Ashamed and scared.

[Jimbod42]

Hello, not sure if the best way forward for me. After years of alcohol misuse (2 years dry now) , and grinding my teeth while asleep. My teeth are in very bad condition, I honestly cannot remember when I saw a dentist last, over 20 years ago. After working on the mental health issues I had and getting my alcohol addiction under control, I have been wanting to do something about my oral hygiene but am so scared of finding a dentist, It’s a mix of both fear of the treatment, and also as I’m so ashamed of being judged due to the fact I have neglected my teeth and know this is self inflicted. I’ve been constantly taking painkillers for the last few months due to toothache and have had a few abscesses (I believe they were anyway) which I just left untreated as I was so scared to get hold of the emergency dentist, this also effects my sleep as when I’m grinding my teeth it causes pain which wakes me up, even with gum shield in place which I purchased from a pharmacist.
I really would like to know if I did get to a dentist, whether I’d maybe be able to chat with them over the phone first to maybe make it a bit easier and explain the situation I find myself in, I don’t know if this is possible. Also whether it would be best to wait for a NHS practice or to a private one.
Apologies if posting on wrong forum I just don’t know what’s best.

 

[letsconnect]

Hi Jimbod42 and

great to hear that you'd like to do something for your oral health - any dentist will see that as a good thing! Embarrassment is very very common among people whose teeth are in a bad way after not seeing a dentist for a long time - so much so that the most popular page on this website is the one about embarrassment:

Embarrassed? What dentists really think

Do you avoid the dentist because you're too embarrassed about the state of your teeth and what a dentist might say or think? You're not alone!

www.dentalfearcentral.org

Hopefully you'll find some of the dentists' comments on that page helpful.

Having a chat with the dentist beforehand, either on the phone or by email (whichever you find easiest), is a great idea. If you can afford it, going private will open up more options:

How to find a dentist for nervous patients

Discover how to find a dentist who is good with nervous, scared or phobic patients - and who to avoid!

www.dentalfearcentral.org

If this is not financially viable, you could also see if you can get a referral to the Community Dental Service in your area (but this can be a bit of a postcode lottery, especially with regard to waiting times).

P.S.: you posted on the right forum ! Thanks for joining!

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi,

It is very much possible and not uncommon to talk with a dentist before any treatment takes place.
Please feel free to explore my videos which are about feelings of embarrassment and self-blaming.

Hope it helps.

 

[Jimbod42]

Thanks for replies. Just finally asking about it seemed to make it easier, have a GP appointment this week so am going to ask there to.

 

[letsconnect]

Best of luck with your GP appointment and let us know how it goes

(BTW, I'll move this into the Support section if that's ok because I suppose it's not a dental question)

 

[Jimbod42]

Thank you!