A
absoterified
Junior member
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2010
- Messages
- 3
Hi Ihave lurked on these boards for a while now as I am dental phobic and was looking for some information and help as I knew I needed treatment. The stress caused me nightmares and the obvious teeth and oral pain which was getting me down as it was affecting my general health too. I was also upset at losing my smile as I did have beautiful white teeth but I had neglected them since my last pregnancy when they became a problem I was scared to go to the dentist. In fac t I had not seen a dentist in 30 years. Anyway I visited four dental receptionists and did not like the feel of the places, I became sick and dizzy and just could not go through with booking an appointment just ringing a number resulted in panic. ONe day I woke up in awful more throbbing pain, and reluctantly rang another dentist which appeared to cope with anxiety and they were so helpful and empathic and said I could visit straight away. I was treated with respect and empathy. the bottom line is I have been allowed to have treatment at my pace in small doses. I did not know that I had serious gum disease and a couple of problems with my teeth too. I honestly did not know what was wrong with me only that I was in pain. Had I not got help when I went I would have lost my teeth, I have learnt that it is better to get help now than leave it too late. Basically I was scared of everything I thought I was going to faint on my first appt, I felt hot sick dizzy, my hearing goes all fuzzy and feared the worst, I could not even sit in the chair, I cried, became like a frightened toddler but my dentist and their staff were so helpful. Basically if anyone is reading this because of being scared of going please please go through with going as you have to b ecause your teeth could be affecting your health without you knowing and the longer you leave it, the more treatment you will eventually need. Gum disease affects your body. Ihave started my treatment and its so good to not have pain and tthe awful tastes in my mouth and also my teeth look so clean now i am no longer ashamed. I can smile. Because I was so shamed I couldn't even open my mouth to show a dentist insided my mouth as they were so disgusting. Please please book you appt today and go through with it. I take my husband so he can advocate for me and also hold my hand and talk my anxiety down for me. Its not easy but little steps do desensitise you even if its just sitting in the chair and then having a mirror in you mouth and then slowly being able to lie back in a chair etc if it s at a pace you can manage you can get there. I want to also add that my dentist is NHS and they are brilliant, I have not felt pain and my teeth & gums are improving. The drills are not as noisy as the old style dentists used to use either. I can not believe I can write this as I was in such a dark place before having awful nightmares and in constant pain. Please pleas read this and take care of yourselves before the slow but definite problems of serious gum disease take hold. Only a dentist can help you and you need to build trust in them asap
Please seek help
Please seek help
. It's very encouraging to hear that you did find a caring NHS dentist who was willing to take the time and make that extra effort to help you 
. It shows that it does pay to "shop around" and have a look at different practices first!
!!!
. My mouth used to bleed in my sleep even. My pillow would have blood on it every morning, I did not know what the diognosis was and was petrified, I was scared of learning the truth let alone face the treatment. I am still in shock to find that I have serious gum disease, How the hell did this happen? and I have to work hard with my dentist to halt it now. but even after the first treatment sessions, my teeth look better and the pain in my mouth is soooo gone. I think i got to the point of being so scared of being seriously ill from infections in my mouth and could not ignore it because of the pain. I could kick myself for not going years ago though but I cant change that now only learn by it and share it so maybe some one else can share in my learning, if this makes sense. 
