Will you please give me some advice on how to convince my husband to see a cater to cowards dentist? He had been doing well with dental appointments, but within the last 2 years he has experienced exceptional stress at work and it seems to be affecting him in other areas. He now gets nervous while driving on overpasses or bridges and he won’t go to the dentist’s office any more. I think he is developing gum disease because his gums bleed when he brushes his teeth. He is also diabetic. I’m trying to convince him to go to a dentist who can treat the anxiety, but he keeps saying he doesn’t have time. What can I do to help him see the need to get to a dentist quickly before his teeth start to get loose? – Koni
Koni – Your concern about your husband’s oral health is valid. But it also sounds like he is seriously afraid of dental appointments. There is a link between gum disease and diabetes, but scientists don’t have a clear explanation about it. It’s possibly involved with bacterial and inflammation.
If your husband’s gum disease is controlled, it can help his overall health and help avoid infections and toothaches that can lead to dental emergencies. Sometimes it helps the patient to know the complications that can result from failing to get dental care.
A cater-to-cowards dentist is ideal for your husband’s anxiety. Often a major, stressful event, such as your husband’s stress at work, can lead to anxiety in other areas. Also, bad dental experiences in the past can cause anxiety.
Men are often very uncomfortable with expressing their anxiety about dental visits. Your husband might be comfortable talking with a dentist about it.
Helping Your Husband Get to a Cater-to-Cowards Dentist
Be supportive. If your husband agrees, you can schedule an appointment for a consultation with at least two sedation dentists. The dentist will let your husband know what’s involved with sedation, the type of sedation that will be used, and the results he can expect. This is also an opportunity for your husband to ask questions about his treatment options.
Be patient. Allow your husband time to think about the consultation and decide when he wants to schedule appointments for an exam and dental cleaning, as well as future appointments. Offer to go with your husband for the consultation, but respect his wishes if he wants to go alone.
Be cooperative. Work along with the cater-to-cowards dentist to help your husband gradually deal with his anxiety and get the dental care he needs.
This post is sponsored Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.