I didn't go to the Dentist for 8-9 years through fear and lack of education

[starshadow193]

so here is my success story. I'm sitting here writing this just after having a cleaning at the dentist.. here's my story..

I'm 23 years old, from a very poor background, dental appointments were kept up until I hit 14, and did the childhood thing of not wanting to go. My parents allowed this to happen, they are great parents, I just wish they'd of made me. When I got to 16 I had to pay for dental treatment, I noticed no problems so didn't bother. When I got to 19 I noticed a little bleeding, but I couldn't afford to go to the dentist.

My dad eventually suffered from a bad health problem to the point where I was helping to support my parents so dental treatment was low on my list. I noticed plaque and tartar build up in some parts of my mouth but was left in a position where I couldn't do anything.

Then, at 23 I decided to prioritise my dental treatment. I found a lovely dentist who realised my fear as I was shaking (probably due to not going in 8-9 years). She talked me through why we need to do this and that and recommended I go back for a deep clean.

During the deep clean today, I can say it was quite uncomfortable. She said if it gets too bad she will provide me pain relief, but it never got to the point of that. There was a bit of bleeding, and my gums were sore after (this has gone thanks to pain relief).. and tbh, even though my gums are looking a bit red at the moment, I notice the difference already. She said my teeth are great and recommended flossing/brushing twice a day/ mouthwash.

I've come off very lightly, anything I found out about mouth/gums I researched on the internet, my school or anyone else never really taught it me.

Just face your fear guys, I lurked on this website for months before I first got up the courage to go. In my head I just thought it will get worse, and I need to do it. I registered an account to thank all the people that contribute on these boards. I never signed up before or posted but it was so helpful to read through people's stories.

My experience has taught me to keep going to the dentist for check ups.

 

[carole]

Re: I didn't go to the Dentist for 8-9 years through fear and lack of education

Hi welcome and thank you for telling us how you got on at the dentist, keep up to your appointments in the future. I am glad you have found a nice dentist to go to.

Well done

 

[misti]

Re: I didn't go to the Dentist for 8-9 years through fear and lack of education

glad you made it. i delayed going, due to tight finances and FEAR, and finally got many things done this past month. there is more to go, but i am sitting it out. too expensive to continue. like you, i came to this forum to gather courage. i only found this forum recently and read it for a day or two and went for my appointment(s).

 

[starshadow193]

Re: I didn't go to the Dentist for 8-9 years through fear and lack of education

Thanks Carole and Misti.


I had to post, I'd used this website for a few months and even without registering an account and posting it still gave me the courage.

Misti you're on the way at least, well done.

 

[misti]

Re: I didn't go to the Dentist for 8-9 years through fear and lack of education

hi starshadow,
it's amazing how supportive everyone is here. now we don't need to sit in fear and bug every other non phobic friend/relative who wouldn't quite understand our f̶e̶a̶r̶s̶ concerns, lol.
cheers to you too. let's work towards better teeth!