Teeth!!

[TheStorySoFar]

Hi, just wondering if anyone's got advice/opinions on a few issues I'm having with my teeth. I started Crest Whitestrips (5mins one) got 4 days done before I lost a filling (actually, more like half a tooth!!). Had it filled, but the bloody thing fell out within hours. I've also been referred for wisdom tooth extraction as a result of that appointment & now am scared of going back to the strips in case I do damage to anything that's currently exposed. I hate my teeth, am crapping myself as dentist told me to give up sugar completely as I'll be in major diffs if I don't. My teeth are heavily filled, I grind them (and regularly break fillings), and I drink black tea, red wine & love sweeties. So whilst they look ok at the front (quite straight, not too yellow/discoloured), they're pretty weak & dentist says he can see problems at the neck of lots of them along the gum line. My 4th baby is 7MO, so maybe Calcium's an issue too?
Would like to whiten safely if there is such a thing & I'm seriously thinking about taking out some insurance as I'm fearing I'll be spending £££££ at the dentist's in the future anyway.
Any advice much appreciated….

Also; want to try to prevent further damage so if anyone has advice re mouthwash/flossing etc that'd be good. And my LO. I avoided mouthwash due to cancer risks, but are there some which are safer for me & them..(the older ones are 9 & 7).

How often do you floss and brush your teeth.
The fact to drink and eat everything you shouldn't if you want white teeth means that you will probably just have to live with it.

That sounded like I was preaching there about what you should and shouldn't eat and drink.
Not at all - do as I say and NOT as I do.
I do lots of things I shouldn't but I'm very lucky with my teeth.
Although I'm an ex dental nurse and bit obssesive with my teeth.
Brush them at least 3 times a day.

Do you use an electric toothbrush?

Mouthguard for grinding - ask yr dentist. Xylitol as sugar replacement.

If you want to look after your teeth then stop eating sweets. No brainer, really.
Do have have regular trips to the hygienist?

Also, stop using OTC whitening strips. I paid a tidy sum to have mine whitened at the dentists using home trays, and the reason for the cost is 2 consultations- before and after. The 'before' is to check that your teeth and gums can stand the bleaching process. The 'after' is to check for damage and give advice on how often to do the process.

Your teeth sound exactly like mine. Half of them are filled & one root canal / crown. They look okay, no braces needed, colour could be brighter. My dentist told me to use an electric toothbrush & floss daily. I is original Listerine. My gums are receding & my teeth are very sensitive. No abrasive toothpaste or treatments. My dental hygienist's advice is no more sweets. My mother is sugar-free. She did it 20 years ago to save her teeth. It was well worth it. Looks like I'll have to do the same...

Thk you all..I brush twice a day & floss once. I did have an electric toothbrush but didn't feel like it was flexible enough to get right at all my teeth. I've brushed the enamel tight off in some spots & my gums aren't the best either. My teeth are v sensitive too & I use Sensodyne a lot for this. Maybe I should get an electric toothbrush again: obvious what I'm currently doing isn't enough
Having analysed my diet, my sugar intake isn't actually too bad on a daily basis. No juices or fizzy drinks/more veg than fruit/no yoghurts/no sugar added to anything. But I do like biscuits & sweeties & I graze a lot during the day...