How do I tell my parents my teeth are loose?

[queensara33]

I'm 15. I have always had poor dental hygiene as well as other hygiene problems since I was little - I have sensory issues that make things like brushing my teeth very unpleasant and hard to accomplish. So I would brush sporadically. I also have trouble wearing my retainer- though my teeth surprisingly always revert back even if I forgo it for months, once I start again( trying to get better). It's painful, but doable.
. The only thing is. I am 100% certain I have gingivitis and have for years, but no one ever noticed it. I don't know if it's because my dentist and orthodontist just weren't looking or what, but I'm the only one who is aware.
Furthermore, yesterday... A couple of my teeth started to feel loose. From reading other's accounts I know if it's dealt with now it's not 100% guaranteed I will lose them all.
Yet.
I'm absolutely, positively terrified of both my orthodontist and regular dentist. Both make me feel so horrible when my teeth are in bad shape. I get super extreme anxiety attacks for weeks before. Now that I actually have toothpaste I like after 15 years of suffering, brushing is a lot easier. But I still have trouble with toothbrushes as the soft bristles always harden super quickly, and I can't tolerate electric toothbrushes very well. This has affected my brushing for forever. More often than not, I'm scolded and lectured and I was even yelled at once to the point I was in tears! I hate going. My parents see how scared I am, but still force me to go back. Usually they add in scoldings of their own. I also know they will be furious with me if I tell them. Even more so because my brushing has been horrible this month because of the aforementioned toothbrush problem. But I need to tell them. I need help.

I also have a small round hole in my gum neither doctor noticed in past appointments and I have kept to myself for fear how they, and my parents,would react.

I'm so afraid. I'm almost 16. I can't lose my teeth yet! My parents... The doctors....

Please give advice. I'm desperate. Thank you.

 

[PaperBlott]

The first most obvious thing to say here is - get a new dentist. I felt like you at your age and have been treated like that and now I'm facing a massive repair job. No dentist should make you feel like that and ignoring obvious problems with your teeth is really ringing alarm bells for me.

Please, please tell your parents how the dentist is making you feel and get a new one before worrying about any work that needs to be done.

 

[carrotcake]

Yea... get a new dentist and go in for a check.

Things might turn out less serious than you think it might be.
For all you know, the loose teeth might a result of not wearing your retainer as instructed (nightly I assume?), and when you decide to wear them, they are tight because it is trying to shift your teeth back into place. The bone surrounding your teeth will become soft in order for this to take place, hence resulting in the loose teeth.

In the meanwhile, maintain a good oral hygiene regimen, and wear your retainers.
Hopefully you'd be able to see a new dentist soon.