Many people who see me regularly often decline treatment when I diagnose a problem. My job requires that I carefully diagnose any problems, discuss the risks their conditions present, and recommend the treatments available for them. The patient has every right to refuse treatment. I am not professionally responsible for any troubles they may experience from not seeking treatment as long as I have made them aware of the risks. Apparently, there are millions of patients like this. Luckily, modern foods are much softer than traditional foods, so people are still able to eat with few or no teeth. Whether they can consume the full range of nutrients required to be perfectly healthy is in serious doubt.

According to the latest ADA report, only 43 percent of Americans saw a dentist in 2021. Even worse, only 39 percent of adults aged 19 to 64 paid a visit to the dentist in the same year. 1 Things are not much better in the field of medicine.

Because I have seen over and over again the poor outcomes of non-treatment, I know many people will regret their decision not to receive treatment. The reasons people don't seek healthcare treatment are innumerable. If they were taking good care of themselves at the same time, things would most likely not be so bad for them. But most people, most often through no fault of their own, have been fed a veritable pack of lies when it comes to aspects of self-care. So even when they put in an effort to be healthy, the results are minimal. The combination of lack of professional care coupled with lack of self-care is a powerful one-two punch for America. This post will cover the reasons why people don't seek care, refuse treatment when they do, and don’t care for themselves properly.

Reasons for Not Seeking Medical and Dental Treatment

1. Cost Barriers: The most recent ADA report highlights that 13% of the U.S. population reported cost barriers to dental care, a significantly higher percentage compared to other healthcare services (4-5%). Dental diseases, especially cavities, are the most common ailments for humans. Therefore, the insurance coverage is very limited. After all, how can a company insure against the inevitable and still profit? High premiums and low payouts help maximize their profits despite the high incidence of diseases they insure against. It also discourages treatment acceptance.

2. Age-Related Variations: The ADA report also reveals an interesting age-related trend in dental visits. While half of the senior and children populations visited a dentist in 2021, only 39% of adults aged 19-64 did. This discrepancy may be attributed to different priorities, perceptions of necessity, access to transportation, and limited income among these age groups.

3. Lack of Awareness or Priority: A common scenario for me is a patient will come in excited to talk about their two-week cruise and then refuse to make an appointment for a few fillings. Innumerable patients come in with a broken tooth that requires a crown to restore it and say to me, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." IT IS BROKEN!!! For many, dental and medical care may only be a priority once a significant problem arises, such as unbearable pain. Although dental care is a crucial aspect of overall health, it is perceived as less important than medical care by a considerable margin. This reactive approach, as opposed to a preventive one, can lead to more severe health issues later. This post explains things more in-depth.

4. Accessibility and Convenience: Accessibility to healthcare facilities, especially for nonworking or disabled individuals, can be a significant barrier. Many people are unable to drive. The convenience of scheduling appointments and the availability of services in certain regions also play a role. I have many patients who claim they are too busy to schedule the care they need and deserve, even though my office is open until 8 PM four days each week. 

 I have written about the importance of optimizing our health many times. This recent post says it all.

Here are some brief reasons to take better care of ourselves:

1. Prevention is Better Than Cure: Regular dental and medical check-ups can prevent many diseases and conditions. Early detection often leads to simpler and more cost-effective treatments.

2. Quality of Life: A JABFM study shows that those in poor health were significantly more likely to engage in self-care. Only once ill health arises do the patients learn to take better care of themselves. Once ill, self-care may be necessary in order to function. For instance, managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication becomes a priority once diabetes sets in. The change in lifestyle is time-consuming and costly, making it a difficult endeavor.

3. Economic and Social Impact: From a broader perspective, a healthier population contributes more effectively to the economy and society. Regular healthcare maintenance reduces the burden on healthcare systems. It also reduces the cost of insurance. The leading cause of bankruptcy is illness.

4. Mental Health Benefits: There is a strong connection between physical and mental health. Regular healthcare not only maintains physical wellness but also supports mental health by reducing stress and anxiety related to health issues.

5. Long-Term Benefits: Investing time and resources in regular healthcare may seem burdensome in the short term, but it pays off in the long run. It can reduce chronic diseases, decrease emergency healthcare costs, and increase life expectancy and quality of life overall.

The Reason Why We Fail When We Make The Effort To Take Care Of Ourselves

My recent post describes how shoddy journalism, search engine censorship, and social media meddling lead us to believe a lot of nonsense when it comes to diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Typically, alternative treatments involving diet and lifestyle are downplayed. A recent 60-minute piece featured a physician who stated diet and lifestyle won't help people lose weight because it is purely a brain disease without giving any details or citing research to support her claim. The reason she did not give supporting evidence is because there is none. Read my post on her here. She was recently appointed to a team that is tasked with updating the US government’s diet recommendations, even though she says diet does not have anything to do with obesity. You can’t make this stuff up.

Much of what we continually hear has little to no basis in science or, in the case of the governmental appointment I just cited, logic. Furthermore, most of the commercials on TV are about medication, dubious semistarvation weight-loss plans, and crappy food. Read this post about The Eat Lancet and MyPlate Diets describing their propensity to cause malnutrition and disease. Most people who follow these diets will assume they will lead to better health outcomes. Sadly, this is far from the case. I consider most of our food supply as toxic to our health and well-being.

Conclusion

The statistics I discussed today reveal a concerning trend of neglect in seeking medical and dental care, primarily due to cost barriers and a lack of prioritization. However, the importance of regular healthcare cannot be overstated. It is a critical component of maintaining a high quality of life. Engaging in regular self-care and preventive healthcare is not just a personal investment; it benefits the individual, their community, and the broader healthcare system. It is essential to address these barriers and shift the public perception of healthcare from a luxury to a necessary aspect of everyday life. This shift is vital for ensuring a healthier, more productive, and happier society.