I've never been to the dentist and desperately need to

[PlaymobilPirate]

My teeth are a mess and I'm so ashamed.

My parents never took me and I just never went as an adult.
I have plaque all down the sides, I'm missing a whole tooth on each side at the back of my bottom set
My mouth has been sore and I finally looked tonight and one of my bottom teeth near the front is obviously infected and has a horrible yellow / grey area round it at the gum

I sucked my thumb right into adulthood so my palate is a really odd misshapen mess too.

I take ds religiously and he has an appointment on monday morning. I desperately want to ask if I can register but I'm so embarrassed. I'm 41. How can I get past this?

Good luck - let us know how you got on.

Well done and good luck. Explain your situation and your fears. You have no reason to feel ashamed. You are brave!

Good luck. I'm not surprised you're so scared. Part of dental care is having your parents take you to the dentist so you're familiar with dental treatment/exams and they didn't. I'm sure they were loving but they let you down in that area. I hope it all goes well.

Good luck OP! I'm rooting for you!

I used to be a dental nurse. Honestly the staff will not judge you, they've seen it all before. Just mention that you are nervous and I'm sure they will do all they can to put you at ease.

You should feel proud of yourself for making the appointment. Goodluck

I’m going at 10.50 today with an abscess, my teeth aren’t great and I’ve been to the dentist all my life, please don’t worry, they will see thousands of people each year one mouth will just look like another to them.

I've had lots of chances to go as an adult- I've no idea why I haven't 🙁

Good for you that you finally made this step. The start is more important than what you did in the past. From now on let them help you get better teeth.

We're all behind you, you can do this. And well done for making the brave step of facing your anxiety and making an appointment.

Good for you!

Well done OP! I’m in a similar situation, I’ve got an appointment for my doctor next week to ask for some diazepam to get me through the door to the dentist. I’m not phobic of anything else but I am so phobic of this. My husband will have to physically drag me into the chair but you’ve made me feel like I’m not alone and if you can do it I can do it too. Well done! The first step of any journey is always the most daunting

This time in an hour it will all be over OP and you will be on the way to good teeth and good health and you will be wondering why you were so worried.

Good luck! (not that you'll need it).

Oh OP, my heart goes out to you, but you must go. Phone the practice manager in advance, and tell them exactly how you feel, so that they can have a word with your dentist before your appointment. They will understand.

Well done op! This is the first step.

I think in situations like this you need to focus on being a good role model to your child. I’m not saying you aren’t now, but I find that focusing on my DD helps in situations I don’t like doing (eg, having a smear test done)

The dentist will need to take an X-ray of your month and if you do have an infection you’ll likely need antibiotics or removal of the infected tooth (maybe both). Don’t be surprised if they recommend you seeing a hygienist regularly until your teeth are in a better position.
It really is worth sorting them out as it can lead to other seemingly unrelated medical issues I believe.

Good luck OP!

Well done for making the appointment OP

I've just read your update, that you booked in! I feel proud of you, even though you're a total stranger And what a kick ass role model you are for your son!
Please come back and tell us how it went.
Hugs.

Also, don’t focus on the past. It doesn’t matter that you have had the chance to go before because you can’t change it. You are however going and that is amazing considering you haven’t been.
Fear of the dentist is quite common. I have had to go with a few people now as they are just so scared and can’t go by themselves

I've been where you are and it's awful. You really will feel so much better for going x

Mine are terrible due to years of me not taking care of myself. I need 2 out and I've already had 3 out. Don't let it get that bad OP. I need dentures and I'm only early 30's.

Fingers crossed for you, OP.

You will feel so relieved after your appointment. I was a regular at the dentist throughout my childhood, and during most of my adult life, up to approx 10 years ago, when I stopped going cos I just couldn't face it anymore. However, about year and a half ago, I managed to pluck up the courage to start going again. I was absolutely terrified and embarrassed, but the dentist and staff couldn't have been kinder to me. I've spent the last year or so having treatment and still have to have a couple more things done, but I'm so much happier that my teeth are being looked after.

I hope you're ok following your first visit and will feel positive about going back

Good luck! Well done for bring so brave.

I went! No infection, just an awful build up of disgrace.

He was amazing, I cried a tiny bit

He's scraped down the sides of every tooth which was a bit sensitive but not painful. I have to go back in 3 months for an xray, a filling and a possible extraction.

Thanks so much everyone- I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support

@peanutbutterandbanana how does that work, I’m interested, I have 6 broken teeth, they can’t be seen unless I laugh, they are at the back but I’m not entitled to any NHS free treatment due to my salary but can’t afford the £12k it was cost to sort out, I’m not in pain as such but have a constant low level earache on the worst side, although the last time I went to the dentist I fainted, I’m terrified but need to get it sorted.

Well done - fantastic!