Someone asked me once if it was difficult to practice dentistry in a town where there seems to be a dental office on every corner. I admit that practice success might come a little easier in an area more underserved than St George. We do have a high number of dentists per capita. To make things just a little bit harder for me professionally, we are blessed to live in a community full of gifted and talented dental providers. But I’ve never seen my colleagues as competition. We attend study groups together and work through complex cases together. We serve at community events. Our children attend the same schools, and we worship together.

However, in spite of the number of dentists and dental practices, a large percentage of southern Utah’s population does not see the dentist regularly. And that is what I feel our main competition is: all the things that we spend money on and invest in other than our oral health. I’m talking about smart watches, televisions, side-by-sides, surfboards, mountain bikes, and the perfect set of heels.

The last thing anyone wants to do is spend money on their teeth. It’s not fun or exciting, but it can be life changing. I often say in my office that if you want to avoid spending a lot of money at the dentist, you should consider spending a little. Preventive dental care is inexpensive when compared to the treatments that are sometimes needed to correct more serious issues. And dental problems, diagnosed and treated early, are more affordable than when you put off needed care.

Neglecting oral health comes with a price. A few years ago, there were 2.1 million emergency room visits for dental emergencies. That number increases every year. In our country, children miss over 34 million school hours each year because of dental pain, and businesses report losing over $45 billion each year from missed work due to dental issues.

People don’t realize that tooth decay, or cavities, is the most common chronic disease. In fact, the only disease more prevalent in our society than gum disease or tooth decay is the common cold. About one in four adults in the U.S. have an untreated cavity, and nearly half of adults age thirty or older show signs of having some form of gum disease.

I don’t share this with you to make you feel guilty. I know that there are more important things in life than teeth. This is not meant to be a judgment of your priorities. My goal is for you to be happy and healthy. I want you to live your best life, and I know this isn’t possible without good oral health. Anyone who has experienced an abscess or an infected tooth knows how devastating it is. People who are missing teeth often share with me the emotional and physical burdens they carry as a result. Oral health influences how we talk, laugh, and interact with others. It affects how we enjoy food. It impacts how our bodies work and perform.

Make time to see your dentist regularly. If you haven’t been in a while, go back. I promise we’ll be happy to see you. There is no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed.  We won’t judge. My peers in the southern Utah dental community and I just want to help.