To not want to go to the dentist?

[Freddiebump]

I've always had good teeth, only ever had one filling and only ever gone to the dentist when it's unavoidable because they petrify me. I just cannot stand someone messing about in my mouth; I suffer with a bunged up nose most of the time and I panic totally as soon as the dentist goes in my mouth as I seem to lose the ability to breathe regardless of whether my nose is working or not.

Now I have a build up of tartar on the backs of my bottom teeth. It isn't bad particularly, but it's annoying me as as my teeth and they have always been nice and white. I am, however, a smoker and tea drinker so I know this tends to cause discolouration, but I brush 2 or 3 times a day, floss daily and use a decent mouthwash regularly.

Does anyone know of any home remedies to reduce/remove tartar build up at home? I really, really don't want to go to a dentist unless I absolutely have to as the thought of it is making my heart race :(

no your stuck with going... only a professional can now remove it. Using a "total" type of paste can help prevent build up, not rinsing after brushing, using an electric toothbrush. Also your technique for flossing might not be ideal and could possibly need some tweaking. hth

Freddie, I understand your fear. i to suffer from a blocked up nose most of the time. For me it is the fear of the needle going in my mouth (ugh), but louis is right only a dentist can remove the tartar building up.

Years ago, I asked to be sedated just for a clean on my bottom teeth, my fear was so bad that I could not walk into a dentist without being physically sick and shaking. So maybe you could talk to your dentist and ask if they do sedation?

good luck :)