The importance of positive dental health to our patients

I'll start by putting forward a question to you: "Would you rather be missing your little toe or your front tooth?"

Dental health is more important to your patients than we or they realise. Not just from a biological point of view but also a psychosocial, mental health and general health point of view. Loss of teeth ultimately leads to poorer function, aesthetics and declining self image.

In this world of consumerism we find aesthetics becoming more of a priority and something that is traded upon like any commodity ranging from vouchers for veneers to bargain discounts on implants. I don't blame patients for being confused and sucked in by some of these gimmicks. I also do see where they are coming from when they neglect their oral health. However, it did initially confuse to me as a health professional and someone who has never had a significant oral or general health issue. Patients always seem to have the same excuses...
-I've always had bad teeth
-It's too expensive
-I hate dentists
-It's too late for me
-I just want them all out and dentures to replace them

However we do have to see these "excuses" for what they are. They are cleverly constructed to justify their state of health and it is an expression of their reluctance and fear to change/improve. I don't think there is anyone out there who wouldn't want to be healthier or better looking for no cost and no effort. However the worse their condition the more arduous the task of improving seems. Patients are genuinely put off by the cost of treatment, the discomfort and fear of pain. It is our job as health professionals to recognise this and manage their behaviour and expectations before starting treatment. They have to understand that they have as big if not a bigger role to take in their own oral health especially if we are trying to manage decades of neglect and built up habits. Some people aren't up to the task initially and they will not return. However anyone  most people the great majority of people can come around with enough persuasion and understanding. I am currently reading a book on psychology and mental health and the authors insist that any sort of therapy can be beneficial even if the patient's are skeptical at first. Even then, it is a matter of finding the right GP and psychologist for you as not every clinician will be a good fit. It is just the same for dentistry. You cannot be everything for everyone. Some patients will get along with you better, accept your treatment plans and comply through treatment. Others will clash with you, refuse your advice and they may be better off seeing someone else. It is important to do best by your patients but not to the extent that you are bending over backwards and compromising your values and philosophies for them. At that point you have to draw the line.