That’s a solid tactic—comparing it to something tangible like groceries makes the cost less abstract. I’ve tried taking it a step further and calculated what skipping regular cleanings could add up to if you end up with gum disease or worse. My dad just rolled his eyes, but when I mentioned how much time he’d lose sitting in a dental chair for a crown vs. a quick cleaning, that actually got through. Is it just my folks, or do others act like dental bills are some kind of conspiracy?
Is it just my folks, or do others act like dental bills are some kind of conspiracy?
My husband’s the same way—he grumbles like dentists are out to get him. I keep telling him, skipping cleanings cost us more in the end. But honestly, I still get nervous every time I go. The anxiety never really goes away for me, but I’d rather deal with that than a toothache that keeps me up all night.
skipping cleanings cost us more in the end
That’s spot on. My dad avoided the dentist for years, partly because he was convinced the prices were inflated—or that every appointment would end with a lecture and a big bill. I kept telling him, “Look, a cleaning is nothing compared to a crown or root canal.” He brushed it off until he cracked a molar on popcorn and ended up with an abscess. The pain finally forced him in, but by then, he needed way more work than if he’d just gone in for regular checkups.
I get the anxiety part too. Even knowing all the details doesn’t make it less nerve-wracking for me. But honestly, seeing what my dad went through made me realize how much worse it gets if you keep putting it off. If a parent refuses to go, sometimes showing them real numbers—like how much more expensive neglect can be—helps. But at the end of the day, they’re adults and make their own choices... even if it drives us nuts.
- Totally relate to the anxiety part. Even just booking the appointment stresses me out.
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— That hit home for me. My mom’s the same way, and it’s so hard to watch.“seeing what my dad went through made me realize how much worse it gets if you keep putting it off.”
- I think you’re right that showing real numbers can help, but sometimes they just have to learn the hard way... frustrating, but true.
- You’re doing your best by encouraging him, and that’s all any of us can really do.
“seeing what my dad went through made me realize how much worse it gets if you keep putting it off.”
That’s honestly the story of my family, too. My dad ignored a toothache for months, and by the time he finally caved, he needed a root canal and a crown. I get the anxiety—just calling to schedule is enough to make my heart race. I tried showing him stats about gum disease, but he just laughed it off. Sometimes you just have to hope they’ll listen before things go sideways...