topic Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety in Anxiety

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

CMF — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 21:34:28 GMT

I went to the dentist last November after not having been for many, many, many years. I have straight, white teeth so thought I didn't need to go however notices tartar build up and a slightly wobbly front tooth so the panic made me go.

I had x rays & full check up. I was told that my teeth are actually quite good, good colour and I have no bone loss however have gum recession from over brushing and a build up of plaque under the gums. I had a clean done and was to go back after a few weeks for another clean which I did not as xmas approached a things got a bit busy. I went back for another apt as a tooth was bothering me and saw a different dentist as my apt got mixed up. i told him my gum recession freaks me out, he assured me by changing how im brushing and by flossing it can be controlled and he has seen 10 times worse, not to worry. I felt he was very thorough in his explanations and decided to see him again when a tooth was bothering me. Upon examination he told I have gum disease which the first one didn't tell me. I was shocked. I had the choice of going to a periodontist who can perform a procedure to clean under the gums (this freaked me out) or have 3 monthly cleans a the dentist surgery to try and improve. if no improvement or it gets worse I will need a periodontist. i opted for he 3 monthly appts. I had the 1st clean a month ago. the hygienist was very happy he was able o get right under the gums and told me he could see no tooth movement and flossing has probably stabalised it. I told him of my anxiety over losing teeth, he told me I would not lose any in this lifetime! Last week my son had 4 wisdom teeth out, this caused some anxiety in me and my front top gums started to sting. I thought I flossed too hard. there is no redness, bleeding or swelling,they look fine. it is one area and I'm freaking out, thinking it is bacteria/plaque eating away at my teeth. it does stop sometimes ie when I eat or chew gum. out for dinner last night I had a panic that I wold need the periodontist procedure even though the dentist was happy a month ago. after having dinner it eased up and i relaxed as i spoke about it. I know someone who had painful stinging lips for months due to stress. I'm thinking of going back to dentist this week but don't want unnecessary things done. all this is giving me anxiety and panic. Its making me sick. I'm scared to go back and I'm scared to do nothing.

cmf

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

Paul — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 22:22:25 GMT

Hey cmf

Dentists and teeth can be a bit of a worry sometimes, but it sounds like yours are awesome, both teeth and dentists. being told you won't lose any teeth this lifetime is such a relief. It's pretty natural to worry about something as important as our dental health, actually it's pretty normal to worry about many things otherwise we wouldn't be very resilient as human beings.

With anxiety it can amplify the worry we would normally have and can produce things like the feeling you had when your son had his wisdom teeth out.

So I'm just thinking about the health of your teeth and wondering what the worst things that could happen would be.

At the same time I wonder what the best thing is that could happen.

That led me to think about the most likely thing that could happen.

What are your thoughts cmf?

Paul

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

pipsy — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 22:43:04 GMT

Hi C.M.F. My understanding is: you are an exceptional mum who 'feels' the pain when her kids are in pain. You empathize so much you wanted to remove your sons pain and take it. It's like a phantom pregnancy where you want so desperately to have a child, you actually experience a pregnancy. With you, you are trying so hard to shield your children, (a fabulous quality), I might add, you 'took' the pain and your mind made your gums react. I'm not saying it's in your mind. Far from it, I'm saying you empathize and this causes pain. I congratulate you for being such a caring, loving mum. Mind power can cause all sorts of things to manifest when our loved ones are hurting. It's fabulous to meet someone who loves her kids so much. If you are in doubt, by all means re-visit your dentist. I'm sure though that if everything has been 'passed' before, there is absolutely no reason to believe different now.

Lynda

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

CMF — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 23:21:15 GMT

Hi Paul and Pipsy,

Thx for you quick responses.

Paul, the worst that could happen is that could happen is that I need to go to a periodontist for what i see as a yucky procedure and if not successful I could lose teeth down the track and need scary surgery for implants. All expensive stuff.

The best thing is it could be due to my anxiety and will pass when my son goes back to school this week. I think seeing him at home keeps me anxious. or I could go see the hygenist and explain and ask to do another clean.

I don't know what the most likely thing is as I cant decide what to do.

Lynda

Wow, what a different perspective and thank you for your kind words. I don't think I'm a great mum but i feel everything so much for them. I really felt for him having 4 wisdoms out. I was scared for him, it was general anaesthetic as the teeth were still in the gums. I hope what you suggest is correct. yes I could go back this week. when I'm anxious the thought of going back freaks me out, when it subsides the thought of going back is ok nd I hope he will just laugh a me. I'm quite comfortable with having a laugh at myself with them.

my next clean is in August. I cant lose my teeth in 3 months, its slow progressing.i just picture plaque and bacteria eating away under my gums, i think the stinging is my gums receeding but the hygenist was happy he got right under. was there some he didn't get? he was thoroughwith the ultrasonic tool. I was there and hour and a half.

I have a great imagination.

sometimes I think I should just have them all pulled and get false ones haha. I have an awfu lhabit now of always looking at peoples teeth when I talk to them which makes me feel worse and of course I think 'why me'. I feel ripped off as over brushing caused this, plus not going to the dentist as I was scared and didn't see the need if nothing bothered me. if I had gone regularly over the years I could have prevented this.

cmf

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

Lost_Girl — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 00:10:16 GMT

Hi cmf,

I had a look around the web to see if I could find anything to help. There are a lot of articles about dental anxiety and fears but not a lot about treatment other than how to calm people to get them to the dentist which you can already do so that's a great start!

The best idea I saw was to have a mantra of sorts. I know from speaking to you elsewhere that you are constantly checking your teeth. I am wondering if putting a little sign on your mirror might help remind you. An idea on what it might say;

I trust my dentist
Overbrushing will make it worse
As long as I brush and floss morning and night I am ok
My teeth will not fall out in this lifetime
Breathe and walk away

My thoughts are this may help change the habit of checking. Perhaps you can think of some activity to do instead so each time you read the mantra you then go "time for xyz activity" which will serve as a distraction.

Kind thoughts,

Carol

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

CMF — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 00:49:10 GMT

Hi Carol,

thanks for looking in the internet, I also do this constantly when my anxiety is high. I'm scared what is going to happen to me. Will I end up toothless or will I be all teeth and no gums. am I going to need invasive treatments? I look at other people's teeth, some are discoloured, some look black around the gums I know someone whose teeth look green between the gums, she is a smoker too. I think this stinging is bringing it all on. others laugh at me and say my teeth are fine..i don't want to smile anymore, so paranoid. part of my anxiety is what happens if I do need something, who will look after my kids. I cant just go to the dentist tomorrow. I need to arrange the little one to be looked after, make sure I'm here for afterschool pickup etc so this makes it more of a drama for me.

cmf

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

Dwwmills — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 01:35:44 GMT

Hi Can’t move forward.

From what I’ve read it sounds like your anxiety is the real problem rather than the condition of your teeth. Your dentist and hygienist tell you that your teeth are fine but your anxiety is telling you that this is not the case. It is your anxiety rather than your teeth that you need to focus on. I’m speaking from experience here as I have suffered anxiety on and off for 40 years. When my anxiety was up I would always be focusing on one thing or another as a major problem. Once you fix the particular problem another one pops up. It wasn’t until I got my anxiety under control that all these other worries went away. Otherwise it’s just an endless procession of worry after worry.

On a practical note about brushing your teeth my dentist suggested buying and automatic toothbrush to me a couple years ago. It’s a wonderful piece of equipment. The one I bought vibrates back and forward as usual but also pulses as well. This makes it very easy and effortless to clean your teeth and does a better job for me than by hand. The upsides are that it actually times how long you brush your teeth so that you don’t over brush. It also has a pressure sensor on it which lights up if you put too much pressure on the tooth brush. It takes the guesswork out of it.

Good luck

Dean

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

pipsy — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 02:06:45 GMT

Hi C.M.F. I'm sure your hygienist was able to clean everything. Dentists as with Dr's are usually extremely thorough. A dentist will usually make sure you are fairly pain free when you leave his rooms. I do understand your anxiety, it is drummed into us from an early age how cleaning teeth is vital for long lasting health. From what you say, I gather the dentist was pleased with the overall appearance and look of your teeth. I have dentures and deeply regret them. The trouble I had adjusting to wearing them, learning how to eat, talk. If I had my time, I would have looked after my teeth as you have. It doesn't sound as though there is a need to worry, your anxiety over your son seems to have surfaced other fears. Perhaps a trip to a counsellor might help alleviate some of your fears an anxieties. Talk to your dentist again, may be talk to your Dr about your anxieties.

Lynda

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

CMF — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 05:09:52 GMT

Thank you Dean and Lynda,

I have a beautiful 12 year old daughter who tells me I have beautiful teeth nice and straight!

Yes I agree with the anxiety being the issue.

Years ago I had red, bleeding sore gums and someone told me to rub alcohol on the to kill anything. not just any alcohol, a clear spirit such as vodka. He bought me some and I used it and it all cleared up. I didn't go to the dentist, which I unfortunate as I did have tartar build which should have been cleaned. At my recent dentist visit I told him I try to do everything right and mentioned the alcohol. he was shocked, said yes it will kill bacteria bit is really bad for gums. this person told me again today to use the proper alcohol and I will be fine. he looked it up and read it to me saying it will be absorbed by the gums, kill bacteria and you then rinse it out. in my panic this morning I tried a little and after some time the irritation subsided. I have now gone a few hours feeling much more comfortable. I have read that alcohol can dry out and shrink your gums but his argument is that they alcohol has been used for years to kill germs, he did stress not just any old alcohol and to just do it a day or two! He does alot of research re natural remedies and health etc. He doesn't take medicines ot tablets or anything, does everything naturally.

so my dilemma is who to listen to. HE claims dentists will never suggest alcohol as they don't know I can work, plus its a business they want people to keep going back and sell you products.

I'm thinking of trying the alcohol a day or so but am a little worried of harming my gums. Of course I don't want them to shrink anymore. I'm between a rock and a hard place. This particular irritation occurred after I flossed, I never used to floss before but the fear has been put into me now.

cmf

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

CMF — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 07:44:31 GMT

Ok so after a good day my anxiety is back and gums stinging. Am I going to go in circles again with this. I really don't want to go back to the dentist as I'm scared they will o things I don't need as HE said to me and the I don't want him to start going on again about just rubbing the alcohol,

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

Doolhof — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 08:04:44 GMT

Hi CMF,

Reading through these posts, I am wondering if in the past you have been to a counsellor of some kind to chat about how you are feeling regarding your teeth and anxiety.

I'm also wondering if you were told your teeth were perfect, or if you had your teeth pulled and had false teeth, if your anxiety would then move on to a different part of your body?

Our minds are very powerful instruments, they can make us believe some incredible things at times. Have you tried some of the suggestions Lost Girl made to you?

Maybe chatting about all of this with your Dr/counsellor/psychologist could help you.

By the sounds of it, I would love to have your teeth! Due to Mum being ill when pregnant with me and also my own ill health when I was younger, all of my adult teeth needed fillings almost as soon as they came through as the enamel had not former properly.

I spent thousands of dollars on coatings, caps and crowns for teeth that were literally falling apart and full of craters on all surfaces.

I was the first one at our school to need braces as well. Due to falling over a lot as a kid, one of my adult front teeth stuck straight out instead of down. The nerve in that tooth was so badly damaged that it died and I had a black tooth. Not the best look to have as a teenager. Ha. Ha.

So my advise is to have a chat with your Dr. and to smile.

Hope your anxiety becomes more manageable. From Mrs. Dools

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

pipsy — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 08:08:28 GMT

hi C.M.F. My advise, your dentist knows best. It's like the Dr, he's the professional, he understands medication, side effects, dosage etc. The dentist is the same category. He's the professional, he knows what alcohol to use, how much, how often. People often download info, which gives a general overview about teeth, health etc. You say you don't wish to return to the dentist, if you don't and you use too much alcohol, you could do irreparable damage, which could ultimately cost you more in the long run. Use too little, again, damage.

Lynda

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

Pink_elephant — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 08:55:43 GMT

Hi there. I also freak out about dentists. I recently had to have one of my front teeth extracted and a plate. I was petrified. I had an infection and had to take 4 lots of antibiotics! You know, there are fantastic kind dentists out there, and, if you let them know you are anxious they understand. really they do! love and light

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

Lost_Girl — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 11:25:19 GMT

Hi cmf,

A dental degree is 5 years of full time study as well as continued learning throughout the career. I'd be putting my bet on the professional.

With my pain issues my MIL kept recommending a chiropractor (not medically trained) over a physiotherapist. I spoke to my spine surgeon and he said a chiro will give you temporary relief that may last a little while but it will not actually fix anything. This is what I think of in your situation too. You may get temporary relief but it will not fix it long term and could do more harm than good.

You are correct that a dentist is a paid business offering a service just like anyone else however they are never lacking for work so I highly doubt they are trying to mislead you. To test this theory I typed "alcohol rub direct gums" into the internet and the first few articles said that alcohol contributes to receeding gums, alcohol can cause gum disease and alcohol can lead to oral cancer and that's just drinking it let alone purposefully rubbing it on your gums.

The real problem with the internet is that you can pretty much find something to support any side of an arguement. For this reason I stick with the professionals.

I would also strongly suggest reducing what you tell "him". From what you have said in the forums he is a very negative influence who is causing you to doubt yourself, reduces your self-esteem and is actively adding to your anxiety. As hard as it is, it would be great if you could look to another trusted friend to confide in.

Kind thoughts,

Carol

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

blondguy — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:03:16 GMT

Hey cmf

There is stack of great advice above which I will absorb as a sufferer of severe dental anxiety. I need the same advice too. I just logged on a couple of hours ago and just saw your topic cmf.

I have relatively good dental health but my AD's have dried my mouth now and again which opens the door to gum recession which I have and like you I dont want.

I was also super anxious about the state of my teeth and the prospect of losing any teeth too. I had a chat to an angel of a dentist a couple of years ago and she said to me "Paul, you are justifying your gum recession to me because of your AD's.....you have no need to justify your dental health to me as I would rather live a productive life with AD's than the alternative"

My dentist meant that my ability to work and function in my day to day life outweighs where my gum line is.

My dentist is in her early 40'....super kind....a great listener.....and has more common sense than I do cmf..

I could post away here for hours about how to cope with severe dental anxiety..If you wish I can elaborate tomorrow...Just been looking after my elderly mum and my brain is swiss cheese right now.....

Great post by the way cmf 🙂

Paulx

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

Guest_5218 — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 14:12:36 GMT

Hi CMF, some very good advice above, which I hope will offer something to you that will help. But like another reply above, I dont think you have a problem with dentists. Certainly you dont sound as though you have a fear of dental work. What you do appear to have is health anxiety. Specifically related to your teeth right now. If you were finally convinced that your teeth were fine, then you may well switch your concerns to some other perceived issue. Here are a few tips for you about helping to overcome health anxiety:

1. Recognition - recognise that you have a tendency to over react and jump to conclusions.

2. Accept - accept that you do overreact and jump to conclusions and that at this time it is just how you are. With some work and time you can curb these thought processes and catch yourself before you start.

3. Rationalize - health anxiety may make you get a twinge in your chest- agh my teeth are going to fall out! This is an example of 'catastrophising'. As a direct result, you are going to have anxiety appearing as the body cannot tell the difference between imagined fear or real fear. It's only once our thoughts catch up and start to rationalize and control them that we can tell the difference.

4. Distract - Distract yourself completely away from the topic of teeth altogether and go and get deeply involved in something else. This would have been a problem for you lately due to your son having his wisdom teeth out, and thus a constant reminder for you.

5. Educate yourself - Internet surfing has increased health anxiety many fold, as people google in one or two symptoms and are subsequently horrified and then panicked at what comes out. If you are naturally a very inquisitive person and like to get to the bottom of things, you should try to educate yourself well and not just in short bursts courtesy of Websites. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.

I recall reading somewhere that you have previously been to a psychologist, but found them to be of no benefit to you. Do you think it would be worth trying again? Perhaps this time you will get one that you feel more comfortable with who can help you. CBT therapy I believe can be quite effective for health anxiety. Another option is to try Mindfulness or meditation which you may find beneficial during times of high anxiety.

I hope something I have posted here may be of some help to you CMF, as I know you are really suffering right now. And I want to help.

Sherie xx

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

CMF — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 01:23:33 GMT

Thanks Paul and Sherie,

Paul, thanks for telling me about your situation. I would love to hear more about how you coped when you have time. Your mum is your priority now.

Sherie, yes I agree with you re health anxiety. I found a good article re this and I am keen toread up a bit more. My health anxiety ectends to my kids too. My little miss ha heart surgery hrn she was newborn, everytime she has a cough or cold or anything hat kids pick up I panic, thunbking she will end up in icu again. My son's wisdom teeth hasn't helped. I was anxious for him re pain etc and seing him in pain makes me sared fo the pain I will go through if I need some dental work done.

I didnt get much sleep last night. Woke during the night with anxiety I'm exhausted now and anxious about being anxious.

Thanks all for your support.

cmf

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

CMF — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 20:42:42 GMT

so ive read aloe vera gel is good for gums. I bought some from a health food store and asked if it was to put on my gums. the guy said yes. looking t the ingredients now it is full of added things so it is nit pure aloe vera even though it says organic. now I'm scared ive done more damage by using it. I woke up anxious and I'm pretty sure this is the reason why as I'm worried about this gel now that I have been putting on my gums the last few days. ive used ir every now and then over the last few moths, not every day and not all over and it does soothe but all these chemicals now. what have I done now???

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

pipsy — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 21:12:23 GMT

Hi cmf. Might pay to see your dentist for some advise there. I used to buy Bonjela, wow, did it 'bite'. Painful. Try using Kenalog, put a small amount (no more than 6mm), on the affected area, preferably at bedtime. Don't rub in. Only other alternative, as I said, dentist.

Lynda.

Terrified of losing teeth and extreme dental anxiety

blondguy — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 21:27:50 GMT

Morning cmf, Carol and Lynda might give me a smack with this but it just worked for me. Listerine with a light brush does destroy more bacteria than anything....as it contains alcohol I rinse well then brush afterwards with synsodyne which takes away the sensitive and painful gums that I used to have. Then rinse again.

I have 'stable' gum recession but reduce my bacteria levels big time by doing so. (and have the best breath in Victoria)

When my anxiety was severe I used to pay an extra $70-00 for an IV sedation (not a general anesthetic)..I felt like I was in the chair for 30 seconds not an excruciating 30 minutes....ahhhhhhhh:-) Paulx