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.

@Rufus27 I must admit that I'm still on a journey to get my teeth sorted, but i'm in a better position than I was two years ago.
In 2020 I was simultaneously seeing my dentist and GP regularly, to try and get to the bottom of the facial pain I had daily. I tried medication for nerve pain (didn't work), and had numerous s and x-rays of my teeth looking for issues.
I saw three dentists, and was using a duct mouth guard that only made things worse.

I now have a fantastic dentist who truly understands the complexity of my case, and am also starting orthodontics to correct a malocclusion (poor bite) in March. I have a really good and carefully adjusted hard splint that I wear at night.

My GP also referred me to the Oral Surgery team at my local hospital, where I was given a formal diagnosis of TMJ and bruxism, and further x-rays completed, to ensure that the dentist hadn't missed a fractured tooth or similar. This was really reassuring, given how much money I had been spending on private dentistry (as he confirmed everything my dentist was saying). He has also referred me on to Maxillofacial team, for consideration of Botox injections.

My experience is that many dentists cannot offer much support in regard to bruxism, beyond offering a mouth guard. I don't mean that to sound in any way rude- all the dentists I've seen have been lovely and worked hard to help me, but there just doesn't seem to be much that they can offer, unless they have a specialist interest in these issues.

Sorry to hijack your thread OP

• soft mouthguard, not duct! So many typos 🤦🏻‍♀️

I would also say that, for those of us with chronic dental issues- it's probably worth finding a way of funding private dentistry.
NHS dentistry is in a diabolical state (through no fault of the fantastic NHS dentists), and in my experience, if you have a complex case and want to restore your mouth (rather than lost more teeth), it's worth paying for a private dentist.
I'm not remotely well off (nhs nurse salary!) but have had to prioritise it, as I felt in danger of losing all my teeth!

One thing I have found is loads better than flossing is a water flosser. I'm not saying it will solve all your problems at all, but it might help to keep food from collecting in your teeth and I find it is more comfortable (if you use lukewarm water) and more effective.

I can't face dentists. They all are the same, dismissive, rude, insulting. I don't go.

My teeth really get me down so I know where you are coming from. I wish I didn't have to eat sometimes.

I find it hard to keep my teeth clean, it's only since the development of tepe brushes that I have made any inroads into keeping them clean and not being told off by the dentist and hygenist. Of course Tepes weren't around (as far as I knew) 30 years ago.

I have big fillings and an overbite that can't be fixed without an operation, I only found out about this in my 30s.
IF you were lucky in childhood with straight teeth, a good diet, access to quality toothbrushes that were regularly changed / toothpaste and a decent dentist and no other medical issues then you probably will have decent teeth into adulthood.
You are still young, please try every avenue to get this sorted, don't give up. Try your Dr, try different dentists, try a dental hospital. I think you have been treated dreadfully, you should not be in this situation. One dentist I saw years ago said she thought my overbite and asthma were related, perhaps if you got the teeth sorted the asthma might improve.
It's a lonely place to be when everyone around you seems to have perfect gnashers.
Good luck in getting it sorted.

I can really empathise. I have a rare genetic condition called Amelogenesis imperfecta. It means I was born with hardly any enamel on my teeth and spent many years when I was child and a teenager at dental hospitals receiving treatment. I have porcelain veneers on my front teeth, some teeth crowned and lots of huge filling in all my molars. My teeth are decaying and crumbling away through no fault of my own. I’m in constant pain daily as my teeth are extremely sensitive and my GP has to prescribe me painkillers. I have to very selective about what foods I eat. I also have to be extra fussy about cleaning my teeth and make sure I always floss.

After not seeing a dentist for nearly two years during lockdown my teeth are in a a terrible state, and I was crying on the phone to my GP last month that the pain and discomfort I was in as well as the psychological distress of how they look was making me feel suicidal. I have got my dentist to refer me to a dental hospital and I’m currently awaiting an appointment which could be a year away.

OP you need to try and find out if you have a recognised dental condition and get a referral to have work done in a hospital setting. Dental hospitals do much more complicated work the regular dentists.

@Idontbelieveit14

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.

My sister got her dentures immediately....they don't leave you toothless these days!

My friends mum was at the very back of the queue when they were handing out 'good teeth'. She had hers whipped out and had full dentures at 35.

I can't see why you couldn't, although you'll more than likely have to pay privately.

I’ve had bruxism for ever and coupled with bad teeth genes my mouth is a mess. I have various crowns, fillings and a denture. My teeth look fine and don’t really give me much pain but it has taken years to get here.

I was told because of my bruxism, dental implants would not be an option as I would break and damage them. A maxillo facial specialist said this to me and I have to believe her. (She was giving me Botox in my jaw at the time but no this didn’t work either!)

Sometimes dentures are the only choice for people. OP, I’d find a better dentist and talk through your options. You may need to be referred to the hospital for your issues but if, ultimately, dentures are the best way forward for you, I say go for it. Nothing is worth having daily pain for.

www.asthma.org.uk/advice/inhalers-medicines-treatments/inhalers-and-spacers/common-inhaler-mistakes/

OP I think you mentioned autoimmune issues too? A friend of mine has several autoimmune conditions and has had to have 7 teeth removed within the last 8 years since turning 40. I don't know if there is a definite confirmed link but she says dental issues are mentioned on the Facebook groups regularly.

To be honest having them all out seems to be the only option available. If they’re already rotting and crumbling, no no amount of flossing and cleaning will restore them. Only capping or dentures I think if they’re that bad. I also think genetics are involved with how good your teeth are. My DH flosses and cleans his teeth three times a day, but always seems to need a Filling on every visit - his parents both lost their teeth in their 30’s. I just brush once a day, and no flossing, just listerine before bed, and I haven’t needed fillings for years. My family all have very good teeth.

Would you consider treatment abroad? Obviously you have to be very careful as not all clinics are good but I have a dentist in an Eastern European country. She is absolutely amazing and the clinic is in the top 10 in Europe.
The prices are very reasonable. They will look at everything in detail and come up with a treatment plan.
There are plenty of options these days that aren't just all teeth out and removable denture in.

@Middleagedfrog

My teeth really get me down so I know where you are coming from. I wish I didn't have to eat sometimes. I find it hard to keep my teeth clean, it's only since the development of tepe brushes that I have made any inroads into keeping them clean and not being told off by the dentist and hygenist. Of course Tepes weren't around (as far as I knew) 30 years ago. I have big fillings and an overbite that can't be fixed without an operation, I only found out about this in my 30s. IF you were lucky in childhood with straight teeth, a good diet, access to quality toothbrushes that were regularly changed / toothpaste and a decent dentist and no other medical issues then you probably will have decent teeth into adulthood. You are still young, please try every avenue to get this sorted, don't give up. Try your Dr, try different dentists, try a dental hospital. I think you have been treated dreadfully, you should not be in this situation. One dentist I saw years ago said she thought my overbite and asthma were related, perhaps if you got the teeth sorted the asthma might improve. It's a lonely place to be when everyone around you seems to have perfect gnashers. Good luck in getting it sorted.

@Middleagedfrog I know my asthma isn't related to my death, I have lung damage due to treatment I had for another condition as a baby.

@3scape

I can't face dentists. They all are the same, dismissive, rude, insulting. I don't go.

Obviously not all dentists but yeah, I know what you mean. I've developed such a strong hatred for mine.

@PeterPomegranate I'll have to watch out then! My dentist has lengthened the time between my visits to 18 months as I never have issues. I have to say, in my defence, when I brush them i do give them a very good scrub!

Look into whether your facial pain could be caused by nerve pain. I had terrible facial pain for years which was assumed to be sinuses, or psychological but eventually a GP locum actually listened properly to me and suggested it sounded more like Trigeminal Neuralgia. Normal painkillers don’t work for nerve pain. She prescribed Amitriptyline which helped pain but made me really groggy so I moved to Gabapentin which was great. Shortly after I changed dentist and she found I had a massive root abscess on one of my top front teeth which I suspect had been coming and going for years and had triggered the pain.

@CureTheToothPain
It was just a thought, the dentist mentioned it to me so I thought I'd pass it on.
I suppose I think there's likely to be a link between dental health and other health issues including mental health and getting help for dental issues isn't easy without spending ££.

I wish you well if you do it. My mum had it done when she was in her 60s and honestly she broke down when all her teeth were removed and said she’d made the worst decision. It totally changes your face shape and sadly in her case the dentures never fit properly she’s been back and forth from dentist. You are only young please explore this as a last ditch attempt only. Don’t regret it like my mum.

I've only had minor issues compared to this (and a much more understanding, very kind dentist), but PLEASE ask to be referred to hospital. They're great. If anything, if the hospital feel you need dentures it'll only be £282.80 instead of ££££ private.
If you're moving to another practice, read reviews to make sure they deal well with nervous patients and complicated issues.

@spaghettiyeti

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/inhalers-medicines-treatments/inhalers-and-spacers/common-inhaler-mistakes/

OP I think you mentioned autoimmune issues too? A friend of mine has several autoimmune conditions and has had to have 7 teeth removed within the last 8 years since turning 40. I don't know if there is a definite confirmed link but she says dental issues are mentioned on the Facebook groups regularly.

@spaghettiyeti My mum has an autoimmune condition, but it's worth looking into with my GP thank you

I'm sorry you are dealing with this it sounds awful. Is there anyway you can change to see a different dentist?

For those of you questioning the OP about inhalers, there is a well proven link between inhaler use and poor oral health.

Yanbu. Some dentists can be judgy cunts. I had the same issue for years. Teeth crumbling, constant fillings, root canals and abscesses despite being absolutely fastidious about oral health. I had so many dentists that told me that sugar and/or not brushing properly were the only possible cause.

Saw an amazing dentist recently who noted that I had good hygiene but shocking levels of decay and bone loss. She referred me to the hospital for tests and it turns out I have a condition that is causing all of the calcium to leach out of my bones and teeth.

So, years of pain and tooth/bone loss that could have been prevented if any of the dentists I had seen had looked beyond their own prejudice and ignorance.

There are a lot of conditions that can cause decay and tooth loss. Immune system conditions, absorption issues and more. Ask your dentist for a referral to oral medicine for investigations. Good luck x

Is there any possibility you could fund titanium teeth OP?

What about implants. Expensive but look natural.
Also need to find out what is causing it. Maybe some deficiency.