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.

A lot of hospitals have dental clinics which are better at dealing with unusual stuff like this. I have worked with a few people who have had this done, it is possible, if drastic. Can you speak to your GP? Or find if there is a community dental clinic near you?

I hate the apparent teaching in dentistry that everyone's teeth are identical and if you clean properly you will have good teeth and if you need cavities you are eating loads of sweets and not brushing enough

I have 4 kids. 3 of them have never had a filling in their life. My eldest, now an adult, is autistic, 6 feet tall and only cleans his teeth once a month or so. He drinks diet coke and doesn't have a balanced diet at all. Perfect teeth, never had a filling.

Then my youngest son (not youngest child) has had probably 20 fillings. He has always had incredibly soft teeth and had his first filling at 4. I stopped buying fruit juice and squash (including sugar free). I limited fruit. I bought electric brushes. He had his teeth painted with anti erosion stuff. He had sweets just once a fortnight. He never has fizzy drinks; doesn't like them. Every single time we go to the dentist I get a lecture about his teeth and not feeding him sweets every day.

There is without a doubt something different about this kid's teeth compared with my other 3 kids. And it's not as simple as how much sugar he eats or how well he brushes.

You need to find yourself a really good dentist.. ask for recommendations from friends/family/Facebook.

It’s obviously better to keep your own teeth for as long as you can and you’re still so young to have dentures.. but then pain you describe sounds unbearable. You need to determine which are rotten and unsavable and which can be kept and go from there… good luck

Dental health is so linked to systemic health that I would urge you to see a doctor and have some blood tests, and perhaps a bone density scan. I have a friend with severe teeth issues but she has a lot of other medical conditions that explain what is going on in her mouth. My dental health at 40 was poor. I needed a lot of work on gum disease, root canal and a dislocated jaw. I later discovered I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome which explains all going on in a mouth that gets brushed twice a day, low sugar diet and not smoking. I would definitely get your physical health checked out, and ask in your family for others dental history as it may give clues to what is happening to you.

Sorry your experience this pain, OP. Toothache is the absolute worst. I would get a second opinion. I’ve been asthmatic since the 80s and never have I had any dental issues due to either my inhalers or allergies. I would be looking for a different cause.

OP sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Dental pain is awful. I had toothache in one tooth and wanted to cut my head off, so the pain and distress you're in must be immense.

I don't know if this will help but my grandad in his youth had all his teeth out (not sure what age he was but I think late 20s/early 30s). He couldn't get on with dentures (this is many years ago, dentures are much better now I'm sure) but it never affected him at all and he never regretted it, he was just grateful to have avoided years of pain and treatment.

I really hope you manage to get things resolved.

Someone may have already posted that perhaps 60 or 80 years ago , the removal of all teeth followed by a full set of dentures was regarded as a suitable 21st birthday present. A rite of passage. An uncle who had all his teeth removed in his 20s lived well into his 80s. I'm not saying OP shd do it, merely pointing out that orthodox approaches swings right round over time. Get another dentist, one with a sense and knowledge of history.

Sympathies op, dental pain is the worst. Interesting reading about bone dissappearing if you remove teeth, I had no idea that happened so that’s worth knowing. I definitely agree teeth health is very much genetic, my ex had perfect teeth, never needed fillings or treatment but rarely brushed his teeth or looked after them 🤮 our oldest child is the same, perfect teeth, doesn’t take care of them at all, the middle child seems to have got my bad genes and was born with enamel hypoplasia, front one was rotten by 2, thankfully his adult ones are good and all my kids are nagged morning and night to brush and all have electric toothbrushes.
My teeth were terrible growing up, I had a dysfunctional upbringing as consequently poor oral hygiene, then bulimia from early teens for several years, then multiple pregnancies with 9 month long sickness. I’ve had the back teeth out on the top on both sides, one at the bottom left near the front and a crown. Touch wood not too many problems since then, which I’m so thankful for as dentists here still not seeing anyone apart from emergencies.

It’s understandable to want to consider removing them all, I find very little touches tooth pain in regards to pain relief, it just makes you unable to function properly I find as it involves your whole head. Definitely try and see another dentist, even if it means saving some money to see someone privately.

Not the point of the OP I know but it’s shocking some people haven’t seen a dentist for nearly 2 years due to covid. Our dentist has been seeing patients throughout (or as good as - we haven’t missed a check up). They upped PPE (in the early days the hygienist looked like she was prepared for a NBC attack) and increased cleaning between appointments.

I was in exactly the same situation as you OP. I found a private dentist and asked him to take all my top row out, and fit me with a denture. Absolutely the best money I ever spent. Still have the same denture, and was worth every penny. I remember the absolute abject misery tooth pain caused me. It was horrific. Been pain free for 10 years now. And I won't hesitate to get the bottom set done if I start getting that pain again.

I can totally understand where you are coming from. I had terrible teeth,sadly bad genetics played a huge part in this ( my dad had all his removed at 19 and my mum is at the dentist so often having work done). I was told that my saliva was overly salty which caused some issues.
I had a full clearance 10 years ago. Please make sure that if you do end up going the same route get a good set of dentures,if you are not happy with them go back and get them adjusted.
I didn't do this and went too long struggling with not wearing dentures.
I have now found an amazing dentist but because I went without teeth for so long my bone structure in my gums is rubbish. I don't have enough bone in my bottom gum to hold a denture in place. So last Friday I had 2 implants placed in my bottom gum to hold a denture in place. The surgery was painful and expensive but hopefully will be worth it in the end.

With regards to dentures, as others have pointed out, you can have your teeth taken out and a temporary denture put straight in so you don’t have to be without teeth at all.

Secondly a pp mentioned taking them out overnight, again this is no longer necessary (unless you want to). I wear mine 24/7, only taken out to clean.

It only took me maybe 2 weeks to get used to my top denture, which is no time at all in the grand scheme of things. I’m due to have the bottom set done at some stage, I hear that’s a bit harder to get used to but I’ll manage I’m sure.

I’ve had to go private. It is expensive, but I’ll save money in the long run not having any more tooth problems!

Op can you afford to find a private Biological dentist and go for an initial consultation? It sounds like there is more going on here, and the health of your teeth and gums is very much linked to your overall health. Don’t give up!

I've had my front teeth removed, top & bottom.
I was in so much pain, loosing weight as couldn't eat properly and hated my smile.
I've retained the back teeth and the dentures have - what I can only describe as wire attachments to them that hold them in place.
Had some issues with ulcers at first with them rubbing but dentist adjusted them and now all fine. Cost me £1700 or about private dentist. Allowed to pay instalments. The cost was worth it and now I can't stop smiling.

[quote blubberyboo]@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.[/quote]
I think people do lie to dentists a lot. I'd describe these as mostly white lies. My point is that if the dentist just thinks @CureTheToothPain is lying (which is what she seems to think is happening) then she needs to be more assertive of explaining that there is a problem. See later she says it is a NHS practice and different dentist every time. Perhaps write letter to practice - ask to have a longer consultation to discuss.

Have you been told of the importance of Vitamin D and K2 and Magnesium in teeth health?

The combination of these vitamins can seriously improve your teeth from the inside out

I have chronic sinus issues and have had surgeries etc and so suffering with MRSA. The sinus issues don't cause tooth decay, but they can cause pain on the top jaw. What issues have you taken to resolve the sinus issues? Have you seen your Gp? Had a referral to an ENT?

Why do you have half teeth? Why haven't they been removed?

@opalescent

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!

Another option is to get free treatment at the dental department of a university hospital. As I mentioned above, I was offered free implants there and I know someone who got a full mouth done that way.

@Gwenhwyfar can you tell me more? How did this come about? And whereabouts were you seen? Thank you 😊

[quote opalescent]@Gwenhwyfar can you tell me more? How did this come about? And whereabouts were you seen? Thank you 😊 [/quote]
I was referred by my private dentist to the local hospital, which is also a university hospital to get an impacted wisdom tooth out. They attempted under local anaesthetic and I was screaming in pain so I made them stop and go for a general. I was then left with lock jaw for weeks. After the wisdom tooth removal, I had a post op consultation with the surgeon there and he told me I was too young to not have teeth and that he would do the implants for me for free, except that 'you don't like dentistry' which basically meant it would be painful and I wouldn't be able to take it.
So you need to somehow be referred to a teaching hospital and ask them there. They should also be interested in people with unusual problems as this could be a teaching opportunity for their students.
I'll DM you where it was.

@CureTheToothPain I got screamed at by my dentist because my child's teeth were rotting. Accused of lying about her only drinking water (she does only drink water! DESPISES drinks with taste. Won't even drink milk or even chocolate milk- only water) she even laughed! Threatened me with a referral to social services....
When it came time for a filling she referred my daughter to a special care dentist to use gas & air (they often do this with kids as it makes the entire process easier for everyone!) and lo & behold - she has a GENETIC ~unpronounceable~ dental dysplasia!!!!!!!!! THIS is what was causing my child's teeth to rot and look bright yellow! She is having 90% of them removed in March.
I. Was. Furious. Apoplectic.
DD is seeing original dentist next week and I'll be needing to take some Kalms before I see her or I'll lose it.

So this could be something beyond your control and honestly, in your position I'd be calling 111 and requesting an emergency dentist appointment, citing "sudden excruciating pain!" and ask whoever you see who your local special care dentist is

I am a severe asthmatic CEV and regularly in hospital on prednisolone and oxygen a lot, and have sinus problems and am in meds for it. Hay-fever the whole shebang. .
My teeth aren't rotting

I don't know what is going on for you OP?

But can you talk to your dentist about how you feel? It sounds like you are very upset about state of your teeth, a good dentist won't "tell you off" they will try to support you xxx

@Houseofvelour

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."

My DD is having to have all but her two front teeth removed in a few months due to MIH. She's 7

Oh sweet thing! Think twice before having dentures! I am 55 and am a beautiful young looking thing and listened to my dentist and had ALL MY TEETH PULL!!! Please don’t! It has been the most horrible thing I have been through, the temporary teeth do not fit, I can not eat, I can not talk! I’m in so much pain, worse then before! I have to learn to do EVERYTHING over again, it not an easy fix!!!! My smile is different, my face is different, my voice is different!!!! I’m getting better but it is a long sad journey, I’m getting implants but that is 9 months to 12 months of healing and will it take me back to my original self? I’m depressed, I’m loss, and feel ugly!!!! That is what you will face….I had multiple missing teeth that did hurt and I wish I had them back vs this!!!!!

For most people a diet low in sugar and good oral hygiene using a fluoride toothpaste is sufficient to limit dental decay. But in my experience ( as a dentist) there are a small number of patients who despite everything suffer with high decay rates.
We are brainwashed into thinking it’s all about cleaning but there are a lot of people who don’t clean well, eat a ton of crap and still remain caries and gum disease free.
It’s becoming more evident that the immune system plays a massive role in preventing decay and gum disease.
We start to see increasing levels of disease in the elderly as their immune systems start to fail and their ability to brush is impaired.
Patients who take immunosuppressants for chronic disease start to develop dental decay when they have never had a filling before.

So OP you are one of a very small number of people whose immune system is slightly faulty and fails to recognise and deal with the bacteria responsible for dental caries or your diet is very high in sugar and dietary acids or a combination of both.
You can’t alter the immune problem but you can optimise your preventive approach.
Cleaning isn’t about frequency but about cleaning every surface thoroughly. It’s a bit like the difference between running a hoover quickly around your living room daily and doing it once a week but moving all the furniture and using every tool possible to remove every spec of dust from every corner and crevice.
Start by spending at least 15 minutes cleaning your teeth with brush , floss and interproximal brushes. Then use a disclosing tablet, after cleaning , to see what you have missed and go back and clean further.
Ince all the plaque has gone the bacteria have nowhere to live and can’t damage further.
Secondly ask your dentist for high fluoride toothpaste (Duraphat 5000) this will stabilise any active decay.

Unfortunately, the NHS just don’t fund preventive treatment so patients are often blamed but the dentist doesn’t have the time to explain and investigate the cause behind disease.
I have found, over the years, that there is often a psychological aspect to dental disease. For many patients when simple cleaning doesn’t work they become disheartened and when they don’t see improvement fail to really engaged. They hate their teeth so rarely really look at them. I have one lady who has gum problems but never looks at her gums so cannot see the plaque and whether she has removed it.
They may look horrible but you need to look closely at them to make sure you have removed all deposits.
Wear your reading glasses or use a magnifying mirror.
Sorry I’m going on a bit, but I’ve had more success by really getting patients to focus on their mouths than just telling them to clean their teeth!
Next is diet. Meticulously note down what you eat daily. Then look at how much hidden sugar is there. In dentistry sugars include all carbohydrates. Our mouths secrete enzymes that start to break down complex carbohydrates so we are actively making sugar available to bacteria in our mouths. You may think your diet is healthy but any carb can be broken down in your mouth if you leave it all over your teeth and can be used by bacteria.

Finally for the unlucky few who suffer with high decay rates it is going to be hard work.

You do have the option of extraction and dentures, and as a dentist who trained in the 80s when massive improvements in oral health took place I would never discourage a patient from this treatment but would probably encourage you to do it gradually.
Have the teeth that are known to be causing pain extracted and a partial denture placed. You can then get used to the denture. It will need replacing regularly as the bone in your jaw heals.
Maybe look for an older dentist who has more experience of dentures or specialises in dentures.
Hospital dentistry ( unless it’s a dental school) is a specialist area but not in dental decay.