiety. And for many people, that anxiety stems from shame and embarrassment. They’re ashamed of their teeth and embarrassed to show them to someone else. As a result, they avoid dental care altogether.
This is a huge problem because it means that they’re not getting the preventive care they need to keep their mouths healthy. It also means that when they do finally see a dentist, it’s often for an emergency appointment — which is far more expensive and likely to result in extensive work being needed.
Tooth Issues Aren’t That Serious
Many people in the UK simply don’t see visiting the dentist as a priority. After all, if your teeth aren’t giving you any pain, why would you bother spending money on a dentist? Unfortunately, this way of thinking can lead to some serious consequences down the road. Poor dental hygiene has been linked to many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and even dementia.
Moreover, research has shown that people who don’t visit the dentist are more likely to experience poorer overall health and reduced quality of life. So while it may seem like skipping out on dental appointments won’t have any negative impact on your health, the reality is quite the contrary. If you want to maintain good oral health (and good overall health), regular trips to the dentist are essential.
Fear of Pain
In Britain, it’s not uncommon for people to avoid going to the dentist because they’re afraid of pain. It is understandable, as no one wants to experience pain unnecessarily. However, it’s important to remember that dental pain is usually the result of an underlying dental problem. Being scared of the dentist because of pain is only natural. But by avoiding the dentist, you’re only making the problem worse.
Eventually, the pain will become too much to ignore, and you’ll be forced to seek treatment. At that point, the problem will become much more serious and the treatment will be more invasive and expensive. So if you’re worried about pain, don’t let it hold you back from getting the dental care you need. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
No Lectures Please
There are many reasons people avoid the dentist, but one of the most common is the fear of being lectured about oral hygiene. Nobody likes to be scolded, and nobody wants to hear that they’re not taking care of their teeth properly.
However, it’s important to remember that your dentist is not there to judge you — they’re there to help you take care of your teeth and keep them healthy! So next time you feel nervous about going to the dentist, remind yourself that they’re only there to help, and you might be surprised at how much better you feel once you’re in the chair.
Rethink Your Dental Health
So, if you are a Brit and you’ve been avoiding the dentist for any of these reasons, it’s time to book your appointment. And if you know someone who falls into one or more of these categories, spread the word! Dental health is important, and it’s worth taking care of — especially when there are so many great dental professionals out there just waiting to help us keep our pearly whites shining. See you at the dentist!
