Dentists - why are we scared of them

[Ailsa]

I never used to be scared of the dentist, but for some reason, don't know what or why, over the last 12 months I've got really scared of going.

After having raging toothache all weekend I finally plucked up the courage to go to the dentist today.

I had to have a new set of records because they couldn't find mine and someone elses.

I've got 2 broken wisdom teeth which have to come out. It turns out that the wisdom tooth that isn't giving me any grief is the one that's worst.

I chickened out of having the painful one pulled today, but have got another appointment to get it sorted.

I hate hate hate going to the dentist it's the fear of pain being inflicted on you and you can't move or it will/could be worse also the fact that you are totally in their hands until they set you free. Since having children I have found that the deep breathing exercises help me to stay calm and even managed to have a tooth filled without the area being numbed because I had the children with me and he said it would be quick and only after did he say I had a very high pain threshold... thanks for telling me after only little did he know the deep breathing exercises that were going on in my head!!! Trouble is I now have a wisdom tooth which didn't pain until he said oh no this doesn't look good proded it and I could have hit the roof but couldn't because the children were there and once again he said I shouldn't have proded it so much!!!! Do all dentists like to inflict pain??? ANY DENTISTS OUT THERE LAUGHING AT THIS???

It would be interesting to find out how many of the contribs. to this thread had their first experience of dental treatment in the 1960s & 70s, as that was when I was little & I now really have to force myself to go. Our dentist would give fillings without anaesthetic & i will always remember his little round glasses glinting in the light.

I'd also like to know about mouthwashes as I use one twice a day (AND I floss & use an electric toothbrush - aren't I good??!)

BTW, my dh did less than a week of a dentistry degree before switching to economics, & it is now a standing joke between us as he is so cack-handed (hopeless at diy for example) the thought of him being let loose in someone's mouth is terrifying...

I didn't even know until I was about 18 that you could any sort of anaesthetic for having a filling - and you're right Emmabee this was the 70's! I wonder now if the dentists used to get paid per filling, and no anaesthetic meant more profit?

I'm afraid I stopped going when I was a student (in the days when you were expected to be able to live on under £2000 a year), when the dentist claimed I'd made an appointment (which I knew nothing of) for a midweek termtime afternoon when I was 150 miles away. Of course I hadn't made the appointment, but they wanted to fine me £50 for not keeping it.

A day later, they got around to writing to tell me about the fine and automatically arranged another appointment (which I again knew nothing about) for a week later, and posted it 2nd class to my parents address, where it arrived on a Saturday morning, and they readdressed it and popped it back in the postbox. Of course it then didn't get collected until the Monday, and was delivered to the University on the Wednesday. By the time it had made it's way through the internal post to me the appointment had been missed again, and this time the fine had doubled as it wasn't a "first offence". Frantic phone calls to point out that I'd known nothing of the appointments did no good, with a result that they basically said they wouldn't see me again unless it was paid - and there's no way I could afford to do that.

Jasper - as a dentist what do you think if someone comes to you who hasn't been a regular attender? Given what happened then would anyone take me on again now?

Dentists suck!

Jasper> as a dentist, what do you think of electric toothbrushes

I hadn't been to the dentist for five years until a friend who is a dental nurse came round after I had DS1 and dragged me into the surgery where she worked, saying "it's free". I was v dubious but have to say my experience wasn't too bad and I have been regular ever since. Missed the Hygenist last time mind you, find that the worst at the moment, do you really need to have that done?

Life is too short to floss!!!

Demented sorry to be the bearer of bad news but only a minority need to see a hygienist. When you next go ask her to spend time showing you exactly how to brush your teeth and look after your mouth in general rather that just cleaning them and sending you on your way.

Flossing with a waxed floss is much easier and has to be done, it will also mean sweeter breath if all the food debris is removed. Remember there are two sides to each tooth and go up and down not in a 'sawing' motion.

It is vitally important that your teeth are cleaned on a regular basis as the plaque bacteria builds up and then hardens into the calculus that the hygienist scrapes off. If this is not done eventually your teeth will become loose! HTH.

Suedonnim you are welcome to pick my brians anytime, at least what is left of them after years of exposure to mercury
IMO mouthwashes such as plax are a waste of money as they have no proven therapeutic value. I don't use then and I don't know any dentists who do.
There are two types of people who use them.
First, people who are really into their teeth and spend a lot of time brushing and flossing. This group don't need to use mouthwashes but if they like using them and don't mind the cost (and the theoretical cancer risk!), fair enough.Hope your dh is one of these.
The second group are people who are lazy with their oral hygiene and swish out with mouhwash INSTEAD of giving their teeth a proper brushing.In doing so they are kidding themselve s that they are taking care of their teeth as their mouth "feels " clean so their use of mouthwash could be considered detrimental to their oral health.
As for electric toothbrushes.They are fine but not necessary.They are however invaluable for people with poor manual dexterity (elderly and those with a physical disability). They are also good for people (usually men and children ) who love gadgets and might not bother brushing otherwise.
But if you are motivated to keep your teeth clean and have normal dexterity you don't need one.
Mam, I don't know of any dentists who like to inflict pain.
GillW that is outrageous being charged for appointments you had not even made,. In defence of dentists (Oh dear, this is why I don't normally volunteer what I do for a living)in big practices these sort of decisions are often made by a receptionist/practice manager.
As for patients coming to us who have not previously been regular attenders, we make absolutely no judgements in that respect, and in fact are particularly pleased to see people who are plucking up the courage to see a dentist after many years of not.

Jasper> have you looked on the rabbit recall thread. Some people with normal manual deterity still insist on the usefulness of electric toothbrushes. I'm sorry. I couldn't resist it

By the way I personally only use an electric toothbrush for my TEETH

Thanks, Jasper for that info. DH definitely falls into the former category! He is convinced mouthwash has prevented the build up of plaque etc. I guess if it's not doing any harm (which is my main concern) then I'll leave him to his swilling and spitting.

We all use electric toothbrushes now (for their intended purpose!!) and we have seen an improvement in the cleanliness of our teeth. There is very little for the hygienist (IMO, hygienists are the sadists of the dental world, not dentists! ) to do nowadays as the tartar doesn't build up. DH used to get stains on his teeth from drinking black tea but they haven't reappeared since we got the electric brush. Dds teeth are much, much cleaner, too. According to our dentist the only drawback can be that electric brushes don't clean deeply fissured back teeth as effectively, so we check that DD's teeth are done propery. Biggest advantage of an electric brush for me is that my teeth feel so clean, all smooth and shiny - like this

I'm so terrified of dentists, I can't bear to read this thread! I've never had a bad/painful experience at the dentist, and think of myself as a logical person - but this isn't logical at all. At the mere mention of dentist my pulse rate goes up, I start sweating profusely, and go rigid with fear!

I have had quite a few problems with my teeth in the past. I am convinced that a few of the problems could have been prevented by visiting my dentist sooner rather than later. I didn't visit my dentist for nearly 5 years (due to fear & ignorance) it was only when I fell pregnant and had bleeding gums that I thought it was time to get some help. I had been struck off from my dentists due to reshuffling patients on the NHS & cancelling appointments. I then had to find a dentist which would be able to take me on. Pure luck a reputable dentist was taking on new NHS patients & I was very lucky to be the last patient to be taken on. I had to have 6 fillings and all of my wisdom teeth had to be removed, some of the work was carried out at the dentists and the other work in hospital. On top of all this I used to suck my thumb as a child - up until my teens! (I know it's an incredibly bad habit) and this has caused my front teeth to protude and cross over slightly - attractive! I would like to have dental implants and I am seriously thinking of shelling out for some. I am very self-conscious about my teeth and I cover my mouth when I laugh and find it hard to smile naturally. It's bad enough that they are smack bang in the middle of your face! Jasper I was also wondering about wearing tracks. Could you tell me roughly how much they will cost, how long I would have to keep them on for,and will they make a big difference, Thankyou . I have invested in a good electric toothbrush and floss everyday, my dentist comments how clean my teeth are. I have also used clove oil as pain relief and it works really well - if you can put up with the smell. I used to work with a pharmacist and she told me that corsodyl can stain your teeth yellow after continuous use.

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They can hurt - a lot!!
I had a very ham-fisted dentist as a child/teenager and it has made me very scared ever since even though I now have a lovely bloke who has to do relaxation techniques with me if I ever need anything done. I don't even like him cleaning my teeth as the vibrations are odd.

When I was a child the dentist was a 6 monthly routine for my family and I. As a consequence, I have never been frightened of the dentist, although I have had experiences of 2 teeth being removed and a brace fitted when I was about 12 - strange brace it was too (It was an elastic band which I could whistle with). I even remember having fillings WITHOUT pain relief when I was young (how mad is that!).

Now ds is old enough we go for regular checkups - since he was 2 infact (he is now nearly 5) - and he has never shown any fear of the dentist (touch wood). Just remember, short term pain for long term gain and surely the experience of childbirth pales the pains of dentistry into utter insignificance!

Rhiannon, I must be in that minority. I generally am commended on my brushing skills but told to floss, my teeth are very close together (I know not a real excuse) but even the hygenist says this makes the job difficult, but I should still do it. I will try, the Dentist said at my last x-ray that I am losing bone from between my teeth, is this what makes them fall out? Between this and my receeding gums and staining which are apparently caused by red wine, oh yes and disolving the enamel of my teeth with Diet Coke! Maybe I should just get fitted for the dentures now!

Oh Dear demented, forget the dentures they will be the start of even more problems!

If your budget allows why not go and have your teeth cleaned every 3 months? You'll have to pay privately for the 3 monthly one.

How old are you if you don't mind me asking, I always presume everyone is about my age (35) and you really shouldn't be losing bone support then.

Rhiannon, I'm not quite 27 yet! My dentist once commented that my gums were receeding worse than a 70 year old man he had in before me. My teeth weren't great as a kid, not that I was allowed alot of rubbish or anything and I was taken to the dentist regularly just didn't have good teeth, had to have four molars removed as a child as they were yellow and crumbling when they came in, don't think good teeth run in my family, although my mum still has her own teeth and she is 62 now and her gums are terribly receeded, hoping it might just be a family characteristic!

PS My teeth look OK, quite straight etc, could be whiter mind you.

Jasper - sorry to plague you with queries...especially if your brian has deserted you..but can I use Corsodyl in pregnancy? my GP/pharmacist weren't sure and I had gingivitis during my last pregnancy so I have a bottle ready just in case.....

Bundle, plague away! Yes , corsodyl is safe.
Glitterbabe, sorry, it is impossible for me to predict the cost/time needed for fixed appliances as it will depend on the severity of your malocclusion, and whether you can get it done under the NHS. Ask your normal dentist (now there's an oxymoron) to refer you to an orthodontist and they will advise you.
Demented, do you smoke by any chance? Smoking is a KILLER for gum disease, particularly if you are already genetically prone.
Incidentally smoking hash regularly is a fast track to losing your teeth.

not fed up at all, ks, just don't want to bore anyone
The question are some people born with weak teeth is one which has vexed greater minds than mine and is actually a bit of a bone of contention. The party line when I was at dental school was there was no such thing as "weak" teeth and you would have to be severely malnourished for calcium defficiency to be any kind of an issue tooth wise.
By weak teeth presumeably you mean genetically more likely to decay. Well you can certainly inherit certain characteristics in your teeth such as deep fissures and the teeth being closer together which make them more decay prone. But environmental factors such as presence of fluoride and the type of oral bacteria you happen to have(as well as the obvious stuff about diet and oral hygiene) are more important.Of course people in families tend to have the same environmental influences so would tend to have similar experiences decay wise.

I loved the bit in Martin Amis' autobiography when he said something like:
"My mother's side of the family have good teeth and bad gums. My father's have bad teeth and good gums. I inherited my father's teeth and my mother's gums"

Yes, I wish he had given more details as to what he had done.
Re Weak teeth, I missed out the fact certain conditions (inc. Amelogenesis imperfecta and dentinogenesis imperfecta )of the teeth DO run in families and cause the teeth to be weak. But I presume you were not meaning actual diseases of teeth .