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Talking to a Loved One About Oral Health

May 03, 2023
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Telling someone you love that they have bad breath or need dental cleanings and fillings is not easy. But that’s not all when it comes to dental or oral health. Oral health issues can be many, and they can have serious repercussions when not addressed quickly. It is in your loved one’s best interests for you to point out when they need to pay attention to their oral care or a visit to their dentist.

 

Honesty is the best dental policy

If your beloved family member or a friend seems to be unaware of a visible dental problem, it is best for you to mention it to them. Make sure to tell them that you are speaking out of concern. It is necessary for you to be honest about it and not just avoid the discussion because even a seemingly simple dental problem may indicate a severe underlying issue. Your loved one will surely thank you for your honesty when they can avert the serious problem by taking timely action and going to the dentist.

If it is a cosmetic dentistry issue like crooked teeth, it can be quite hurtful for the person to hear it if you are too blunt about it. Take care to word it carefully so that they understand the cosmetic problem can be resolved easily to give them a better smile and more self-confidence. Do not keep pushing them about it every time you see them. Let them take their time and handle it at their own pace.

Share information

Merely telling someone about a problem may only make them feel uneasy and unhappy about how they look and anxious about the problem. Instead, you can share information about the potential effects of the oral problem and give simple suggestions on what they can do. For example, encourage a family member to go in for cleanings and fillings to take care of discoloured or chipped teeth. Tell them how much difference it can make. Show them examples if you can.

If the dental problem indicates something more serious, share data with them about potential issues that can be averted with timely care from the dentists. Keep a positive stance all through while sharing information.

Share your own positive experience

One very simple, very effective way to tackle this is to talk about your own experience with a dental problem and how you resolved it easily with proper professional care. It could be about how simple cosmetic dentistry rectified your crooked teeth and gave you a perfect smile. It could be about how regular cleanings and fillings ensure that you never have cavities or other painful teeth problems.

Talking about your own experience tells the other that it is perfectly normal and common for people to have oral health issues, and it is also easy to get resolutions.

 

It is quite common for people to be scared of a visit to the dentist. Talking to your loved ones and sharing your positive experience can help them overcome their reservations. If they have a dental problem that cosmetic dentistry can solve or an oral health issue that needs urgent attention, just be upfront about it. But be sensitive and gentle during your conversation so you encourage them to take action with a positive approach.

Ready when you are

Lamine Diallo
Lamine Diallo
02:21 15 Jun 22
My family and I have been receiving care from Dr. Ashraf and his amazing team since we first moved to Waterloo in 2002. His assessment skills are spot on, he is gentle and is very skilled at working with anxious\nervous patients. My dental hygienist is Lin who is very knowledgeable, and passionate about her work. She is amazingly gentle yet very,very thorough when it comes to preventative dental care. She is didactic as well, taking the time to teach patients how to use certain equipment as well as addressing gingivitis in pro-active ways. We are in very capable hands.
Trisa Kapetaneas
Trisa Kapetaneas
18:12 01 Jun 22
I have been a patient here for over 2 years now and I've always enjoyed the experience. The staff are professional and have always made me feel comfortable. I recently had a cleaning done by Lynn for the first time and she was amazing! Will continue to visit for my checkups/cleanings.
Aamir Mirza
Aamir Mirza
14:54 03 May 22
Dr. Ashraf and his team is amazing. All work done under one umbrella for entire family. We all are very happy to be under the care for the last 20 plus years. Lin, dental hygienist is remarkable professional. She knows her job so well that I look forward to my cleaning every time I'm scheduled. Thank you Lin for your amazing work for my entire family!
Alena Delena
Alena Delena
14:50 02 May 22
My family loves Dr Ashraf. We've been through many dentists in many cities and he's by far our favourite one. He's always thorough and professional. His referrals are also of equal high caliber. I went to him for a root canal and a crown. I had many concerns and he addressed them all personally. He even went so far as to redo a root canal for me. Recommend.
Nicole Wood
Nicole Wood
15:31 28 Apr 22
I found Ashraf Dentistry a year ago and I absolutely love their dental clinic. Everyone is very kind and thorough. Lin is the best dental hygienist I've ever had! She takes the time to ensure I receive the care I need. Both dentists I've seen have also been very kind and wonderful at making me feel like my teeth are being taken care of. Highly recommend!
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