Here goes nothing

[krison88]

I have joined this forum because (it's embarrassing to even type it) I'm 25 and have never been to the dentist. We didn't have dental coverage when I was young and oral health was not a priority in our household. Both of my parents have lost all of their teeth already, and I do not want to go down that same path.

My own mouth is in very bad shape, thought I thankfully haven't lost any of my teeth. They are very crooked and yellow. I have brown stains on my top front teeth from, I suppose, drinking too many carbonated drinks growing up. Many of my teeth have black cavities on them, especially the top ones. Some of my bottom teeth are also starting to decay.

I'm afraid of the whole experience of going to the dentist. The embarrassment of someone looking at my mouth, the judgement, the pain, everything. However, I'll be signing up for dental insurance in the fall. I know that something needs to be done and I'm tired of being embarrassed by my teeth. I talk to people face-to-face all day at my job, but nobody really knows how embarrassed I am every time I open my mouth.

I'm hoping to find a dentist sometime soon that I can go to and have an exam done so that I have a starting point. Our dental insurance isn't that bad, some I'm hoping that it will cover most of the extensive work I know I need done.

(Wow, that turned out a lot longer than I had expected.)

 

[__Steve__]

Hello! Welcome!

Honestly, if you'd have seen me 6 months ago, you'd be praising your impeccable oral care until now

No need to be ashamed/worried etc., I'm sure whoever your new dentist is: they'll be awesome.

(they don't really 'do' judgemental anymore, by the way).

Cheers,
Steve

 

[krison88]

Thanks for your encouragement

I'm trying to work up the nerve to make an appointment, but it's slow going. I'd like to have at least had a first appointment before I sign up for dental coverage this fall. Hopefully it will ease my anxiety to have a clear plan of what I need to get done.

 

[angel123]

After putting it off, and off and off what worked for me re making an appt was pencilling in a time and date I WAS going to make the appt (with treat for self afterwards) and then I picked up the phone and did it - just like that -

you will definitely feel better when you've taken the first step

Good luck with doing it as and when you are ready

YOU CAN DO IT