I’m scared the longer I wait the worst things will be

[honeybee91]

Every time I think I can finally make it to the dentist something happens and I can’t. I’ve been saving up for two years, because I know even with insurance I’ll have out of pocket costs. My fear is that the longer I wait the worse things will get.

My biggest issue that I can see are my swollen gums, mostly around my bottom teeth. I haven’t been to the dentist in 7 years now and I dread what they’ll tell me. I am afraid of being judged but mostly it has to do with money. I’m so embarrassed about how my teeth and gums look I never smile and I hate talking to strangers. My teeth are coffee stained and that’s another embarrassment. This has been affecting my mental health a lot lately, this constant anxiety over the costs and what I’ll be diagnosed with. Is there any advice someone can give on how to stop this anxiety spiral? I can’t even look at my teeth without wanting to cry lately.

 

[Enarete]

Hi there,

so sorry to read that money is such an issue, that sounds pretty draining, on top of the dental anxiety.. the two things you described: swollen gums and stained teeth sounds to be super fixable with a cleaning and good home care afterwards. It does not sound like something serious.
Have you found a practice you feel you could reach out? Sometimes it is good to take things one step at a time, so maybe it may help to get in touch and ask them what the cost of an exam would be? You could then take things from there.

All the best wishes