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.

It isn’t just you, I have a dear friend whose teeth have been badly damaged by medication. She has veneers.

Don't. I'm having my teeth out in two weeks... I have to wait 10 weeks for dentures. 10 weeks with no teeth.

I can't begin to describe how distressing that is.

Me too op :-( im on regular steroids, 3 diff inhalers, and 2 meds for asthma, along with the rest of my meds.
i take care of my teeth yet i have horrendous pain daily and made peace that im going to loose my teeth.
first time 3 years ago i got a dentist who just didn’t blame it on me and recognised the sheer amount of meds and the effects.

First thing I'd do is look for another dentist if you can, yours sound horrible.
I went to a dentist for the first time in over 20 years (had a very traumatic time with the old one, to the point where I reported him and he got struck off). The one I am seeing now is wonderful. No judgement, no lectures and very patient with me. I have had most of my bottom teeth removed and, at some point will have to have my top ones taken out. Had I not been in so much pain I would never have gone but, even though it is still hugely terrifying for me, I'm glad I went.
I guess what I'm trying to say in this ramble is, the right dentist makes all the difference.

I'm about to lose nearly all my bottom teeth, they have been crumbling & snapping off, I will only have 2 teeth left on my bottom jaw. I suffer from chronic dry eyes & mouth but the blood test for Sjorgens has come back negative. I'm dreading it because I once had to have a temporary denture for a top tooth until it healed & I could have a bridge fitted & I was suicidal & tried to kill myself. I'm autistic & have several autoimmune conditions.

I really feel for you OP, I have terrible teeth as well no matter what I do. I brush twice a day, use the tepe brushes, mouthwash etc. I have about 4 teeth in my whole mouth that haven't had some sort of filling etc done to them.

Currently on a waiting list to get 4 removed and get a denture...been on it two and half years! In the meantime the teeth in question are breaking, Im in pain and I've a crown about to come away.

To make things worse I've a dental phobia and can't get work done without the gas. But not one NHS dentist is giving it any more and I can't afford to go private so I'm just getting to sit in pain. I really want all mine removed as well and get a set of dentures.

I'm sorry you are going through this. I've had massive problems with my teeth. I'm wasn't the best brusher when I was younger as I grew up with grandparents who didn't teach oral hygiene or know about the impact of sugar. I turned this around in my teens and even brush my teeth everyday at work after lunch but things only get worse each year.

I don't know what options are actually available but you need a understanding, empathetic dentist who doesn't judge. Good luck.

Many years ago I was accused by my dentist of not brushing and
flossing my teeth as I had so many cavities.

It was only when I was diagnosed with sjogrens syndrome that they realised it wasn't my fault my teeth were bad.

My immune system attacks the glands that produce moisture so I don't make tears or saliva. Now I am on medication to suppress my immune system. I see a dentist every 4 to 6 months for scale, polish and fluoride treatment and I have X-rays once a year.

My symptoms were dry mouth from lack of saliva which in turn, really affected my teeth.

Do you have a dry mouth? Because if you do, it's definitely worth asking to be tested for Sjogrens syndrome at the very least. So many health conditions can affect your teeth.

‘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.’

@CureTheToothPain good plan.

An earlier comment about inexperienced associate dentist resonates for me. Due to a variety of NHS structural & commissioning factors, I have found that those who are happy with their dentist - & their oral health - are patients of well established dental practices & see the same highly experienced dentist each time. You may need the bite (!) the bullet & pay full whack for an assessment, & even decide to go fully private.

I see my Dental Hygienist every 10-12 weeks without fail. The improvement in my teeth & gums has been remarkable - no pain, no bleeding, no tenderness, less sensitivity to cold as she ‘paints’ the exposed nerve.

Her work, advice & coaching has transformed how I look after my mouth - I learned more from her in four weekly sessions for emergency remedial treatment than I did from four decades of dentists before I found this really good established practice.

@CureTheToothPain it is worth finding another dental practice to get an independent experienced professional opinion. Your local Healthwatch will provide you with information about local dentistry.

This thread was dormant for months, but lots of good advice has come in today.

I know this is an old thread but i do hope you got your teeth sorted out.

Ive never heard that about inhalors. Your dentist sounds dreadful to leave your teeth in that state and not do anything about it, even refer you on to a specialist or take x-rays

I would change dentist. My dentist was the only NHS one with vacancies but they're really good. X-rays and scale and polish in about 15 minutes. Pointed out root of an upper damaged tooth very close to sinus which probably explained the bad sinus headaches I used to get. Because of the root they referred me to another dentist for the extraction (otherwise would be several months waiting for hospital appointment with option of GA)

Please find another dentist. This one sounds awful and not very thorough.