Never been to a hygienist and scared

[DogBagKite]

I hate the dentist. I have terrible teeth, both genetically and from not looking after them enough when younger and eating far too much of the wrong foods. I have turned things round in the last 6 years or so, I changed my diet and lost weight and now maintain a healthy diet and weight. I have been going to the dentist for a few years now for 6 monthly check ups. I have invested in an electric toothbrush and started to use interdental brushes and floss. I know I can't undo the damage done, but I can preserve what I can now with good habits. I want to book a hygienist app but I'm very nervous and scared. My teeth are terrible and brittle and I'm worried they will get damaged by the procedure as they are so weak. I am worried I will cry and sob and not be able to hold my fear or emotion in. I know this isn't rational, and I am doing the damage myself by not going. Can anyone reassure me please? What happens at the appointment? I had a horrible experience at the dentist many years ago and struggle with medical appointments generally. Any hand holds would be very welcome!

I am in and out in 20 min I would say. They look over all your teeth then give them a clean and tell you any clean tips you may need. All pain free.

You can be sure that they will have seen many different problems, especially as so many people fear them and that there will be no judgement. You could call and say you are very nervous and the dentist may prescribe you diazepam to take on the day of appointment to help ease your nerves - you’ll need someone to drive you there/back though. Honestly it’s one of those things that once you’ve done it you’ll feel so much better, be brave! Best of luck

I was at the hygienist a couple of days ago. He first had a look round my mouth and a look at the x-rays I’d just had done at my initial dentist appointment. Then we had a quick chat about my tooth cleaning routine, what toothbrush and toothpaste I use. (I have terrible teeth due to weak teeth and also a very bad dentist in my teens who wrecked some of them, the hygienist was totally non-judgmental). Then he went round my gums poking them with a pointed tool to check my gum health, slightly uncomfortable at times. Then he used a water pick round everything as a first stage clean. Finally he did some plaque and tartar removal with something akin to a drill. This was a bit uncomfortable. That was it. Not a particularly pleasant experience but not horrible at all.

I should say I hadn’t been to the hygienist since before lockdown, so there was some catching up to do.

They remove plaque/ tartar build up and give your teeth a clean. If you have sensitive teeth or gums it can be a little uncomfortable, but not painful. I have sensitive teeth, and my hygenist is aware of this and uses tools/ methods that limit any discomfort. They usually also say that if you want them to stop/ take a break you can put your hand up and they will.

There are some dentists/ hygenists that specialise in nervous patients. Or you can at least let them know at the beginning of the appointment that you are nervous. They will have seen this before!

Tell them how you are feeling, the hygiene appointments are almost more important than dental. A tool called Airflow is good, if you can find a practice that is equipped with it.

Yes, Airflow is really good, doesn't hurt (at worst just a bit uncomfortable) and very effective at getting stains off teeth.

I too have genetically "bad" teeth prone to breaking easily plus I clench badly (wear a night guard) My teeth are extremely sensitive especially to anything cold, I also have some gum shrinkage around the 4 big crowns exposing some of the underlying tooth, which doesn't help. I managed last hygiene appointment far better than expected (usually a nervous wreck) and I think the Airflow method help a lot with that.

Do choose a dentist with an interest in phobic patients and tell them when you book how nervous you are and how long since you last saw a dentist..

I go every three months. They have a look around, mine does some dye thing to show you any plaque so you know if you are missing any bits, then does a clean with some water device, then if there’s anything still to do, finish off with a drill type thing. Mildly uncomfortable, but no pain. I have terrible gums and they measure them to keep an eye on gum disease.

Go, honestly. Your teeth will feel super clean (way more than a scale and polish from the dentist) and they’ll give you good advice on what you need to be doing for your gum health.

I used to be terrified of the dentist, and for many years didn’t go, but you’re doing the right thing now, that’s all that matters.

Thank you all so so much. You've made me feel quite emotional with your kindness, this is all helping so much. I do need to be brave don't I. I want to do it for myself but also to set a good example to my DD. That's really useful to know about Airflow. I'm nervous about telling them I'm nervous, as verbalising it opens the floodgates but telling them in advance is a good idea. Thank you xx

You may find that the hygienist gives each tooth a gum score at your initial appointment - it can be a bit off putting when they say it to the assistant to record it but don't worry.

I have to go every 3 months as I have terrible teeth as I struggle to hold a tooth brush - I have found a hygienist who isn't judgemental so my advice is if you don't like the hygienist you see then try another one - there are nice ones out there !

I'm a recovered dental-phobe and my hygienist of nearly 20 years has been key to me keeping up with appointments and not letting it slide again. She is amazing, and so kind. Yes, some of it is uncomfortable and, yes, some of it hurts, but it's fleeting and I'm so used to her routine that I don't stress about it. Go, and keep going, your teeth will feel amazing afterwards!