Health Anxiety about Teeth

[Anxiety_is_who_I_am]

Hi, I've always had anxiety but in the last 2 years have also developed health anxiety and am constantly worried I have something wrong. Today though has been exceptionally horrible with concern that my teeth will fall out. Now i do need some fillings and some redness in my gums due to illness during pregnancy but if i try to wobble my teeth with my finger, I can't see any movement in my teeth. However, anytime I move my mouth it feels like the tooth is about to fall out. I think the sensation when I move my mouth is more anxiety than an actual movement of a loose tooth. I've been trying really hard all day to stop focusing on it but I can't. I have a dentist appointment next week but until then how does anyone recommend moving past this worry? I don't even want to eat or drink due to this worry.

[Athenry]

Do you grind your teeth perhaps?
I’ve just had six fillings myself, I struggle with the drill but the dentist lets me put my earphones in and listen to music which helps so much.

[Doberman38]

Hey there!

Ah, probably one the most common nightmares!

As a fellow sufferer, one of the most frustrating things about health anxiety is how it magnifies any slightly odd sensation to 'something must be wrong.'

If your teeth really were about to fall out there'd probably be some really obvious signs, much more than a vague sensation and red gums.

It's good you've got a dental appointment, it's very unlikely it will deteriorate rapidly in that time.

In the meantime, try to think of these intrusive thoughts as...well...thoughts, instead of fact. Just acknowledge them but don't give them legitimacy, and let them fade away. It's not easy but once you give it a go it could really help.

All the best of luck! 🙂

[Petal22]

Hi Anxiety is who I am,

Welcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are feeling this way.

I understand health anxiety I also suffered with this my health anxiety began to move beyond my health and turned to other intrusive thoughts I was diagnosed with OCD.

Ive now recovered thanks to the professional help I received.

I highly recommend you see your gp and let them know how you are feeling and how anxiety is affecting your life.

You could do a mental health plan together this will enable you to see a psychologist.

You can learn alot of strategies that can help you to manage your anxiety.

When you have these intrusive thoughts instead of putting your attention on the thought re direct your attention onto something in the present moment.

Meditation is also very helpful it just takes practice.

[Anxiety_is_who_I_am]

Thank you so much everyone. It’s my first time using the forum and whilst I’m still having anxious feelings about my teeth, your advice has definitely helped.

[jaz28]

Hi there,

First - breathe. You are okay.

You will find answers at your appointment next week - but until then - breathe.

jaz xx

[Anxiety_is_who_I_am]

My appointment is tomorrow morning and I'm trying really hard to stay calm until then but its really hard going right now. Feels the worst it has been since I noticed it. I think part of it is worry that the dentist will give me my worst case scenario diagnosis. Hoping some meditation will help me sleep. Any advice for the actual appointment?

[Beeee]

Hello Anxiety is who I am,

Meditation sounds like a great idea. For me, when I'm trying to distract myself, putting on some music or my favourite TV show can be really helpful.

For the actual appointment, perhaps tell your dentist how you're feeling and they may guide you through the process and give you the answers you're looking for.

When it comes to your worst case scenario, challenge it or find solutions. For example, if the worst thing that can happen is that your teeth fall out, you can get false teeth fitted.

Hope you get some sleep tonight and all is well tomorrow.

Beeee

[Doberman38]

Hi Anxiety is Who I am.

I'm sorry you're still feeling really stressed out. It's normal to feel that just before your appointment, worrying about the outcome. Just take some deep breaths and think how good it is that it'll be getting looked at tommorow rather than later 🙂

I concur with Beeee, even if it is your worst case scenario it is very treatable and can be reversed. 🙂

All the very best

[Anxiety_is_who_I_am]

Well you were all right. It wasn't actually as bad as I assumed and it wasn't even close to worst case scenario. Thank you all for your help and support. Really helped me get through until my appointment without losing my mind. So grateful for all the advice 🙂