4 Tips To Convince A Stubborn Family Member To Go To The Dentist

Almost everyone has that one family member who refuses to go to the dentist no matter what. In some cases, this is due to anxiety and dental phobia. Other people think dentist appointments are a waste of time. However, there are many well-documented reasons why people should go for dental checkups at least twice a year. Here are four tips to help you convince a stubborn family member to go to the dentist.

1. Show them the applicable research.

Regular dentist appointments help your dentist catch problems early. Not all tooth decay is symptomatic. A person could be walking around with several cavities and not realize it until one cavity turns into a painful abscessed tooth.

If your loved one doesn't believe you about the benefits of visiting the dentist, it may help to show them scientific studies proving that people who visit the dentist have better overall dental health. According to WebMD, unhealthy teeth and gums can lead to heart disease. Let your loved one know that tooth decay can actually hurt their whole body.

2. Model good dental patient behavior.

Your family members listen to the things you say, but, more than that, they watch the things you do. If you tell your loved ones to go to the dentist but refuse to do it yourself, you aren't being very convincing. One of the best ways to get a stubborn family member to go to the dentist is by visiting the dentist yourself.

After you come back from the dentist, don't complain; instead, make sure you talk about what a pleasant and easy experience it was. Talk about the things you appreciate about your dentist.

3. Offer to make the appointment.

It's possible that your loved one is feeling overwhelmed. If they didn't grow up attending routine dental exams, they may not know where to start. You can help by offering to do the administrative work for them. Recommend a family dentistry service you trust. Offer to make an appointment and fill out the paperwork if necessary.

4. Don't be pushy.

At the end of the day, you can't force someone to do something they don't want to do. Being overly pushy can make stubborn people dig in their heels even more, even if your heart is in the right place. Respect your loved one's decision, even if you disagree. This can keep the lines of communication open for when your family members are ready to act on your advice.