To want all my teeth removed? (Trigger warning, suicide mentioned)

[CureTheToothPain]

I’m early 30s. Get nagged by the dentist everytime I go because my teeth are rotting and crumbling. I have so many fillings and half teeth, but had none removed yet, a few have fallen out though.

I get pain daily in my cheeks and lower jaw and have done for some time.

I brush 3 times a day (after the dentist told me to) but still get the pain, I also floss and use mouthwash.

I get sinus issues- caused by hayfever and allergies in spring and summer and the cold in winter, so that’s likely why my top teeth have so many problems.

I’m also on inhalers for asthma which I’m told are terrible for teeth.

I have near daily paracetamol and I’ve ended up in hospital on morphine and tramadol before the pain is that bad.

Some days it hurts to eat so I don’t.

I’ve been looking at dentures, and I’m seriously considering having all of my teeth (or at least my top ones) removed and using a denture. It would save the 6 monthly nag from the dentist who doesn’t seem to get that I’m doing everything they’ve told me to do and I’m still likely to lose all my teeth before I’m 40, it would save me being kept awake from hunger because I’d be able to eat.

It would basically save my life because I am in so much pain sometimes I’d be better off dead.

Is this something that can be done? I’d obviously rather have my natural teeth but I’m in so much pain near enough daily that I think I’d be better without them.

Oh gosh I’m sorry, tooth pain is the worst.

I’m no expert but can’t see why it shouldn’t be an option- Dan you raise it with your dentist?

Maybe explain to the dentist that you are following all their advice and to speak to you kindly and as an adult

Have you discussed that route with your dentist? Is it something they suggested or recommend? Personally I could not live with that kind of chronic pain/deterioration and so would definitely get dentures (or better yet implants if you can afford them)

Why are your teeth rotting and crumbling? Haven't heard of that happening because of inhalers or allergies.

Either way op it sounds absolutely miserable and if I were you I'd definitely be looking at the dentures option, I think you'd have a much better quality of life and be much happier.

I've told every dentist I've ever seen that I'm doing everything they tell me to and they either say "You can't be or your teeth wouldn't be this bad" or tell me I'm not doing enough, I can't do anymore bar not eating or drinking or going out in the cold - none of which is practical (I'm a single parent).

I haven't suggested dentures yet to a dentist, not sure if it's even possible even privately.

@Kittykat93

Why are your teeth rotting and crumbling? Haven't heard of that happening because of inhalers or allergies.

Either way op it sounds absolutely miserable and if I were you I'd definitely be looking at the dentures option, I think you'd have a much better quality of life and be much happier.

@Kittykat93 the dentist blames me, says it's because I don't look after my teeth and because of the inhalers and sinus issues.

I actually have no idea why.

Someone I know had all hers removed - she had to wait a few months for her gums to heal to get dentures which is worth bearing in mind - it was quite shocking seeing her without teeth.

A friend of mine had all of hers out in her 30s.
She had awful problems, and was never free of pain and infections.
She was relieved when it was done, although it was hard going for a couple of weeks after removal.

My sis is a dentist... she says patients lie all the time. I suspect dentists aren't believing you...because what is happening is so unusual/doesn't make sense. I think you need to write down like you have here to your dentist and ask for them to investigate the cause.

Or maybe speak to GP as this might be a broader health issue.

You should suggest it to your dentist, if he’s totally bad about it , maybe change the dentist. I know a lot of people in their 20’s that had it done and I am considering it myself. In my case I think it’s genetic, i have a bridge, implants etc but still not looking good, I put one in and take two out sort of thing. Good luck and seriously look at those they do fixed ones ( in couple of screws ) so you don’t need to take it out etc

Yep. Keep a video diary so they can see you brushing and flossing, keep a food and drink diary, then show them all the data. There may be some detail being overlooked.

I've never heard of either asthma inhalers or sinusitis affecting teeth,my father in 70s is a lifelong inhaler user & never had a filling. Have you had duraphat toothpaste?

Could you possibly have enamel hypoplasia? You really really need to find a different dentist.

My teeth are in a bad way, despite always attending appointments, and brushing/flossing.
I often feel bits crumbling away, and I'm starting to wonder if it's worth trying to hang on to what's left...

Have amelogenesis imperfecta or enamel hypoplasia ever been mentioned as possibilities OP?

Either way, I can’t see why dentures wouldn’t be an option if that’s what you really wanted, it wasn’t so long ago that they were almost the norm.

Best of luck whatever you choose.

@ChampagneLassie

Or maybe your sis just tells herself that people are lying all the time! People that have problems

My husbands dentist actually told him the opposite that your teeth quality are actually a lot to do with your genes and some people will just have bad teeth no matter what.
Op have you looked into implants? They are expensive but if you could save or get a loan for them it might be just what you need.
If not you defo should look into dentures even if you have to go private. Mouth pain is no fun and I’ve just watched a relative starve to death with oral cancer because it was too painful to eat. If you aren’t eating you need to sort it.

X-post @OfstedOffred!

Inhalers do cause tooth decay. The GP told us when DC had an inhaler. My nephew had metal caps put on his teeth to prevent decay when using the inhaler.

I’d change dentist as ask for them to be removed or something else they can offer which will leave you pain free. Unfortunately I have found private dentists are more helpful and have more to offer.

I've been having a really dry mouth for a couple of years, and it seems to have exacerbated my tooth problems.

DH is a dentist and this is his take on it:

"Never ever ever have all teeth removed at an early age. Try to keep all canines and at least one molar tooth in each quarter.
Without teeth bone shrinks away, especially if teeth are removed at a young age so when you're 60, there won't be much bone there to keep dentures in and you'll likely be stuck with no teeth at all.
The cause of the daily pain needs to be investigated as it could be an underlying condition or could even be psychological.
There are different causes of pain. It could be from the teeth, other nerves or something else.
It needs to be looked into before removing any teeth as you could have them all removed but still be in pain.
Dentures of course can be done privately but they're very rarely a first choice when you're young."

You might like to have a look at/ try the advice here
drellie.com/ before you go ahead with drastic action.

It's free advice (you don't need to pay to access).

My dentist could see the improvement in my gums (although I never told him why).

From my experience go steady with the xylitol as it can upset your gut. I would suggest you spit it out to minimise the chance of this (like mouthwash). The xylitol was good at reducing sensitivity e.g. pain of cold weather hitting the teeth for me.

My DF had all his taken out although he was older than you when he did. He has had dentures for about 20 years now and as far as I know he's never had any problems with them.

Op I'm shocked your dentist isn't referring you on for more serious treatment if he can't help himself. Eg my daughter had an ingrowing tooth and was referred to a large dental hospital near us. I realise adult care may not be free as children's are (I don't know how nhs dental care works ( )

You need a proper consultation with someone who sets out all the available options for fixing your teeth and gum problems.

Nobody here can diagnose your issues but clearly thus goes way beyond a dentist check up every six months who just tells you to brush your teeth more.

Go back to the dentist and explain you are q dental emergency you are in severe pain and you want to know what your options are.

You can be fitted with a temporary denture while your gums and bones do what they need to do until you can have your full time ones so there’s absolutely no need for you to be without teeth at any point in the process.

It’s bloody miserable when you’ve got teeth problems. Please talk to your dentist and at least see what your options are

"I get pain daily in my cheeks and lower jaw and have done for some time."

Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw?

Also, have you stuck with the one dentist? Sadly, there are some real con artists around so just wondered.

Speak to your dentist and asked to be referred to a dental hospital so that you can have a thorough investigation and find the underlying cause of your pain and teeth issues. You shouldn't have to put up with a dentist who isn't taking your concerns seriously.