help

[preciouscargo]

Hello, I’m a 23f and haven’t been to the dentist in 6 years. I have severe tartar build up but I’m also so scared theres also tooth decay or an infection. They don’t hurt or feel sensitive, but my breath and floss smell so bad constantly. I hate how my teeth look and it’s just embarrassing how bad I’ve let it get. I feel so uncomfortable smiling around people and even kissing my boyfriend because I know my breath smells so bad, and I barely let my boyfriend even see my bottom teeth because he doesn’t know just how gross they are. I know I just need to go in and see a professional, but I just get severe fear and anxiety about it. And the possibility of not being able to afford the proper care they’ll need if insurance doesn’t cover it holds me back from making appointments.

 

[Stewart]

Take things one step at a time, the first thing would be getting teeth cleaning which is a pretty easy process that is easily doable to handle.

I would say as well that peoples imaginations run wild and what youre stressing over is most likely just a figment of your imagination. If your teeth dont feel sensitive or hurt, I think its highly unlikely youve got decays everywhere and abcesses.

And once your teeth are cleaned they will look a lot better which will boost your confidence.

 

[Enarete]

Hi peciouscargo ,

well done on starting contemplating seeing a dentist. In my experience, that's the first part of the process, so you are already making progress
When it comes to anxiety, it may be good to take a look at practices in your area and see whether there is one who claims to be happy to see nervous patients. It can also be reassuring to email them beforehand with your worries and concerns and see how accomodating they are.
Cost is a huge one and I see how this is holding you back. Having an estimation of what needs to be done may help you to know which priorities to set. You can then do the treatment in little chunks that are affordable or do what is urgent and wait with the rest. Or take the quote and leave it there.
What do you think?

All the best wishes