subject: The Family Dentist And Why People Choose Not To Go [print this page] It is a commonly held belief that people choose not to visit a family dentist because they are afraid. The drills! The sharp tools! The unpleasant sounds and smells! Those who have no issues keeping their regular appointments often think those who skip out do so because they are scared of these things or at least find them unpleasant enough to warrant letting their oral health deteriorate. Recent studies, however, have put lie to that belief. While there are certainly those people whose phobias keep them from a good cleaning and care schedule, a new national surgery shows that the primary reason behind this neglect is not fear, but rather expense.
Forty Percent
The survey, which polled adults from the ages of 18 to 64, showed that 4 in 10 of these adults labeled cost as the primary reason they did not go to the family dentist when they were faced with an oral health problem. Whether that problem was a toothache, loose teeth, or something different, these people chose to struggle on their own rather than get care from a professional. They did this not because they were afraid of tools and arduous procedures, but because they did not have the money to cover the work. On the other hand, only approximately 10% of respondents labeled fear as their first factor.
Oral Disease
When there is a major health crisis in the United States, it gets play in the mainstream media. Whether it is diabetes, obesity, smoking, or a major virus, the news is inescapable. The same cannot always be said when it comes to oral health issues. For some reason, dental issues never get the same attention from the media. Perhaps they aren't taken seriously enough. This is a shame, as oral health diseases don't always limit themselves to the mouth. While losing a few teeth is bad enough, gum disease and other such problems can spread, causing heart and circulatory problems, as well as bone degeneration and loss.
Health and Income
Not only do those with lower income levels find it difficult to make and keep appointments with a family dentist, but the study also showed that those with mitigating health problems also found it an issue. For instance, the study showed that those with diabetes - a major factor in decreased oral health - were twice as likely to have not kept an appointment in the past five years. It also went on to show that those in lower income families were twice as likely to have poor oral health.
by: Abigail Aaronson
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