I haven't brushed my teeth in four years?

Question

Before anyone criticizes me - and I know it's no excuse, all I can do from here is be better - I went through a long period of depression, while also suffering from bulimia and hyperthyroidism in my late teens. I'm 21 and I'm not a dirty person, it's just really hard to find the motivation to do essential tasks when your mind isn't in the right place.

Anyway, like I said, I'm 21 now and I just recently got my own health insurance and am planning to go to the dentist for the first time since I was seventeen. I'm scared and worried that they'll tell me something like I need dentures or my teeth are rotting out of my head. Any advice or comforting words would be nice. My teeth are a little yellow and the last time I went they told me I needed a root canal that I never went back for, but otherwise they seem strong. 😞

Answer

I'm a dental hygienist and it is very dangerous for your overall health to neglect your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth can spread to your organs and cause some serious long term health problems. The longer you wait to go to the dentist the worse it will become. You will be fine! Just bite the bullet and go.

Answer

You sound like a person who went through a rough patch early in life and made some poor decisions. What matters is that you're trying to correct your lifestyle now. Ignore the insensitive comments and go to the dentist. I know it's intimidation but You won't know until you do.

Answer

I thought I wrote this a year ago, I'm 22 now. I too have a fear of dentist & procrastinated. Please go it will work out I promise I rather you have dentures than a heart attack. The plaque is related to the same plaque in the arteries that cause heart problems. I've always have had awful oral hygiene even when I brush regularly now. It's going to suck to start off but it will get better. Speaking off which I dreadfully have to make another appt because I have a cavity. 😩 it's better to go now before it gets worse. I hope you have a pleasant experience & minimal pain. It may not even be as bad as you are imagining it. You can do it, make an appt! ☺️

Answer

I'm a paramedic... And I cannot tell you how many times I've seen an infected tooth in the ER. Not only is it gross, but terribly bad for your health! An infected tooth can lead to pericarditis (an infection in the lining of your heart) and actually cause death. You should really take your dental hygiene seriously... It could cost you a pretty smile or even your life!

Answer

My uncle got staph infection and eventually a blood infection that caused them to take part of his arm, just from a rotten tooth. Go to the dentist. My friend has the same issues from being homeless basically her whole childhood. She was losing a bunch of teeth in her mid twenties. Just get it done. You'll feel much better!

Answer

It won't be that bad! If your teeth were rotting you would be in pain. A root canal and even cavities is not such a huge deal. Just be honest with your dentist. You probably just have a big buildup of tartar which is easy to clean. But don't put off dental work if it's necessary! The tooth that needs a root canal will eventually start to hurt badly if you don't take care of it and you may end up losing the tooth.

Answer

There's no way you're being honest.

Answer

You haven't cleaned your teeth in 4 years and you think you're not a dirty person?

If you're depressed then it's really bad. You need to see someone. Take medications if you have to so you can function properly.

Answer

Good luck! The dentist is scary after not going for so long but you will be fine. If you're really anxious, you can always ask for the laughing gas ;)

Answer

Well there are people who oil pull and haven't brushed their teeth in a while. You should look up oil pulling!

I haven't brushed my teeth in four years?

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