Among Friends

[Tinkrbl44]

Yes, there should be better dental coverage, but if even the most basic cleanings etc aren't done, of course people will pay very dearly for their neglect!  (Reminds me of my grandmother's favorite saying:  A stitch in time saves nine).  

If someone waits until there are absesses and pain, whose fault is that?

Sorry, but money can't be the excuse if there are free clinics and other programs available.

If people don't see a dentist from one decade to the next, do you blame bad parenting, bad health habits ..... or what?  

[CrazyDaisy]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

Yes, there should be better dental coverage, but if even the most basic cleanings etc aren't done, of course people will pay very dearly for their neglect!  (Reminds me of my grandmother's favorite saying:  A stitch in time saves nine).  

If someone waits until there are absesses and pain, whose fault is that?

Sorry, but money can't be the excuse if there are free clinics and other programs available.

If people don't see a dentist from one decade to the next, do you blame bad parenting, bad health habits ..... or what?  

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You cannot make such broad statements without knowing the individuals situation. 

First these "free clinics" are based on income.  Unless you are living at the poverty level, you will need to pay.  If you are just poor and getting by paycheck to paycheck, paying for dental care is out of reach.

Dental schools do not always offer low cost services, and many do require payment.  Again out of reach for many.

You can do everything right and still not get ahead.  Sometimes it is bad genetics sometimes it can be an accident, not everything is preventable.

[Tinkrbl44]

@CrazyDaisy

I totally agree with everything you said, but, sometimes, the problems are due to just plain deliberate neglect.   

[CrazyDaisy]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

@CrazyDaisy

I totally agree with everything you said, but, sometimes, the problems are due to just plain deliberate neglect.   

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I think a person deliberately neglecting a problem is much less likely than a person not being able to afford taking care of the problem.  Who really wants to walk around with dental issues.

[Tinkrbl44]

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@CrazyDaisy wrote:

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

@CrazyDaisy

I totally agree with everything you said, but, sometimes, the problems are due to just plain deliberate neglect.   

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I think a person deliberately neglecting a problem is much less likely than a person not being able to afford taking care of the problem.  Who really wants to walk around with dental issues.

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@CrazyDaisy

I'm basing this on the time I sold insurance benefits, including dental insurance.   I heard some rather jaw dropping stories from people who neglected their teeth.  Didn't know how to choose a dentist.  Dental insurance didn't pay 100% so I'm not going.  I brush my teeth once a day, what else do they want?  I don't want someone drilling in my mouth.   I'm fine; if something starts to hurt I'll get that gel to fix the pain.  etc etc etc   Go figure.

I guess there are many reasons .....  including fear, which I haven't seen mentioned yet.

[AuntMame]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

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@CrazyDaisy wrote:

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

@CrazyDaisy

I totally agree with everything you said, but, sometimes, the problems are due to just plain deliberate neglect.   

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I think a person deliberately neglecting a problem is much less likely than a person not being able to afford taking care of the problem.  Who really wants to walk around with dental issues.

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@CrazyDaisy

I'm basing this on the time I sold insurance benefits, including dental insurance.   I heard some rather jaw dropping stories from people who neglected their teeth.  Didn't know how to choose a dentist.  Dental insurance didn't pay 100% so I'm not going.  I brush my teeth once a day, what else do they want?  I don't want someone drilling in my mouth.   I'm fine; if something starts to hurt I'll get that gel to fix the pain.  etc etc etc   Go figure.

I guess there are many reasons .....  including fear, which I haven't seen mentioned yet.

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Face it everyone hates going to the dentist and for certain people complaining that they can't afford to go is the best excuse ever. I've known people like this. They also have excuses as for why they can't go to the free or nearly-free nearby dental school for treatment--"I've heard it's really not that good. I don't want to endanger my teeth." Or the periodic free or low-cost dental clinics for the low income. "I forgot." "I overslept that Saturday." Etc. And then they end up in the emergency room with an infected absess, or even in the hospital with a bad infection from the absess. And you know what, they still refuse to go the dental school or anywhere else to get that rotten tooth pulled!