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.

Poor you, that sounds awful. I'm shocked that your dentist is so rude to you and disbelieves that you care for them. I agree that good and bad teeth are as much to do with genes as actual care. I might have to whisper this but I often only clean my teeth once a day. I am 45 and have NEVER had a filling, not one. I had an impacted wisdom tooth out in my twenties but apart from that no issues, ever. My dentist always compliments me on my film star teeth (I had braces as a teen and they are very straight) and how well I look after them. So, there you go. It's just good genes for me.

This is pretty shocking. You should be referred to a specialist. There may possibly even be a case of you getting subsidised dental care if diagnosed with a dental condition. Look it up, phone a local dental specialist hospital or orthodontist. Ask how you go about getting diagnosed. Here is a link I just googled. Good luck. Dental implants might help to retain bone structure if you get them rather than dentures.

www.dentaly.org/en/teeth-implants-cost/dental-implants-nhs/

I wanted all my teeth removed too! But I found the right dentist and 6 root canal surgeries and a lot of help later I am fine and so glad I didn't! Pain free got 4 years, look forward to my check up. Change your dentist is my advice.

OP, what's your diet like?
And when you say you brush floss and use mouthwash three times a day. What toothpaste are you using and do you use mouthwash straight after brushing?

@opalescent

I sympathise so much - I'm 30s, and have chronic issues with my teeth, caused by clenching and grinding at night. At one time I used to wish that I could have all my teeth removed, because like you, I am in daily pain or discomfort. I now know though, that loss of teeth prematurely can cause a host of other issue- it absolutely isn't a free pass out of the situation.

I have had to push HARD via both my GP and dentist to be referred on for specialist support for my issues- I honestly would urge you to do the same.

I have a Michigan splint to help with night grinding. It puts my jaw in a better (more relaxed) position and stops the teeth rubbing together. Was expensive though. I’m not sure it would be available on the NHS.

Implants is not a solution here, whatever happened to your natural teeth would affect implants even more!! I would change dentist, find one you trust and get to the reason for your pain.

My dentist says that a lot of it is to do with genetics and luck. She has a lot of problems herself despite being a dentist and having a very strict regime. She says that some people can do everything right and still end up with a lot of issues and some people get away with doing fuck all, waving a toothbrush vaguely around their mouths once or twice a day and have hardly any issues at all.

You need consistent care from one, good dentist and not having to see different people each time.
You need to be examined properly - there's a lot more going on there than just "not brushing properly" which you seem to be doing, it's just the dentists you've seen haven't believed you.

Something else to consider is that you could have All-on-4 implants if you do have all teeth removed. These are very expensive however.
However, it's best to preserve as many of your own teeth as possible, have implants with bridges to fill in any gaps.
As someone else said it's important to try to preserve bone. Once all teeth are removed and you wear an ordinary denture the bone loss is significant.

Please try to find another dentist.

@AudTheDeepMinded

Poor you, that sounds awful. I'm shocked that your dentist is so rude to you and disbelieves that you care for them. I agree that good and bad teeth are as much to do with genes as actual care. I might have to whisper this but I often only clean my teeth once a day. I am 45 and have NEVER had a filling, not one. I had an impacted wisdom tooth out in my twenties but apart from that no issues, ever. My dentist always compliments me on my film star teeth (I had braces as a teen and they are very straight) and how well I look after them. So, there you go. It's just good genes for me.

As yes. This was me until I was about 44 / 45. Something has changed and now I have the dentist and hygienist (who I never used to even see) nagging me to use the tepe brushes but I find it such a fag.

I am now consistent with using my oral b brush morning and night. The hygienist showed me how to use it to brush my teeth AND gums and I think that helps.

my friend is in early 40s , she had same problem , all her teeth were crumbling , she already had some removed , but the rest were driving her mad, it was putting her off eating as bits were coming off if she ate , she had the rest taken out and dentures were fitted at same time and shes fine , really happy as she says she can eat properly ,.doesnt feel embarressed about smiling anymore

i also have same problem , im 50 this year , had to have eight taken out ,iv got a top and bottom plate for the missing ones , and the ones that are remaining are giving me aggro sometimes , i do sometimes wonder if the whole lot out and the full denture would be easier

it would be worth looking at different dentists , personally and i know its easier said than done , but i cant help feeling that it would be better to have decent dentures than decaying and half teeth that are your own , me and my friend have nhs dentists , the way they make plates and dentures now they just look like your own teeth anyway

That sounds awful. Can you swap dentist? Sounds like you need a caring professional to understand the root cause and put treatment in place

I know someone that had all their teeth removed, but then was unable to get on with dentures. They just wouldn't fit. After the event, another dentist advised they should never have had all teeth out if it could be helped as it is easier to have some teeth to anchor dentures to. I don't know how true this is for all but worth consideration if you do decide to have teeth removed. Really hope you find a solution OP

OP

There could be various things going on.
E.g. I had neuropathic pain in my teeth and had to go to a dentist who was also a qualified pain specialist; who had to do a trial and error approach but did find a medication that worked. Nb neuropathic pain is ... tada..unexplained nerve pain.
Was lucky that my SIL was a dentist and referred me to the specialist dentist. You may need to get insistent with your dentist.

Sinusitis - I found that taking zinc consistently really helped. It may also help with any infections behind your teeth problems?

I have missing teeth an have thought about false teeth. For years, my excuse for not doing anything was that I couldn't afford implants. Then a uni dentist offered to do them free for me, but also told me it wouldn't be a good option for me because I'm not resistant to dental pain. So then I'm thinking of individual false teeth, but I can't really get over the idea of having to have them in a glass by the bed like my grandparents. :(

Sounds like you need to be referred or at least get a second opinion from another dentist. If you’re telling the truth it sounds like a deeper medical issue as you shouldn’t have this much of a problem if you’re brushing regularly

Have you seen a hygienist and been shown how to brush your teeth properly?

It sounds like your teeth are infected, a tooth infection can also cause the sinus pain/infections you are getting.

If you are in pain your dentist should be giving you an X-ray to find the cause of the problem.

Root canals can be expensive so you would like need teeth out. Not sure of the cost of dentures.

I’ve had unclear or confusing advice from dentists in the past and yours sounds poor.

You only need to brush twice a day as long as you are doing it thoroughly.

Use a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t rinse your mouth out after as that defeats the whole purpose. Make sure you get every part of your mouth by having a mental routine e.g front top right, front top, front top left, front back left and so on. At least once a day you need to use Tepe brushes (or non-brand alternative) to brush between your teeth ( I always struggled with dental floss these are so much better) Your gums will bleed at first, you need to keep doing it anyway. My most recent, better dentist explained that it is the bacteria causing the the gums to bleed and it goes away the cleaner your teeth get.

Use a paper straw to drink fruit juice or fizzy drinks (or reusable straw) try to avoid sugar in your tea.

Not sure about the inhaler? Presumably you have your mouth open when you pump it so unclear how much medication would get on your teeth.

Tooth infections won’t clear up on their own so you will need to find a better quality dentist ASAP or your situation with only get worse. You can do this through 101 by the way and they will book you in somewhere. Mention that the level of pain is so bad you are feeling suicidal.

If what I said sounds patronising it’s because tooth problems can actually become very serious (don’t know if you are a smoker but that can also make infection worse)

An infected tooth left untreated can become an abscessed tooth. My mother had a tooth abscess that began to block her airway and she ended up in an induced coma for five days,

It can be particularly dangerous when a tooth crumbles but part of it remains in the mouth.

If I were you I’d ring 101 first thing tomorrow and get an appointment with your local emergency dentist.

I had bad teeth genetically. And was given mass amounts of antibiotics as a very young child for chronic UTIs. My teeth, both baby and adult, came in a sickly grey color, and so thin that you could see the pulp of the tooth through the enamel. When my baby teeth fell out, there were only 27 adult teeth formed to come in, so my poor teeth drifted slooooowly around in my mouth. I don't even want to think about the cavities. The happiest day of my life was when I had finally told my dentist, "PULL THEM ALL!" and I got my dentures! It was the first time in my life that I had happily smiled in public. I was 55 years old. Don't wait. Do it. The key to happy denture wearing in finding the right adhesive. Explore different ones till you find the one that works best for you. I can now eat whole apples and gnaw corn off of the cob.

I know many people who have had a few teeth removed and rather than dentures, had replacements drilled into their gums. It sounds vile but the look amazing and very natural. One guy I know had all of his done years ago and they're still perfect. Had it done abroad. Let me know if you want details, the clinic is well known with lots of testimonials.

Don't wait around. NHS waiting list for sedation is currently 10 months long.

But yes DO IT! it's a new lease of life trust me. Good luck.

@opalescent

I sympathise so much - I'm 30s, and have chronic issues with my teeth, caused by clenching and grinding at night. At one time I used to wish that I could have all my teeth removed, because like you, I am in daily pain or discomfort. I now know though, that loss of teeth prematurely can cause a host of other issue- it absolutely isn't a free pass out of the situation.

I have had to push HARD via both my GP and dentist to be referred on for specialist support for my issues- I honestly would urge you to do the same.

@opalescent This is really interesting as I’m in the same situation. Who did you push to see? How did they help? Was it expensive?

A mouth guard is doing little to prevent my teeth literally disappearing and I’ve become really paranoid (hate smiling!). I feel too young for dentures (40s) but don’t know what else, or who else, to try.

My dentist isn’t helpful. He agrees it doesn’t look great, but any suggestion eg crowns, he says is not possible.

Can you change dentist.
I remember one having a go that my ds age then 5 must be eating sweets every day because he had damaged enamel on the front 2 teeth. I agrees yes he eats sweets but not regularly however ate a lot of fruit. She called me a liar!
I changed dentist. And they asked if he'd ever fallen And hit his mouth and I said yes. Itr was down some concrete steps and his teeth went through top lip. His gums were also scrazed and loads of blood. The new dentist said that's prob what caused a lot of the damage then the acid from the fruit had caused the erosion. And not to worry keep an eye when his adult teeth came through. Thankfully they're fine.
Is ch aging dentists an option?

My husband had this done 18 months ago & was life changing for him. All top teeth were removed

Here is something similar

www.newlifeteeth.co.uk/all-on-4-at-new-life-teeth-glasgow?gclid=Cj0KCQiAip-PBhDVARIsAPP2xc0agQMYZHCm9nqnBTNfV7StvlAijUY7rAL1Zrblvp-bja66phC2cesaAnDQEALw_wcB

I had issues with bleeding gums, chronic gum inflammation and the beginning of receding gums. Part of it was because I wasn’t flossing regularly, I had a couple of dental crowns and I wasn’t flossing or cleaning in between them as I should have been and as gross as it sounds I wasn’t regularly cleaning my teeth (e.g. when my children were tiny baby’s and I was so exhausted through lack of sleep I was forgetting to have lunch/ clean my teeth etc.). I’d wake up in the morning and if some food had got stuck between my teeth sometimes the gums were really inflamed. I realised I needed to get it sorted before it was too late so found a good dental practice and saw a brilliant dentist. I had the poorly fitted crowns replaced, and had a series of visits to the dental hygienist over a number of weeks. I started flossing 2-3 times a day. The dentist told me not to rinse after brushing but to rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse after every meal. I bought a water pink (a water flosser). For the first time in years the inflammation between the two crowned teeth completely disappeared. It was only then once ,y gums were healthy that the dentist was willing to replace the crowns.

From the sounds of it you need to have your gums cleaned OP but you need deep cleaning under the gum line. Once the decay gets really bad it goes below the gum line so no amount of brushing will help without specialist intervention. I think you need to see a better dentist if you can afford to do so.

I have had most of mine out but not my front teeth (most of the back ones). Most of mine started crumbling when I was pregnant with Dd1, that’s when I had the first one out, I then had several others break off when I got pregnant again, had 8 removed in hospital as well as my wisdom teeth. I have 2 molars left, one of which is painful but I need it to eat with.

In a ideal world (if I had money) I would have the rest out and get dental implants.

I'll look for another dentist, there's another one locally that's had the same two dentists for years (names outside the front) so I'll see if they take NHS, if not I might look into an initial private appointment just to get a second opinion.