First dentist visit in more than twenty years

[NervousNelleigh]

I’ve booked a dentist visit this afternoon and I’m bricking it. I haven’t ever arranged to go as an adult and I’m in my forties so it’s been over two decades since I’ve been. My teeth aren’t in great shape, there’s lots of plaque build up, I’m pretty sure I have gum disease and I feel so stupid about having left it so long.

On top of that, I forgot that I wasn’t going to be able to brush my teeth before the appointment and have just eaten all sorts of things. How do I brush my teeth without access to a toothbrush?! Have I committed a huge faux pas by going in with unbrushed teeth?

I think I’m now more nervous about being judged and scolded than any sort of dentistry, especially as I know that there won’t be any actual treatments as this is a new patient appointment.

I’d nip to the loo and try to give your teeth a bit of a wipe with some wet tissue and rinse as best you can tbh. Apart from that don’t worry- I had my first adult dental visit 2 years ago having had a similar gap and it was fine bar my having to get a very comprehensive scrub and scour!

They possibly sell toothbrushes at the dentist, I’ve had to buy one there before. I wouldn’t worry about being judged, they see all sorts of

Well done for booking it, if you can, see a bit early and sometimes they have freebie toothbrushes/paste, or sell them so you can do a quick brush before.

They ll give you mouthwash to swish around and spit out, before taking a good look. Just do it, it ll be fine. I need to go myself, it's been a few years, 4 ish. I know, it should be yearly, I just never have a toothache, but I know hygienist needs to be yearly.

Once this visit is over, it ll never be as bad again.

you’ll rightly proud afterwards for going. Eat a chocolate bar afterwards as a reward

Good luck

If it makes you feel any better loads of people have gum disease. My husband has it and he goes to the dentist every year.

They look in mouths all day long. My dentist is a total freak for teeth too and says he loves looking in the mouths that need more work because he likes to get stuck in.

Dentists are teeth obsessive. They’ll love having a rummage.

Good on you! I am tying to pluck up the courage. It's probably been longer than you but i'm terrified.

I'm sure you'll be fine re the teeth brushing.

My dentist has toothbrushes preloaded with a toothpaste bead in the toilets. Yours might too. Otherwise rinse with water.

You are going to find that in the last 20 years going to the dentist has really changed. Much better anaesthetics, methods and equipment.

I had a replacement filling recently - haven't had one in 40 years. Quick, superb anaesthetic, painless, white filling instead of silver, feels like a real tooth not a filling, lovely dentist and no dead feeling face afterwards. It's all SO much better these days. And I'm a grumpy old boot who moans about everything having got worse all the time.

Thank you so much!! I managed to move things around so I could pop home and brush my teeth just so I didn’t feel like I was inflicting my swamp of my mouth on her.

She was so lovely - I didn’t feel judged at all and she was incredibly reassuring. I thought I’d need loads of fillings but she said my teeth are fine, which feels miraculous. My gums need work but nothing is irreversible and they should be able to get them in good shape which is such a relief because I thought she might say I was at risk of losing teeth.

@PizzaPowder it honestly was fine and it feels great knowing that there’s a plan. Even if she’d given me bad news, i think I’d have felt better know that there were steps to take. Book an appointment and get it over with - you’ll feel happy it’s over and done with!!

@bettyboo9 she said i must have a good diet as my teeth are fine but actually, I’m constantly grazing on sugar and have done what you’ve suggested and eaten yet another chocolate bar