Face Dentists, Skip the Shame

In a world where self esteem is touted as the all-time aim of child-rearing, going to the dentist seems counter-productive. Here are some simple steps for those who lack the flossing gene but want to visit dentists without shame.

When you visit your dentist’s office, as sure as you’ll hear your name called just as you get interested in an article from last November’s Time magazine and receive a free toothbrush and floss sample on your way out, you know you’ll hear the dreaded question: Do you floss? If you’re like most Americans, you don’t. But you shouldn’t let your anxiety about that dreaded question keep you from your bi-annual visits. Since feelings of failure and guilt often accompany either your dishonest answer or your shameful admission, you simply need to change. 

Here are some ways to curb the unhealthy habit of failing to floss, thereby allowing you to visit your favorite chopper cheerleader without hurting your ego:

Resolve to Floss

Okay, so now you’re remembering the New Year’s Resolutions you knew you wouldn’t keep. Flossing might rank up there with exercising daily, reading through the Bible, stopping smoking, and the like. (Maybe that’s why so many people drink on New Year’s Eve?) Consider why your resolutions fail. Are they too drastic? Do they lack reward? Whatever the reasons for your past failures, the issue isn’t that you at one point resolved. So do it: Resolve to floss.

Make Realistic Goals

Going from flossing once a year (the day after a dental cleaning, perhaps) to flossing every day probably won’t happen. So be realistic about doing what dentists want you to do. How about once a week? What else do you do once a week? If you’re a parent of young children, maybe you hang out in the bathroom while your kids play in the bath. You could floss then. Or maybe you take a soak in the whirlpool tub to unwind on Friday nights. Why not grab some floss before you sink into the suds? You don’t have to be in the bathroom, though. You could do it while you watch your favorite Thursday night TV show. Make realistic goals.

Think Short Term

Even if you know you won’t commit to flossing for the long haul, at least do yourself a favor and floss the week or month preceding your appointment with one or more dentists. After all, lying is foolish since your hygienist will probably be looking at the leftovers stuck between your teeth and gums as she asks the dreaded question. If you say you’ve done it, and you have, you’re clear. If she follows up with another question, such as how long you’ve been flossing, simply tell her she’s only allowed one invasive quiz per visit. (She’ll likely be able to tell if you’ve only done it for a week. If you’ve been doing it all month, though, she’ll probably commend you on your progress.) And once you’ve started, why not continue on? Either way, it may help to think short term.

Consider the Reward

The guilt, the shame, the lies—Can you imagine going to the dentist’s office without all of that? Picture his bright white smile as he asks you, followed by your honest answer: “Yes, I floss.” If that’s not reward enough, maybe you didn’t dread it enough, after all. 

Hopefully, you’re now ready to go to have your teeth cleaned without the usual blow to your self-image. Who knew flossing could be so rewarding?! Happy dentist, happy patient, happy teeth—now that’s something to smile about!

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