Poor oral health

[crackernutted]

I've had anxiety and depression on and off (mostly on) for many years. As a result of having poor self worth etc I haven't bothered to clean my teeth. A lot of the time I just couldn't face doing it. It wasn't a priority. It's hard enough to get out of bed sometimes. I think I have sensory issues also.

I'm not sure if dentists understand that this happens. I put off going to see them. I'm worried I might be kicked off their books but it makes be so anxious. Last time I had a male dentist, my female one had left. I was told non of the other female dentists see NHS patients. It adds to the anxiety. I've had many fillings and a few extractions. Last time I felt like I was drowning it was horrendous. Almost had a panic attack. I'm not sure I can face going back but I am having problems which will probably result in another extraction. How can I face this? I don't hear of other people struggling like this but I can't be the only one. I need a very understanding dentist and one that isn't to expensive.

@crackernutted maybe knowing that dentists see all kinds of teeth every day might help. It’s their job and so any good dentist won’t be judging you.

Could you ring round a few reasonably priced ones and mention you are anxious and worried to the receptionist and ask if there is anyone they recommend?

I can understand it feeling like another task. Maybe just try and focus on getting it back into your routine. I brush mine on the shower and it’s quite nice to just spend longer in there. Or even a quick mouthwash on bad days when you get up to go to the loo if you can’t face it.

Tell the receptionist that you are a nervous patient and have suffered from depression and need an understanding dentist. They should help choose one that will be kind.

Keep a brush by your bed so you can at least dry brush your teeth and once you've started it might entice you to finish the job in bathroom with toothpaste

"I'm not sure if dentists understand that this happens."

It's definitely a thing and I've seen threads on it before. I picked up a book in my dentist's waiting room with before and after pictures of work done (not cases from the practice, it was an American book, just to show what is possible to fix).

Some of the "before" pictures were from accidents or congenital conditions, but there were definitely a few where the person had had MH issues- one or two with bulimia whose yeeth had suffered from acid erosion but also including others with depression and dental care had lapsed, for a couple of decades in some cases. It's amazing what they can pull back.

Dentists see stuff all the time- mouths that have lapsed due to depression, bulimia, dementia, overwhelmed people caring for others and their own dental health going to pot, lack of money, lack of time , plain old lapsing into bad habits, never getting good habits taught from childhood. My own mouth is an exercise in damage limitation for my dentist at this point I reckon- luckily she is kind, patient and practical.

I'd really like a female dentist but was told I didn't have a choice. There wasn't one available who treats NHS patients. Going to another practice that takes on NHS patients is near impossible now.

I've got a appointment tomorrow morning. I felt a bit braver before Christmas and called to make an appointment. To my surprise I'm now with a female dentist. Hopefully she will be ok.

I've been trying to not think about the appointment, today the anxiety is back. It's always a negative experience, lots of warnings etc , I know it's their job but it scares me. I'm a big over thinker and take everything personally and twist it to feel even worse. I've been brushing at least once a day in the last 3 weeks. It's been a struggle at times but I make it the first thing I do when I get up.

I'm guessing I will need a filling or 2 and possibly an extraction. I'd rather it all happen tomorrow instead of in a week or 2 or possibly spread over weeks. Really trying to take my mind out of my body.

The dentist was lovely, she sensed my anxiety even though I thought I was hiding it. I've got to have 3 small fillings and a bit of scaling done. Probably won't need any needles. So I've got to go back in Feb. Need to work on my mind for that. Good news is my oral hygiene is very good.

Back to the dentist today for the 3 fillings. They were running 30 min late which added to the anxiety.

It wasn't painful, I didn't need numbing. But I found it very difficult to keep my mouth wide open for 50 min! I felt panicky because of the water spraying my mouth and gurgled. I found it very overwhelming. To many tools and hands in my mouth. Seriously do other people find it this stressful?

Well done @crackernutted ! It was a big step and it’s all over now.

Rmember it won’t be as bad /long next time if you manage to go a bit more etc.

Dentist is never pleasant for anyone but you can ask for breaks I believe. How are you feeling otherwise?

Err yes most people hate going to the Dentist and a lot of people have severe fears and phobias. Do you really think it's only you and every one else finds it enjoyable?