A
AnneInCali
Junior member
- Joined
- May 20, 2020
- Messages
- 6
- Location
- California
I have extreme dental fear that I have hidden from everyone, my husband included. As I kid I was routinely subjected to dental and orthodontic appointments, I had braces twice, I even had concrete glued on retainers to open my jaw. Needless to say I had so much work done in my mouth from 6 years old to 18 that I developed A LOT of anxiety. I am 31 now and haven’t been to the dentist since I was 23. I know I have cavities and I’m pretty sure I have TMJ- my jaw has slid back (again) I have had head gear 4 times!! I’ve even had dental tools dropped down my throat and I’ve choked-Basically I’ve always had issues with my jaw, bite and teeth - my parents spent a fortune on them! The fear of anything around my mouth has only gotten worse (wearing a mask gives me panic attacks and even kissing my husband too long makes me panic- I feel like I can’t breathe!).
I finally mustered up the courage to call my dentist and I go in on Thursday. I’m so scared I’m going to need all my teeth removed and need dentures! I wake up in panic attacks that all my teeth are going to fall out. I have visible exterior cavities on my gum line on a few teeth and I’m so scared I’m going to be toothless!!
I’ve also suffered with anorexia on and off since I was 12, the coronavirus lock down (needing to work full time from home and teach 2 kids) has only made both my eating disorder and my anxiety worse- I’ve been grinding my teeth at night and clenching my jaw. I know my vitamin D & calcium intake are not what they should be.
I just don’t want lose all my teeth! I’m so embarrassed!! Any help or reassurance would be greatly appreciated.
I finally mustered up the courage to call my dentist and I go in on Thursday. I’m so scared I’m going to need all my teeth removed and need dentures! I wake up in panic attacks that all my teeth are going to fall out. I have visible exterior cavities on my gum line on a few teeth and I’m so scared I’m going to be toothless!!
I’ve also suffered with anorexia on and off since I was 12, the coronavirus lock down (needing to work full time from home and teach 2 kids) has only made both my eating disorder and my anxiety worse- I’ve been grinding my teeth at night and clenching my jaw. I know my vitamin D & calcium intake are not what they should be.
I just don’t want lose all my teeth! I’m so embarrassed!! Any help or reassurance would be greatly appreciated.