One in five people only visit the dentist when they have a problem!
This statement is based on research by Mintel and is from the reputable GDPUK site for dental opinion and information. It raises the question: How can we help the 18% who don’t visit the dentist?
The article continues to explain that 21% of men avoid going to the dentist unless it’s essential, and 15% of women behave in the same way.
The figures these days are much better than they would have been twenty or thirty years ago. Trusted dental surgeries promote preventive dentisty, and encourage patients to come for regular check-ups and hygiene appointments. And the rise in popularity of the selfie has definitely raised awareness of the power of a great smile! It’s safe to say, that people are conscious these days of the need for good oral health.
How can we help the 18%?
The chances are that if you’re reading this, you are one of the 82%. You take your mouth care and visits to the dentist seriously, and your immediate household is doing the same.
Over the holiday season, however, we often see family members that we don’t meet up with very often. If we can begin a conversation about a recent visit to the dentist with a relation, we may find out that he (statistically the most probable gender!) hasn’t been to the dentist for years! We may even notice that someone is experiencing pain, or having some difficulty eating.
It may not be very tactful to ask, “When did you last see a dentist?” But if the topic can be fitted naturally into a conversation, and then followed up with, “I know a great dentist, I can make an appointment for you and we can go together!” we can do a little to help the 18% to get to a dentist!