It’s been a while since you visited a dentist. The last time isn’t exactly one of those memories you want to hold onto, either. It was a miserable experience, actually; you spent the rest of the day with a numb mouth that slowly turned into throbbing pain. The medication you were prescribed did little to help and during the next couple of days it was uncomfortable.
You may have tried eating something the next day, had your fork hit the part of your tooth where work had been done and ‘Bam!’ the pain was overwhelming. You swore in that moment (and the dozen or so other times it happened during the next few days) that you were going to avoid the dentist at all cost, at least for some time.
You brushed regularly, flossed, and rinsed with mouthwash, just as you were supposed to. But there are still some signs that your teeth may need more work now. You keep telling yourself you’ll call, make an appointment, and get this done, but you don’t.
You’re procrastinating.
In order to help you with this problem, we’ve put together a few potent tips that just might help you get back to the dentist and get the healthy mouth you miss.
1. Schedule the appointment when you don’t have any major deadlines at work. When you have a lot going on with work or family obligations, it can make you feel the pain or discomfort that may occur with any dental work a bit more. Schedule your appointment when you know things will be relatively calm and easy.
2. Go with a friend. If you have a friend or family member who also needs to visit the dentist, make an appointment for the two of you to go together. It’s like working out in the gym; when you have a partner, it’s less likely that you’ll cancel.
3. Prepare a reward for yourself. If you give yourself a reward for making an appointment and seeing the dentist (such as seeing a new movie release, buying a new technological ‘toy’ or anything else), there is more incentive than just getting a great smile and positive oral health.