Teeth!

[Overthinker84]

Hi, I have really bad anxiety over my teeth. I suffer with periodontis which is under control. In so much as I see the hygienist 3 times a year and my dentist twice a year. My problem is that I have constant anxiety over my teeth. I am always checking them and looking for red patches. I had a severe infection before christmas where my wisdom tooth used to be and now I am worrying that it's back again and it hurts. It doesn't appear red but I am terrified it will be another infection. It's time of the month and I know that sometimes it makes my gums hurt but I am not sure if it's that or amd infection. My dentist is good but I dont know how I can stop this anxiety. I work full time and seeing getting an emergency appt is difficult. Any advice?

[Overthinker84]

Anyone?

[Pinkyponker]

No advice but empathy...

I have anxiety over my teeth too. Having a root canal today and now I'm convinced I have another one that needs doing. I'm a mess today!

[Seaandsand83]

My dentist advised swirling really warm, salty water round in your mouth when you feel an infection coming on. Try it for the rest of today and see how it is tomorrow.

[Overthinker84]

Thanks for that. I have the hygienist tomorrow. He is also my dentist but still always thinking about my teeth. I don't actually think there is an infection. I think I convince myself that I have one as it may hurt. If that makes sense x

[HuaShan]

I sympathise too. I have had periodic episodes of anxiety over my teeth but recently was also diagnosed with periodontis which came as a shock as I had been seeing the hygienist regularly. Some CBT might help? I think it's probably more common than we realise but No one talks about it

[Overthinker84]

That's the thing. Teeth are such a major thing. I always think that everyone must have amazing teeth and it's only me with shockingly awful teeth. Though actually they're probably not even that bad.

[funmummy48]

I also have anxiety about my teeth. You're not alone! 😐