In recent years, the growth of the internet has been unsurpassed by any other technological means. Consulting the internet for just about anything is common practice in this day and age. However, there are some circumstances where the internet just isn’t sufficient. Just because you can read about rocket science on Google, doesn’t mean you are an actual rocket scientist. It’s important to keep this in mind when researching dental symptoms online! Here are few important things to remember when consulting with “Dr Google”.
The internet is not an actual doctor
Unlike a dentist or orthodontist, Dr Google has not trained extensively for years as a medical professional. Dentists are experts in oral health and are far more capable of identifying symptoms than the internet. It’s a dentist’s job to make sure their patient has optimal health so they are able to quickly identify any issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Everything from damage to disease and decay can be discovered and treated under a dentist’s steady hand. You can’t say the same for Dr Google!
The internet isn’t a person
Sometimes it may feel like Google is a real person, but the reality is this is not the case. Your dentist is however! Dentists are people who care about your health and will do what they can to make sure that your teeth are pristine. We want to get to know you and learn how we can make your treatment even better.
It can cause panic!
A major problem with consulting the internet is that it can send you into a panic. A symptom as simple as a toothache can be attributed to many different issues. Googling “toothache” or “tooth pain” will provide you with many different causes, from the innocent to the very serious. However, only a dentist will be able to give you the correct diagnosis and they will do it without causing concern for grief or panic.
The internet isn’t always right
The internet is a massive encyclopaedia of information. Whilst that information is incredibly useful and nearly all encompassing, it also has a lot of incorrect entries. Just because you read something online does not necessarily mean it’s true. It’s best to avoid misdiagnosing yourself or giving yourself at home remedies that don’t actually work. Instead, save yourself the trouble and consult a dentist.
You can make the situation worse
The most dangerous thing about relying solely on Google is that you may make the problem worse. If you diagnose yourself incorrectly you may try and treat yourself with methods that will either not do anything or worsen the issue. Additionally, if you ignore the symptoms the situation may become worse over time.
Google is a great starting point in identifying that there may be a problem in the first place, however, it should only be used as a starting point. The internet is not a medical professional and won’t take care of you like a dentist can.
We are here to help!
At Dental Pearls, we have an amazing new patient offer which will help you far more than Dr Google ever could. You’ll get a one-hour appointment including a comprehensive check-up, x-rays, a clean, fluoride application and a full mouth OPG x-ray for your rebate only if you have private health insurance – that’s right – no gap payment! Or, if you don’t have private health, it’s just $199.
Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
