So scared - gum disease

[bluebells34]

I have a deep rooted fear of dentists as I gag when anything is n my mouth - even chewing gum. So not had a check up for a long time plus couldnt when covid hit. I noticed a gap developing in my front lower teeth and could literally feel the enamel coming away. I managed to register with a NHS dentist as it was on the news that people were having to pay private.
I was too scared to let the dentist do an x ray incase I gagged. She was really unsympathetic - looked in my mouth and said "you have gum disease your teeth ate loose and you are more than likely to loose them" I need a back tooth extracting and she recommended I see the hygenist
I also have an underbite which has worsened my front teeth are literally under my lower set
I have googled everything and so scared
Made an appointment with my GP as it advises there could be an underlying medical issue such as cancer, diabetes or a heart condition
I am a single mum and can not afford this - stupid me thinking NHS dentist would be free for treatment but so far I have paid £99 to see a hygenist and £65 for tooth extraction
I am so scared because if I go down there is no one to pay the mortgage or bills and I feel I have failed my beautiful daughter
Spent years self neglecting myself to save money

hi op, things that can help! co-enzyme q10 supplements - very good for gum issues. water fasting (do it safely / properly - research this!) will help remove deep seated infections, try to work up to 2-3 days at a time, do a few over the course of a year. (Google autophagy / fasting / gum issues for more info). Get a waterpik thing to go around your gumline. Fastidious hygiene is necessary - daily flossing / interdental etc. Use a sonic toothbrush (any brand not expensive) . Don't be too harsh on your gums though, they need careful attention but you want to avoid anything too harsh on them. Coconut oil pulling is great once a day - swill around the mouth - excellent for tooth hygiene and gum health. Do a little research on this! Vitamin C and vit d as PP have said. Diet very important too - what you put in just as important as cleaning. Don't be scared I was in a right mess but eventually got it sorted and now am super careful. You will likely be able to get braces to fix any gaps etc once the gum disease is sorted. Lots of research is your friend - online from other patient experience is super helpful and in many cases as helpful as what the dentists say or more - as people speak from experience. Keep an open mind and keep trying things to see if they work / help.

OP, it’s worth checking if you are entitled to any help with health costs. www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/

www.bsperio.org.uk/patients

You may find this site useful. In my experience getting decent perio treatment on the NHS is nearly impossible so if you can possibly afford it you should look to go privately. I know it isn’t ideal but unfortunately it’s the way things are at the moment.

Maxillofacial departments in hospitals do not deal with gums

Think I have let my mental health run away with me JanglyBeads. I am a bit of a control freak and suffer terribly with anxiety so this has blown my mind as I blame myself for getting into this situation. I have to say Mum's Net is an amazing forum and everyone that has taken the time to post on here have been so helpful, honest, kind and empathetic - there are some lovely people out there

Just do what your dentist tells you to do, do it every day without fail and things will improve. Might be worth seeing the GP about your anxiety too as it isn't a normal reaction to dump your boyfriend over him disease, personally I wouldn't have even told him,there was no need.

Can I ask if you smoke or if you have ever smoked?
Smoking will cause big time gum disease.

I smoked in my 20's (now 50) gave up smoking at 28