Options for neglected teeth

[DoormatBob]

I have neglected my teeth for most of my adult life (I'm now 46) not brushing regularly enough, high sugar and alcohol.

I've had 4 teeth removed, 3 in the past 2 years due to cavity/decay. Now I'm getting toothache again.

Is there any way to recover this short of having teeth removed and replaced with false ones?

Does high-fluoride prescription toothpaste work?

I don't have a dentist but will try to get a private one. I have some budget available to address this, into the few hundreds maybe, I can't currently fund thousands for full replacement.

What works is changing your lifestyle and that is easier said than done.

If you eat or drink anything sugary more than three times a day (even a sip or something small) even if you brush your teeth afterwards you will get decay.

Alcohol not only can be high in sugar but also has other health consequences eg raises your chances or oral cancer etc.

Even if you have high fluoride toothpaste it cannot overcome the damage from bad oral health choices.

The cheapest and healthiest thing you can do is change your diet and cleaning habits because without doing that you are throwing money down the drain as any dentistry will fail.

As to what can be done , no one knows without seeing you. But seeing a dentist is not a one off , fix everything at once , job. Find a dentist you like and trust , follow their advice and accept damage that has taken years to happen will not be fixed overnight.

Don't worry OP. I neglected my teeth in the past but maybe not to the same degree . It's not too late to take care of them now

Get a good electric toothbrush. Brush thoroughly twice a day. Mouthwash and floss everyday. Flossing is v. Important.

Then see a dentist asap

Hygienist, get any fillings you need done.
Invisalign if teeth are wonky.
Whiten and composite bond veneers.

All your natural teeth will be underneath.
Got my full set done. Was about 9k but will be cheaper without Invisalign. These are my teeth. Best thing I've EVER done.

My teeth didn't look bad but we're utterly destroyed by lots of chemo. They were weak, no enamel, quite yellow. (I'm only in my 20s so very insecure about them.)

I have amazing teeth now. No drilling or filing away.