Dentist Confession

mrspopsicle · December 2013

This is bad ladies.

I hate going to the dentist. As a kid I had quite a few cavities and no matter how much they numbed me up, I always found it extremely painful.

Therefore, as an adult I've been really bad about going to the dentist. Honestly, the last time I remember going was when I was in nursing school. I've been a nurse for over five years so it was at least that long ago. Pathetic, I know. At least I brush and floss regularly?

Well today my tongue feels something sharp on one of my back teeth (that has a big old filling in it). I'm guessing my tooth cracked? It's not painful at all.

I know I need to make an appointment but I have major anxiety. First, I'm super embarrassed by my lack of dental care. Second, I don't like the idea of going while pregnant (sensitive, bleeding gums, plus potential need for X-rays). Finally, we are saving for my unpaid maternity leave and I'm freaking out about needing a crown or an expensive procedure right around the already expensive holidays! Gahhh.

Why didn't I take better care of my teeth?!?

CamrynnsMommy · December 2013

I'm totally the same way! I was just thinking about how I need to get in for a cleaning. I have two impacted wisdom teeth that need to come out, but I'm so nervous about going to the dentist.

Luckily, as a child/teen/early adult I saw the dentist regularly, but I haven't been in probably three years.

So are you going to go in?

DaisyTortilla · December 2013

FWIW I went to the dentist with DD and it wasn't bad at all. It didn't hurt, I did bleed a lot but not very much pain. Also, when they insisted on X-rays I stuck with my guns and they didn't do any. Hope your situation isn't so bad!

cbrust · December 2013

I'm in the same boat! I HATE the dentist. I went back in August for a teeth cleaning/check up and found that I had 2 cavities, 1 small and 1 that may require a crown. Never made a follow up appt and then KU in spet. in september and forgot all about it til now. I know I should go and atleast get the one taken care of, but I just really don't want to!!

mrspopsicle · December 2013

I'm going to call Monday. My dentist was going blind and retired (part of why I stopped going regularly to begin with). So first I need to find someone new to go to and then hope they can squeeze in a new patient. I'm sure December is a busy month with lots of people wanting to get in before the end of the year.

elizabe519 · December 2013

I had a good 5 year break from the dentist, went in for one cleaning and then waited another 3 years. I had a crown this past year and eveytime they took my blood pressure they were really concerned with how high it was, but it only seemed to go up because I was there. I hate the dentist too.

CamrynnsMommy · December 2013

mrspopsicle said:
I'm going to call Monday. My dentist was going blind and retired (part of why I stopped going regularly to begin with). So first I need to find someone new to go to and then hope they can squeeze in a new patient. I'm sure December is a busy month with lots of people wanting to get in before the end of the year.

Oh yikes! Yep, I'd definitely be finding a new one!

Hope they can fit you in and it's nothing major!

mrspopsicle · December 2013

@elizabe519 I think my blood pressure is high just thinking about it!

Katemr1146 · December 2013

Ugh I'm the worst about this too! I went about four years between appointments. Which is so bad because I know I have always had an enamel problem. Finally went this summer and had 7 cavities. Yuck! One had to get a crown. If I had let it go any longer it probably would have needed a root canal. So embarrassing.

I'd definitely make an appointment ASAP. It could get even worse if you wait any longer.

MunchkinMoon · December 2013

I cried all day yesterday on my way to the dentist. My older brother traumatized me when I was 4 saying the dentist took kid's teeth to put in baby rattles. So I always refused to open my mouth at the office and one time went as far as biting the dentist (needless to say, I still love my d-bag brother).

Now at 29, I still hate/despise/loathe/abhor the dentist. I had a cavity that fell and the tooth kept chipping last year because I had just started my phd and had no dental insurance. So, when DH finally got it, it was to the point that the dentist said we need to extract it (but I had to wait until the 2nd trimester to be safe). So yesterday I went it, got my tooth pulled (almost crying the whole way there, but I was a good girl during the whole ordeal) and was only given Tylenol and ice packs for the pain/swelling. Luckily, there wasn't much! Now when the baby is born, I'll have to go back and get an implant.

Long story short, I feel you, but the best thing to do is go. I kept reading (and it scared me enough to go) that dental issues might cause early births and preeclampsia. So, yeah.

Good luck!

PS: they always layered me up with 2/3 xray aprons to avoid anything, and you can use local anesthesia. I spoke with my doctor and the benefits of getting the work done outweighed the risks.

MunchkinMoon · December 2013

PPS: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/dentalwork.html

ykristos · December 2013

CamrynnsMommy said:

I'm totally the same way! I was just thinking about how I need to get in for a cleaning. I have two impacted wisdom teeth that need to come out, but I'm so nervous about going to the dentist. Luckily, as a child/teen/early adult I saw the dentist regularly, but I haven't been in probably three years. So are you going to go in?

I also have two impacted wisdom teeth :P My dentist says I can wait until after the baby is born, but I hate even going in for a cleaning. Blah.

mrspopsicle · December 2013

Thanks ladies. It helps to hear I'm not that only one how has neglected my teeth in the past! Good for all of you for going...I wish I had before there was a problem!

sammy.k · December 2013

Do you have dental insurance? If you do hopefully that will help with the expenses. I think it has a lot to do with your dentist, too. My dentist was super old school so when it was time to take DS to the dentist I switched to someone who was more "kid friendly" I absolutely LOVE my new dentist! I have no anxiety going anymore.

mrspopsicle · December 2013

I do have dental insurance so hopefully that helps. My old dentist was a great family friend and made me feel super comfortable. When he retired I went to a new one who I hated and felt super uncomfortable with. That's when I quit going! Hopefully I can find someone great that makes this all a little easier!

jjh471 · December 2013

Your not alone. I HATE going and I mean HATE. I have to schedule my apts on Saturdays because I get such bad anxiety about going that I will literally be sick all day. I had some really bad experiences when I was younger at the dentist (one when an old dentist of mine slipped and cut my gums and the entire roof of my mouth, I was about 6 or 7, need stitches and everything.) So I totally hear ya on your dentist fear.

My new dentist is very aware of my fears and gave me a prescription to take before hand if my anxiety is really bad. BUT he is SOOOO nice, that I haven't had to take it at all since going to him. Here's hoping you conquer your fear!

elizabethb3 · December 2013

I'm right there with you. I didn't have insurance for years, and didn't go to the dentist for way too long. When I finally got on my h's insurance and worked up the nerve to go the first time, I was scared to death. Like shaking and crying uncontrollably in the chair scared. DH had to sit next to me and let me squeeze his hand the whole time. I got a full assessment and of course, there was a lot to be done. I had two separate deep cleanings, one for each side of my mouth, which were awful. Then I had two cavities filled. The last thing to be done was a root canal and crown. It was scheduled but then I got KU and did not feel comfortable going through that in the first tri. Plus it wasn't really causing me any pain or issues. But now I'm in my 2nd tri AND it's starting to hurt, so I know I need to just do it. But I keep putting off making the appointment. My blood pressure sky rockets when I'm stressed like that, and I can't help but worry what that level of anxiety could do to the baby. Ugh!

tbiscuit18 · December 2013

You are definitely not alone. I HATE the dentist, but was planning on scheduling a cleaning after my MS ended. Instead, I woke up a couple of weeks ago with a terrible toothache. I have a tooth that is dying, as a result of the pregnancy. Now I need to have a root canal. I've been taking Tylenol 3 to help with the pain. I am terrified of getting it fixed.

Our dental insurance is terrible and will not cover any of the procedure, so I had to apply for financing through Care Credit since a root canal is not cheap. Of course this would only happen right before the holiday.

Good luck and I hope it doesn't cost a ridic amount!

dogsombrero · December 2013

I haven't had dental coverage for 7 years. I know I have a couple cavities now and that I need to go but I'm having such a hard time working up the nerve. Don't feel bad or ashamed lots of people hate the dentist. I'm afraid of all medical people and only get seen when the pain outweighs the fear. The exception is pregnancy where the fear of something bad happening to the baby scares me more than going in to the Dr. pus I love my Midwife she's very calming.

spinsoffresonance · December 2013

I didn't go to the dentist the entire time I was in college and maybe for a couple years after. However, You're really suppose to keep up with regular dental appointments during pregnancy. I just had my teeth cleaned. I was due for X-rays but we skipped them due to the pregnancy. They told me that if my gums start bleeding during the pregnancy to come in for extra cleanings.

jjh471 · December 2013

lica001 said:

I didn't go to the dentist the entire time I was in college and maybe for a couple years after. However, You're really suppose to keep up with regular dental appointments during pregnancy. I just had my teeth cleaned. I was due for X-rays but we skipped them due to the pregnancy. They told me that if my gums start bleeding during the pregnancy to come in for extra cleanings.

Mine told me this too, is that normal to have your gums start bleeding during pregnancy? I'm guessing they just get more sensitive?

Hrhodes78 · December 2013

Don't know if anyone has said this but there in a medical/dental financing company called Care Credit. It's similar to a credit card but you can only spend it on dental or medical fees. They have very low interest rates and 0% if you charge a certain amount. It was a reasonable option for me when I didn't have the cash.

lauralou3x3 · December 2013

I feel your pain. I had to have a route canal early in my pregnancy and had to have FOUR shots to numb me. I am very sensitive. I could be wrong but I don't think it's a cracked tooth. That's what I had and it was very painful and caused an infection so I had to have the route canal. Either way I wish you luck!

The trick is finding a great dentist! Mine even told me that if anything was messed up with my crown (he didn't want to do more X-rays than needed), that he would fix it for free after I delivered.

Cynthia6206 · December 2013

I went in for a cleaning and what I thought was a cracked filling but they think I may need a root canal I'm praying it's just the cavity needing to be refilled but they didn't want to do anything till I'm further along.... I'm not scared of the dentist but I'm worried about the effects on my baby if I do end up needing a root canal. I wish I could wait till bsby is born. It's not that painful but I also worry that if I don't fix it then it can get worse and still effect bsby. I feel screwed either way

kat8805 · December 2013

I don't have issues with dentists, but sure hate doctors. I've been to the same dentist ny entire life. She grew up with my mom, and has always been wonderful. She repaired my two front teeth when I broke them off in a roller balding accident, and then did the root canals when those teeth need them, and even extracted a bit of broken tooth from the roof of my mouth years after the accident. The dentist is totally a deciding factor though. I had crowns put on those teeth before our wedding, and since I wasn't at home, I trusted my fiance's (now DH) cousin-in-law and her father to do that work. She is a doll, but her father is a golf club, gentleman's man. I'm sure he's a huge hit with the older crowd, but he even went so far as to suggest doing a set of 4 crowns on all 4 front teeth for aesthetic reasons. I've dealt with having 2 bad teeth right up front over half my life, but there was no way I was going to give up 2 healthy teeth to "look better". I made that very clear, and have been very pleased with my two crowns, but I get how if that man had been my only dentist in life, I would seriously have an issue. It may be trial and error before you find a dentist that suits you, but it is so worth it.

Dental health is also the most important health issue in your body. Poor dental health can cause major issues within your other systems, so sooner is much better than later.

2014poppy · December 2013

I feel your pain but you will be saving yourself potential pain and money by going. If you tell your dentist that you are pregnant, he or she will take steps to ensure that the process is as safe as possible for baby. You may also want to deal with this before baby comes. Good luck!

lauralou3x3 · December 2013

Cynthia6206 said:
I went in for a cleaning and what I thought was a cracked filling but they think I may need a root canal I'm praying it's just the cavity needing to be refilled but they didn't want to do anything till I'm further along.... I'm not scared of the dentist but I'm worried about the effects on my baby if I do end up needing a root canal. I wish I could wait till bsby is born. It's not that painful but I also worry that if I don't fix it then it can get worse and still effect bsby. I feel screwed either way

I was scared too but my dentist and doctor both assured me that the risks of a route canal are lower than leaving the infected tooth (which will happen if you don't have a route canal). Infections in your teeth can go into your blood. Don't worry

kalette · December 2013

Ew ew ew I hate the dentist. Hate. Especially my current dentist office. I am switching when my next appointment is due.

asparagus95 · December 2013

Just go. It's SO important for your overall health. Did you know that the build up of plaque on your teeth can break off and get lodged in your arteries and cause heart attacks? Only a hygienist can do a proper cleaning for you. Your teeth need to last your whole life! Please don't be afraid, and think of it as a start to good dental health for your baby-to-be.

P.s. My mom works at a dental office and my aunt is a hygienist, can you tell? Ha ha

mrspopsicle · December 2013

asparagus95 said:
Did you know that the build up of plaque on your teeth can break off and get lodged in your arteries and cause heart attacks?

While there is a strong correlation between dental health and heart disease, that's not exactly how it works.

The plaque in your mouth does not "break off" and lodge in your coronaries. Rarely, bacteria from dental infections can release into your bloodstream, causing an infection (bacterial endocarditis) which forms a "plaque" on your heart valves. This is what can break off and cause a heart attack. This isn't the same kind of plaque from your teeth, nor is it the kind that builds up in atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries over time of fats and other substances that can clog them causing a heart attack or stroke).

Just clearing up a common misconception. Recent research shows the real correlation between poor dental health and poor heart health is mostly due to poor health in general. People who don't take care of the rest of their body are less likely to take care of their teeth. These people frequently have the common risk factors for both heart and dental disease - poor diet, smoking, obesity, high stress levels, etc.

Hopefully my "bad spell" of dental care is over and I can get back on track easily.

ETA: I'm an RN. I work with cardiologists.

CMDR513 · December 2013

I remember going when DS was 6 months. Don't remember any appts after that. I am scheduled to go on Tuesday. Oh how I can't wait.

Cynthia6206 · December 2013

lauralou3x3 said:

Cynthia6206 said:
I went in for a cleaning and what I thought was a cracked filling but they think I may need a root canal I'm praying it's just the cavity needing to be refilled but they didn't want to do anything till I'm further along.... I'm not scared of the dentist but I'm worried about the effects on my baby if I do end up needing a root canal. I wish I could wait till bsby is born. It's not that painful but I also worry that if I don't fix it then it can get worse and still effect bsby. I feel screwed either way
I was scared too but my dentist and doctor both assured me that the risks of a route canal are lower than leaving the infected tooth (which will happen if you don't have a route canal). Infections in your teeth can go into your blood. Don't worry

Thank you! Your right and yes I'm going to have it taken care of. My appoint is in 2 weeks...just want to get it over with lol

dollface777 · December 2013

I haven't been to the dentist since before I got married. (About 4 1/2 years ago) I hate them and they always have to give me gas so I can dream through it... but I should go because my insurance covers cleanings now. I don't know what I would do if/when they find a cavity. Tell them politely to ignore it.

BKD1386 · December 2013

I hear this all the time and I also hate having my teeth cleaned... but it's sooo important, especially during pregnancy (as long as it's past the 1st Tri)! For some women during pregnancy their gums may become more inflamed, puffy, and may bleed easier... and plaque and tartar accumulation just add to it! Brushing at least twice a day, flossing once (I know it's a pain!) and regular cleanings are the best thing for you and baby

Is it obvious that I'm a dental hygienist yet? LOL

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