Black thing between my teeth and now gap

[BritinForever]

Can someone give me some advice?
I'm 20 years old and I have a terrible dental phobia and because of it I haven't been to the dentist in 5 years but now it seems like I'd need to. But I don't want to.

Basically between a few of my teeth (top teeth and bottom but on the bottom it's worse and on the top it seems like it's just forming) in the gap between there seems to be a black thing which I didn't notice before. It looks like dirt stuck there and according to my mum it started to lessen a bit when I was brushing really hard earlier but isn't going away. I had leg surgery three weeks ago and since then I haven't been able to see my teeth whilst brushing because I can't stand so I do it whilst sitting on a sofa so I don't know if that's true or whether she was lying about it lessening to make me feel better. My mum says the black thing is because I don't brush between my teeth properly and is dirt and will go away with regular thorough brushing. But she also brought to my attention that my bottom teeths gap seems to widening a bit. I've been reading things online and they all seem so scary

What is the cause of this? Is it a cavity? And how can I stop it? Will the black thing go away if I spend more time brushing and get a better brush that fits inside those spaces?

I can't go to dentist yet because I'm scared of going to the dentists. Like if I'd have to then maybe I'd try to in a month or two if I can get the courage to make an assessment appointment but would that be too late? So I just need to know that does it seem like my teeth are in real danger and I'd need to act soon otherwise I'd lose my teeth. And what should I do? And what is the cause of this? And what treatment would the dentist do? Because I'm so terrified of going to the dentist and wouldn't be able to take something big. I haven't been in 5 years for a reason and when I did go it was only because I had an infection and was in pain and had no choice.

I'm so scared guys. I'm scared that I'll lose my teeth but I'm scared to see a dentist too. Please help me and tell me what you think it is and what could help and what treatment I'd need. I feel like I need to know everything before I can even muster up the courage of thinking of going. I'm thinking of leaving it for now unless it's bad but I'm scared what if that'd be leaving it too late and I'd regret it. Please advice me.

 

[carole]

Hi sorry I didn't see this sooner. I don't know what the black is, it might be a bit of decay. Until you could go and see a dentist you won't really know.

You could maybe get a hand mirror to hold when you brush your teeth so that you can see. You could start flossing if you don't already as this will get rid of food between the teeth where the brush can't get. You could use mouthwash at midday as this will help protect your teeth.

It could be that a clean by the dentist will be all you need or it could be that you may need a small filling. I know it is hard when you are afraid but in the long run regular visits mean less work and smaller jobs needed.

Things have changed in the last 5 years and with the right dentist you can overcome your fear. If you find a dentist that you can build up a trusting relationship with you will find visits become much easier.

I don't think anything drastic will happen in a couple of months but the sooner you could manage to see a dentist would be better in the long run.

Take your time and when you feel able to cope than make an appointment and go and meet your dentist for an assessment which will make it easier to deal with once you know what treatments you might need. A lot of people think they are going to need loads doing but often there isn't much needed to get them orally healthy.

Try not to worry keep brushing and flossing and I hope your leg gets better soon

 

[worriedworrier]

Sounds like either some tooth decay or you have something wedged between your teeth. Try with floss and see if you can move it; if not get a dentist appointment and hopefully they can just suck it off at the hygienist and it won't be anything big.

 

[BritinForever]

Hi sorry I didn't see this sooner. I don't know what the black is, it might be a bit of decay. Until you could go and see a dentist you won't really know.

You could maybe get a hand mirror to hold when you brush your teeth so that you can see. You could start flossing if you don't already as this will get rid of food between the teeth where the brush can't get. You could use mouthwash at midday as this will help protect your teeth.

It could be that a clean by the dentist will be all you need or it could be that you may need a small filling. I know it is hard when you are afraid but in the long run regular visits mean less work and smaller jobs needed.

Things have changed in the last 5 years and with the right dentist you can overcome your fear. If you find a dentist that you can build up a trusting relationship with you will find visits become much easier.

I don't think anything drastic will happen in a couple of months but the sooner you could manage to see a dentist would be better in the long run.

Take your time and when you feel able to cope than make an appointment and go and meet your dentist for an assessment which will make it easier to deal with once you know what treatments you might need. A lot of people think they are going to need loads doing but often there isn't much needed to get them orally healthy.

Try not to worry keep brushing and flossing and I hope your leg gets better soon

Thanks. That's really helpful and has calmed me down a bit. Do you think decay could cause widening of the teeth too? Like I think I'll need braces on those teeth now. Do you think the tooth might start to fall out since its moving from its place.

That's really good advice about finding a dentist that I trust. The thing was that I was scared that if I had to go straight away then I wouldn't have time for that and would probably lose it and start crying while I'm in the dentist chair. I'm still scared but this is making me feel a bit better. I'm still scared about going to the dentist but I'll have to eventually suck it up and go.

 

[BritinForever]

Sounds like either some tooth decay or you have something wedged between your teeth. Try with floss and see if you can move it; if not get a dentist appointment and hopefully they can just suck it off at the hygienist and it won't be anything big.

I've tried flossing and brushing and it won't budge. It seems to go down a but it's still there. Would the dentist suck it off meaning clean it or would I need a filling? Or the tooth taken out do you think? And you think the widening of the gap between the teeth is down to decay too?

Do you think I need to go urgently or can I wait a bit?

 

[carole]

Hi I would make an appointment as soon as you feel able because that way if the first dentist you see is one that you feel you could build up a trust with and work with then you are on your way to sorting out your problem. If you don't feel happy with the dentist then you can try another and another until you feel comfortable with the one you choose.

They will examine and chart your teeth usually on the first appointment they can just look with a mirror if you don't like the probe. They also like to take an x ray if you feel you can manage that too. Once they have a complete pic of the teeth roots and all, they can advise you on what treatment you need and how best to get it done. They will start slowly in order for you to get to know them and trust them. Then as they move on to anything else that might need doing you won't feel as nervous.

If a dentist listens to you and you feel they understand and treat you in a compassionate manner then BINGO you have found your dentist and things will be fine and you will get the treatment you need.

I am sorry I can't tell you what the gap is or how it could be treated but if you could find the courage to contact a dentist it would be a start on the road to oral health.

All the best to you