How to Convince Someone to Practice Good Oral Hygiene

by | Apr 30, 2018

Do you know someone who doesn’t take care of their teeth? Maybe it’s a spouse, a child, another family member, a friend, or a co-worker? Unfortunately, good oral hygiene isn’t always high on many Hendricks County peoples’ to-do list. Years of bad dental care habits can carry over from childhood to adulthood. Unfortunately, these unhealthy behaviors can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. And, poor oral hygiene can even affect relationships negatively, especially with significant others.
However, it’s never too late for someone to change their unhealthy habits. Here are some strategies that you can use to help others see the benefits of good oral hygiene.

  1. Be Honest. While you may not like to tell someone that they have bad breath or unsightly teeth, sometimes, honesty really is the best policy. Tiptoeing around the issue isn’t going to help them. However, that doesn’t give you license to be mean about it. Communicate your thoughts and feelings calmly and rationally. If the other person starts to get angry, remind them that you’re just trying to help them change their life for the better. If you don’t feel comfortable having a conversation with them, write down your thoughts and feelings and share it with them. However, you need to remember that changes like these can take time. Therefore, you may need to have multiple conversations with your loved one before you see any behavior change. Just continue to remind them in a positive manner to take better care of their teeth and gums.
  2. Share Data about the Effects of Poor Oral Hygiene. Provide your loved one with information about how poor oral hygiene can affect their health and appearance. Not only can poor dental care lead to cavities and possible tooth loss, but it can lead to other serious health consequences like heart disease, dementia, respiratory infections, and diabetes complications.
  3. Show Them How They Really Look. Sometimes, people – even those in Hendricks County – don’t see themselves in the same way as other people see them. Take some photos of the person’s teeth and show them how they really look to others. Giving them a new perspective may the eye-opening push to change their oral hygiene behaviors. Also, take photos of their progress to show them how their new dental habits are helping to improve their appearance and health.
  4. Have a Dentist Talk to Them. If they won’t listen to you, call in reinforcements. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jon Erickson at Danville Family Dentistry. Dr. Erickson can exam their teeth and gums and give them a professional opinion about their oral health. Dr. Erickson has heard it all from people who don’t take care of their teeth, and he knows how to handle these situations.
  5. If the Lack of Dental Insurance Is an Issue to Good Dental Care, Danville Family Dentistry Has a Solution. We offer our Smile Savings Plan, a patient-courtesy program for those individuals without dental insurance. For a low annual fee, your loved ones or friends can get dental care services for one year, including 2 professional examinations, 2 dental cleanings, and routinely scheduled X-rays. Additionally, they’ll receive 15% off any other dental treatments provided at our Hendricks County office. Call us today at 317-745-4400 for more information and to register.

While family members’ and friends’ oral hygiene issues aren’t easy to tackle, with a little effort and perseverance, you can help them reap lifelong dental health benefits.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.