Whilst dental deserts and unhealthy diets are well-documented explanations for poor oral health issues, another factor to consider is dental shame.
Shame is a necessary negative emotion that helps define values and gives people something to measure themselves against, motivating positive behaviour change. But it should not compromise health – patients may avoid dental appointments because they are ashamed of their teeth or dietary habits, according to a new study.
Research was undertaken by a range of individuals, including academics from the universities of Copenhagen, Exeter, and Plymouth, as well as Lyndsey Withers, a community volunteer, and Dr Christina Worle, a dentist. They sought to define and illuminate the widespread but mostly undocumented phenomenon of dental shame, identifying three situations in which it tends to occur:
A better grasp of dental shame can help dental practitioners better support affected patients and encourage them to make their next dental appointment. However, this can be a tight path to walk: dentists may unintentionally cause patients to feel ashamed during a check-up, especially in cases where the patient hasn’t followed previous oral hygiene instructions.
Professor Luna Dolezal, the leader of the Shame and Medicine research project at the University of Exeter, expands on the team’s findings:
“Dental shame is both a consequence and a determinant of oral health issues. This can turn [it] into a self-reinforcing spiral. Dental shame affects self-esteem, social interactions, access to the labour market, care systems and social services. It is important to have non-judgemental environments where patients feel trustful and empowered to prioritise their oral health.”
The systemic inequities in dental care are at the core of dental shame, as well as healthcare fee structures – the higher prices are, the harder it is for less financially stable patients to get the care they need.
The study proposes that dental practitioners should be trained to have ‘shame competence’. Being able to identify shame in others with a set of skills and emotional intelligence is a valuable tool that ensures patients can feel understood and supported. Moreover, shame competence extends beyond the dental practice and into every aspect of life, promoting a happier lifestyle and pushing people towards a healthier future.
>Since you’re here, why not read about the undercover exposure of the illegal teeth-whitening industry?
Main image credit: Unsplash
