JohnnyAppleSeed
Junior member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2021
- Messages
- 9
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
My name is Johnny and I have a deep dentist phobia. The last time I went to the dentist was 8 years ago in 2013. Before that I hadn't been to the dentist in probably 4-5 years. When I was a kid I often preferred to scrape the food and "gunk" off my teeth with my nails instead of actually brushing. Regardless of my poor habits the dentist would always tell me I had great teeth. Besides a few cavities I had straight teeth with no major issues.
When I was 18/19 I noticed that my bottom front teeth started growing a gap. I also noticed visible plaque/tartar but I ignored it. This started affecting my confidence. I started trying to hide my teeth whenever I spoke. This caused me to mumble because I wouldn't enunciate.
I finally decided to visit the dentist in 2013. The staff was super friendly and ended up cleaning my teeth and removing the tartar. They told me I had possible periodontal disease and gum disease and scheduled a future appointment to continue treatment. I was ecstatic that my teeth looked visibly better! I was able to talk freely and smile more often. I was so happy that I decided to ignore my future appointment and settle with my "fixed" teeth.
Fast forward 8 years later and now my gap is much larger and I have twice the tartar build up as before. My self confidence is down the drain now and I feel terrible! I am now so afraid that the damage is beyond repair and I am embarrassed to have anyone look at my teeth. Every time I look in the mirror I notice the huge gap and yellow tartar on my teeth. I go through phases where I brush intensely, floss, use mouthwash, and try to care for my teeth. Then I have other days when I don't brush my teeth for a few days or until I have some where to go. I am so depressed!
Today I saw a picture of my friend and his pearly whites and I began to feel so ashamed of where I let myself go. I want to feel confident again. This pushed me to request an appointment at my local dentist office. I might regret this later but I am nervously waiting for the call to confirm my date and time. I just hope I don't hit the ignore button and avoid the dentist for another 8 years.
I decided to start this journal to share my new journey and hopefully success story!
Any words of encourage and support are highly appreciated! Thank you!
When I was 18/19 I noticed that my bottom front teeth started growing a gap. I also noticed visible plaque/tartar but I ignored it. This started affecting my confidence. I started trying to hide my teeth whenever I spoke. This caused me to mumble because I wouldn't enunciate.
I finally decided to visit the dentist in 2013. The staff was super friendly and ended up cleaning my teeth and removing the tartar. They told me I had possible periodontal disease and gum disease and scheduled a future appointment to continue treatment. I was ecstatic that my teeth looked visibly better! I was able to talk freely and smile more often. I was so happy that I decided to ignore my future appointment and settle with my "fixed" teeth.
Fast forward 8 years later and now my gap is much larger and I have twice the tartar build up as before. My self confidence is down the drain now and I feel terrible! I am now so afraid that the damage is beyond repair and I am embarrassed to have anyone look at my teeth. Every time I look in the mirror I notice the huge gap and yellow tartar on my teeth. I go through phases where I brush intensely, floss, use mouthwash, and try to care for my teeth. Then I have other days when I don't brush my teeth for a few days or until I have some where to go. I am so depressed!
Today I saw a picture of my friend and his pearly whites and I began to feel so ashamed of where I let myself go. I want to feel confident again. This pushed me to request an appointment at my local dentist office. I might regret this later but I am nervously waiting for the call to confirm my date and time. I just hope I don't hit the ignore button and avoid the dentist for another 8 years.
I decided to start this journal to share my new journey and hopefully success story!
Any words of encourage and support are highly appreciated! Thank you!