View Full Version : I haven’t brushed my teeth for a few years. And I’m afraid of losing them.
Don’t worry, I’m going to the dentist in two days so I’ll update later on. The reason why I posted this thread is to lower my fears before going to the dentist. Basically so I don’t go to an extremely quick conclusion to what’s going to happen next. So like the title, I’m very scared of losing my teeth. Here are my symptoms so far:
- Gum disease. (Bleeding gums for a few years.)
- Skinny gums.
- Yellow teeth (mostly)
- Cavities (At the left and right side of my mouth.
- Sensitive teeth
- Exposed roots (at the top and bottom of my front teeth)
So why didn’t I brush my teeth for a few years? Well if I have to be honest, I don’t know. I thought maybe it’s because I didn’t think it’s too important that time, because nobody told me the huge dangers of brushing my teeth. Maybe it’s because I was depressed. Maybe it’s because I forgot to. Whatever that maybe, I’m scared of losing my teeth.
Well....this is an unexpected post.
It sounds like your choice not to brush has had some ramifications. I am so glad you are going to the dentist and, at this point, you are just going to have to take it as it comes. If you lose your teeth, you lose your teeth. You will have no choice but to accept it and move on. If the worst happens, you will need to make decisions about dentures or implants and I am sure the dentist will have ideas. You will adapt and it will be okay.
Have you considered therapy? You neglected to do basic self-care for quite a long time, so it might be helpful to figure out how not to fall back in that place again.
I wish you good luck and good news tomorrow!
Wellllllll, now........I need to just say congratulations on taking the brave step to go to the dentist. That is a courageous step after neglecting your oral hygiene for so long, and shows that you are now ready to take responsibility for your health in a way that will be beneficial for you. Have you really not brushed at all in years ?
I hope that the situation isn't as bad as you envisage, and you will be surprised at how much can be 'saved' with some expert care from a good dentist and hygienist. I know you say you are scared of losing your teeth, but that kind of depends on how badly the gum disease has progressed. When it becomes very advanced the tissue around the tooth, and eventually the boney socket is attacked by the bacteria and teeth becomes loose. You aren't saying teeth feel lose,so maybe you have lucked out and the gums can be brought back to health ? One thing is for sure, if you are scared of loosing teeth, then making that appointment was critical and leaving it any longer would eventually result in tooth loss.
Please do come back and update, I'd be interested to hear how you got on.
Mindprison
16-04-18, 23:10
I wouldn't worry about it too much hack and I don't think anyone here can reprimand you for not brushing your teeth all that time. I have been guilty of it myself when i've been at my lowest, my dentist said the same thing to me, when you have mental health problems and are struggling to even get out of bed, it's not uncommon for you to neglect your teeth or other forms of personal hygiene.
While you most likely do have a fair bit of work that will need to be done, dentists are very very good at saving teeth thanks to modern advancements. In my experience, dentists will absolutely not pull teeth out unless there is zero chance they can be saved.
I recently had a hole in my back tooth so large that it had eroded almost the entire front part, my dentist was not sure if it could be saved but tried anyway. It's been 8 months and the filling is still holding strong, so there you go!
MyNameIsTerry
17-04-18, 01:29
It's good that you are admitting to yourself that you have a problem to tackle. Like MindPrison says, many of us will have been here with hygiene. I remember going weeks without shaving, months without a change of clothes, over a month without showering (just sink washes), etc. Anxiety & depression can do this to people.
You do need to look at how to take control of your brushing now. If it's too much to do it twice a day or do flossing/brushing/mouthwash then try to create a plan to get back into routines bit by bit and once you are doing it all, it will just stick with you unless you have major setbacks that cause spirals again. Then you just work on the plan again.
Thanks to everyone who posted. The dentist was the most disappointment I’ve ever been in. Not only was the doctor rude, but he took out something from my mouth between my teeth. And that’s all he did! He didn’t even perform anything else other than a teeth X-ray! That was the worst appointment ever. AND NOW I’M EVEN MORE FRIGHTENED TO DIE FROM GUM DISEASE I HAVE FOR A FEW YEARS
AMomentofClarity
19-04-18, 03:38
Do you really think a dentist let you walk out the door with a potentially fatal case of gum disease?
I did not like the dentist I go to. It looked very shady and bland. The doctor has no sympathy at all. Not even depression out of all things. At least the X-ray said there’s nothing going on the roots, but **** I’m scared.
Are there other dentists in your area? I'm sure there is. You should schedule an appointment with someone else and see if you like them better. Don't worry dentist love patients who want to keep their teeth they make more money that way lol. I know how depression and anxiety can make you not want to do anything. That includes hygiene lol . You just got to be like Nike and JUST DO IT. Lol I tell myself this when runn8ng or lifting don't think about it just do it. Don't worry you can save your teeth if you want to. You gonna have to start brushing and flossing them though lol. Like I said make it a habit by just doing it don't think about it. :yesyes:
I agree with nivekc251 :)
I too think you need to find a dentist who is more pleasant and accommodation. Clearly you aren't happy with the whole experience, and as I've said on here before 'not all dentists are equal' in their bedside manner. Is there anyone who you could get a recommendation from regarding a good dentist ?
I immediately looked up a dentist that is 12 minutes away, but I’m not the one to control it. I accidentally told my mom that they checked it alright. Last night, I’ve been panicking like crazy to think the gum disease is destroying my health, because I have a sore throat feeling in the bottom right of my throat. And now I think I have oral cancer or other bad things. I’m so scared..
What did this last dentist say about the condition of your gums ?
Annaboodle
19-04-18, 13:43
Are there other dentists in your area? I'm sure there is. You should schedule an appointment with someone else and see if you like them better. Don't worry dentist love patients who want to keep their teeth they make more money that way lol. I know how depression and anxiety can make you not want to do anything. That includes hygiene lol . You just got to be like Nike and JUST DO IT. Lol I tell myself this when runn8ng or lifting don't think about it just do it. Don't worry you can save your teeth if you want to. You gonna have to start brushing and flossing them though lol. Like I said make it a habit by just doing it don't think about it. :yesyes:
This was a nice post :). I haven't been to the dentist in over 3 years since I had bad post-natal depression after my youngest was born and let a lot of things go. The dentist I was going to before that used to scare the crap out of me. She was really abrasive and judgemental. I've no idea why I kept going to her really other than maybe my self-esteem was so low that I felt this was the kind of dentistry I deserved! Ok, I'm going to register somewhere else and go. If I don't like that dentist, you're right - I'll find somewhere else and hopefully the OP will too.
Annaboodle,
There is a forum specifically for dental anxiety called
https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/forum/
It might be of help to you, if you have specific fears, though it isn't UK based. Like here, there are some useful articles which helped me a few years ago after I was a dentist avoider (some bad experiences with a rubbish dentist). I changed practices, and started being a 'consumer with rights and needs' rather than a benign recipient, living in fear of what they said. This kind of ties in with the esteem issues you talk about. The dentist I found a few years ago I trust 100 percent, he listens to me, spends time with me, does really quality work and although I don't like it - of course lol- as time has gone on I have become able to attend regularly with minimum anxiety.
I don't know what it's like in the USA but over here we do have dentists that specialise in dealing with nervous patients. They obviously tend to have a lot more sympathy and are used to dealing with people who have a tremendous fear of the dentist for whatever reason. Is there anywhere you could enquire about this?
You've done the hardest bit by going in the first place so it would be a shame not to get things sorted now. I'm sure with the right dentist you can get things back on the right track.
go to doctor go to doctor....no wonder people are always sick lol. I haven't used fluoride in 14 years and my teeth are fine, no cavities since.
Annaboodle
19-04-18, 19:04
Annaboodle,
There is a forum specifically for dental anxiety called
https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/forum/
It might be of help to you, if you have specific fears, though it isn't UK based. Like here, there are some useful articles which helped me a few years ago after I was a dentist avoider (some bad experiences with a rubbish dentist). I changed practices, and started being a 'consumer with rights and needs' rather than a benign recipient, living in fear of what they said. This kind of ties in with the esteem issues you talk about. The dentist I found a few years ago I trust 100 percent, he listens to me, spends time with me, does really quality work and although I don't like it - of course lol- as time has gone on I have become able to attend regularly with minimum anxiety.
Thank you Carys, that is really useful. Thanks very much. I did laugh at myself over "benign recipient". That is so how I act around medical professionals in general. I can really see now how it ties into my self-esteem issues, thinking about it. I annoy myself the way I end up apologising for having had PND and having neglected myself. There is a dentist in Glasgow I am going to try who I've discovered specialises in "nervous patients" and similar. I'll update here after my appointment in case anyone is looking at this thread in the future. Thanks again x
Hack, you need to see another dentist because you really need a cleaning! If it has been years, even if you have no health problems, you need a deep clean and plaque removed. JUst tell your mom the truth, that you really didn't get good care. If my son was in your circumstance, I would want to make sure he got taken care of the right way.
Just told my mom about going to a different dentist. Tomorrow (I think) is when I’m going! Now I’m very hyperly scared atm, because I think my bad gums are affecting my brain/body right now! I think it’s affecting my body which could be the cause of pain, fatigue , and headache!. Part of my gums are gosh darn dark and blue!! ._.;;
MyNameIsTerry
21-04-18, 01:48
Hack, you need to see another dentist because you really need a cleaning! If it has been years, even if you have no health problems, you need a deep clean and plaque removed. JUst tell your mom the truth, that you really didn't get good care. If my son was in your circumstance, I would want to make sure he got taken care of the right way.
Yes, I thought that but my dad had a similar experience recently so it might depend on what condition his teeth/gums are in (but without cleaning I would expect them to be in dire need of a clean!).
My dad didn't have a clean, only diagnosis of why he had pain. He hasn't been to the dentist for many years so I was surprised he didn't get a clean.
Maybe things have changed over the years? I used to get a clean at every check up with my dentist when I was young. However, I use the same dentist that my dad has gone to (he went because they were good with me when I had just relapsed and needed a shattered wisdom tooth out) and they are very good.
My dentist doesnt do cleaning anymore, never has actually, the hygienist at the pratice does it and a separate appointment needs to be made. I see her every year, used to be every 6 months.
You are correct, the dentist does not do the cleaning. BUT, in the US, the cleaning is rolled into the dental appointment, typically. You see hygienist and then dentist comes in at the end to do an exam.
Ok so.. a bit of bad news. My dentist appointment is pushed to June..
I'm curious. You say you haven't brushed in years but you're only 15. Didn't your parents notice this and encourage you to brush? I know my ex and I always encouraged our kids to brush and knew when they didn't.
In the mean time, you can start taking care of your teeth by brushing regularly, flossing and using a plaque reducing mouthwash. Just like getting into exercise and eating properly, pro-actively pursuing healthy habits at your age will help you prevent health issues as you grow older. Also, addressing your anxiety now will help you live a more productive and happy life.
Positive thoughts
I'm interested too - how many years have you not brushed for and have you literally not touched your teeth at all in those years ?
Did this last dentist you saw say anything about your gums, the cavities, and the cleaning that was needed ?
My mom did remind me to brush my teeth. I don’t know why I ignored it. I could be annoyed by it. Or maybe I didn’t have the motivation. I don’t remember how many years it has been since I brushed my teeth. But during the duriation, I did brush my teeth once in a while. But now it bothered me, because of the huge risks of not brushing your teeth. I feel extremely ashamed..
Well, you are so young still, that I'm sure everything can be sorted. You can't have done that much damage at 15, and I'm sure you aren't alone in having skipped it so much for so long ( especially amongst the teenaged population). The important thing is that you now know you need and want to look after your mouth. So, thats cool.
BUt, what about.....
Did this last dentist you saw say anything about your gums, the cavities, and the cleaning that was needed ?
None of the dentists have ever seen my problems. Only recently I have noticed the cavities. They’ve only seen my teeth..
None of the dentists have ever seen my problems. Only recently I have noticed the cavities. They’ve only seen my teeth..
:huh: Respectfully, a dentist looking into your mouth and doing an exam would have inspected not only your teeth but your gums as well as the inside of your mouth as far as they could see. If there was significant issues anywhere, it would have been pointed out and you would have been scheduled for a cleaning and treatment of the cavities.
Positive thoughts
MyNameIsTerry
22-04-18, 02:10
My dentist doesnt do cleaning anymore, never has actually, the hygienist at the pratice does it and a separate appointment needs to be made. I see her every year, used to be every 6 months.
You are correct, the dentist does not do the cleaning. BUT, in the US, the cleaning is rolled into the dental appointment, typically. You see hygienist and then dentist comes in at the end to do an exam.
Good point. My original dentist did the clean too but this was over 20 years ago so I suspect dental hygienists hadn't come along.
At my current dentist he did do a clean but probably just a quick clean up job and not what a deep clean would be. They never recommended I needed one though which after not going to the dentist for over 15 years seemed odd. But they are good and they sorted my tooth & infection out. And they were cheap!
---------- Post added at 02:10 ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 ----------
My mom did remind me to brush my teeth. I don’t know why I ignored it. I could be annoyed by it. Or maybe I didn’t have the motivation. I don’t remember how many years it has been since I brushed my teeth. But during the duriation, I did brush my teeth once in a while. But now it bothered me, because of the huge risks of not brushing your teeth. I feel extremely ashamed..
Don't worry, there are many on here who have struggled with personal hygiene due to their mental health. It's very common.
Can they not try to shift you forward a bit? Maybe get you a cancellation? It does seem a long way off unless they are overcrowded/understaffed.
However, you can get your dental routine sorted now which can only help you.
I don't understand....the dentist saw your teeth and gums and didn't see the cavities? Took xrays, but didn't think they needed any work? I'm not trying to be difficult, I understand your fear of gum and dental issues, but this makes no sense to me.
Could it be that you have a terrible fear of there being something wrong with your teeth and gums, but maybe there isn't ?
I don't understand....the dentist saw your teeth and gums and didn't see the cavities? Took xrays, but didn't think they needed any work? I'm not trying to be difficult, I understand your fear of gum and dental issues, but this makes no sense to me.
Could it be that you have a terrible fear of there being something wrong with your teeth and gums, but maybe there isn't ?
That was my thought in my post. If there were serious issues, x-rays and an exam would have shown them and they wouldn't wait over a month to treat them. I don't think we're getting all the facts or as you said, perception vs. reality due to anxiety. From a previous post, it's like fearing COPD due to the smell of cigarette smoke in a car.
Positive thoughts
Hello everyone! Thanks for posting your thoughts. I know it’s been a while, but I’ve been getting my teeth cleaned and everything. The things I’ve listed in the first post of the thread is almost true. It turns out my gums didn’t exactly receded. The real problem is just how my teeth are crooked. Also looking at my siblings’ teeth are almost the same! The only thing true however is part of my enamel were lost. Also, I only have one cavity, which it’s at my right molar tooth. For months now. I’ve been brushing my teeth regularly! The only thing I’m very more concerned about is the phantom smell and possible oral thrush. That’s all I’ll say in this post, hope to hear more responses if there’s anything left to answer.
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