Plaque building up again

[PinkRiceKrispies]

I already have ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis and am on methotrexate for the RA.
Ever since I got diagnosed with chronic illness, I have suddenly developed a plaque issue that wasn't there before.
In 2021 it got awful because of lockdowns etc. I saw the hygienist at the dentist but found it painful and also quite traumatic. I told my dentist this and he agreed to do cleanings every 4 months but did make me cry when I left as I felt he was very harsh in his language 'very bad ' (describing the plaque) as well as 'Should have come in sooner.' I have been going back and forth and sometimes he will say there is an improvement but other times not. I dread the visits as I leave feeling ashamed.
This time he hasn't done the cleaning for 8 months as the other appointments were taken up doing a crown procedure (The difference in his attitude towards me was something else, I actually had a great experience). Because of that though I have noticed the plaque building up again on the left side on three particular teeth. I am really frustrated by this as thought I was doing a good job. They are also bleeding sometimes when I brush which I know is an awful sign. I was sure I was getting it all as well.
Feel like a failure and worried I'm going to start crying when I see him because I'm at the end of my rope with this now. As a dentist would you just take me off your books and say there is nothing you can do for me ? To be fair it is centred on just the bottom lower half of my mouth on the left and not all over so it doesn't show that I'm just not bothering.

 

[Gordon]

As a dentist would you just take me off your books and say there is nothing you can do for me ?

No, I'd want to motivate you and work on your brushing so this doesn't carry on. Otherwise it's my failure as much as yours and I really, really don't like failing at anything. (My kids are the same, board games in my house are "fun" )

Meantime, here's some ideas for you:
Practice brushing in front of a mirror with some decent lighting so you can see what you're doing, use your "free" hand to move your lips and cheeks out of the way so you can see better and get better access, buy an Oral B toothbrush, preferably electric and take extra time brushing this problem area. For extra brownie points, buy some disclosing tablets to check where you're missing plaque when you're cleaning.
I've got a few crowded areas that are harder to clean, so I use a single tufted brush like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Interspace...=1760972783&sprefix=single+tuf,aps,152&sr=8-6

 

[PinkRiceKrispies]

Thank you. I will definitely buy that brush and look in the mirror when brushing this problem area. I think I am not angling my hand deep enough down to get at it all. Mainly because of the limitations I have with movement in that hand at times.
I am so upset over this but also anxious as to what his reaction will be. I worry he will say it's not acceptable and say there is nothing more he can do for me. As well, sometimes I think he wants my whole mouth plaque free which just isn't do able let alone for someone with my health issues. He doesn't understand RA at all which doesn't help. I often feel very defensive and guarded in my appointments with him.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Not a dentist, but I'm so sorry the harshness you have experienced and lack of empathy from him. It's really hard and people don't know how hard words can cut , especially for us anxious patients who it takes so long to even just get up the courage. Is there anyway to find someone a little more gentle and compassionate in nature near you?

 

[PinkRiceKrispies]

I am in the UK so NHS dentists are hard to find.
I just wish he would see me as a person with feelings and challenges, not just 'The one with bad plaque '.
I am already nervous about my next appointment with him and that isn't right.

 

[letsconnect]

@PinkRiceKrispies I wonder if you could try explaining to him how the rheumatoid arthritis is affecting your ability to brush/clean between teeth? I'd imagine it can be a nightmare, having had an arm injury myself recently and being unable to reach my mouth with my right hand... it's beyond awkward. Maybe he can recommend some products which would make cleaning easier for you.

 

[PinkRiceKrispies]

He just says use an electric toothbrush , small brushes and floss.
Sometimes it hurts just to put the toothpaste on the brush and angle it to where I need. The plaque is on the bottom left, right near the gum line and always accumulates in the same place, but he just gets angry. Says its really bad and keeps going on about tools as though they will solve all my problems.