Help me put some guardrails around my anxiety

[yawaworhtlta]

I'm in my mid 30's and have my first dental appointment in about 8 years coming up soon. I was fine up until the minute I scheduled the appointment. My head keeps running through all these worst case scenarios on repeat. I currently don't have any acute pain or pressing symptoms. I feel like my gum line has receded a good bit (especially the lower teeth), but I never paid close attention to my gum line until about a week ago. I didn't even know what periodontal disease was until a few days ago.

Can someone please help me put some guardrails around my anxiety? What is the likelihood my mouth is poor shape if I'm experiencing no pain or obvious symptoms today? Are my fears of gum disease unfounded?

 

[Georgedent]

It's good that you made an appointment with the dentist. Only a dentist can check and assess the condition of your oral cavity.Fears are almost always exaggerated, so just try not to think about your teeth and the visit. I often get worked up about teeth and nothing good comes out of it other than worrying in advance.