Dr. Katie To tells people avoiding the dentist that shame about how long it's been doesn't matter. What matters is showing up now. She won't judge you or lecture you, just help you get back to dental care.
I don't care if you haven't flossed in 10 years. Here's what I actually care about. So many people avoid the dentist because they embarrassed. They think we're going to shame them, lecture them, make them feel bad about their choices. I get messages all the time saying, "I'm too embarrassed to come in," and I want you to know something. I don't care how long it's been since your last cleaning. I don't care if you have been hiding from dentists for years. I don't care about your past. What I care about is where you're going, that you show up, that you're ready to take the next step. That takes courage, and that's what matters to me. If shame had been keeping you away, let it go. Share this with someone who needs to hear this.
