I've not been to the dentist in 8 years.
When I went, i hadn't been for 5 years before that. In my previous visits to the dentist, they always said my teeth were fine but I just needed to floss more, so it never felt like a priority when I brush my teeth twice a day and found going a pretty unpleasant experience as it was.
Anyway, I used to smoke, and drink black coffe and red wine very regularly. I always brushed my teeth but they got so stained in spite of regular cleaning.
So, 8 years ago, I went to a dentist to get my teeth cleaned. When I opened my mouth, he said 'oh boy, oh boy, oh, boy! Do you clean your teeth?'
I promise that there hasn't been a day I haven't brushed my teeth for at least 2 minutes, nor.ally morw, twice a day unless I'm too ill to get out of bed. I felt embarrassed and lay feeling there feeling awful while the dentist and his assistant cleaned my teeth. They did a great job, but afterwards, my teeth were very sensitive for about 6 months and I had never had any sensitivity issues before. They are still much more sensitive than before that day I got them cleaned.
Honestly I felt so judged that day and cringe remembering it. I need to see a dentist as I suspect I have a cavity and my teeth are staining again (I don't drink wine or smoke anymore but do drink lots of coffee).
I've had 3 kids since, each a traumatic experience in it's own way, and my pain threshold is much, much lower since. I had a terrible experience having a c section where I felt like I was going to have a panic attack on the table and I'm scared I'm going to freak out having someone standing over me, hurting me.
My husband has been hinting that I need to see the dentist and I know I can't put it off, but I'm really scared of feeling humiliated and in pain.
I know I sound so stupid. I'm sure people will say that dentists don't judge but I found that one did! Any advice?
Also, does anyone know if I can take anything to relieve the sensitivity when getting teeth cleaned?