Teeth and depression

I was in a similar position. I never looked after my teeth even as a child, my parents never encouraged it which I know now was dental neglect, I’d never do that to my daughter. I suffered massive regret/sadness from how I appeared. I hated smiling, I believe its why I hardly ever ‘laugh’ to be honest. However, after going to a private dentist, they weren’t as bad as I thought they were overall. I believed I would have to have most my teeth removed, it wasn’t the case. I got dental bonding for my front teeth and had a few fillings privately nearly two years ago, it does cost a bit I think around £600 or more (cant remember exact cost) and I had a payment plan to pay in short burst for it. I truly do understand how you feel and my confidence improved loads after I had it done xo

@Becky you have made me feel a lot better thank you so much 🩷 I have made the first step and have an appointment at a private dentist. It is only for a consultation but I am hoping to get some work done. £600 sounds quite decent considering the prices that I am seeing online 😞😞 Were you having tooth breaking off at the back? I feel like i definitely have gum disease as my gums bleed often.

As in behind the teeth. My front bottom teeth are almost breaking off. A chunk came off the other day from the back of my front teeth (bottoms ones) but just from the back. Not visible from front @Becky

Yeah, I had a lot of fillings in the past that needed to be changed as well but I had bits of tooth come off previously as well! I know when I was trying to sort it out for myself I thought worse case scenario would need all my teeth removed ect but it wasn’t the case🤞🏻 I have had gum diseases on/off for years. I used to be a smoker which probably didn’t help so my gums would bleed. I floss once a day before bed, brush twice a day for two minutes and mouth wash twice a day with antibacterial mouthwash which helped my gum disease xx

@Becky you have given me hope but i still feel as though they wont be able to fix them 😞 i genuinely cant help but feel depressed. I know it will be costly and i dont know if i can afford it. Looking at my teeth, they are all there and some feel wobbly. Some are literally holding on by a string of my gums .. i also used to smoke and still vape which isnt great. I stopped smoking cigarettes but still do vape. I drink a lot of tea too 😔 i am willing to stop it all if they tell me that they can help even!

I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this - good on you for taking the first step! My father in law had really bad teeth (many falling out, broken, rotten) after years of smoking and neglect. He finally went to a dentist this year as he was going to his son’s wedding. He had most of his teeth removed I believe and then had full dentures put in. He was also given the option of implants but he opted for dentures. His teeth look great now, although it took him a little while before he could eat hard foods again. Modern medicine is amazing and I’m sure you’ll have lots of good options. Good luck with it

@Tess thank you so much! 🩷🩷 are dentures the ones that are removable? As i dont want to be having to remove my teeth before bed etc. i want something permanent in there. I feel happy and better knowing other peoples experiences, but i just cant help but feel like they can’t do anything for me😞

I honestly know exactly how you feel. I used to just pray that they’d magically look great and that I’d look after them ect. Its really the most soul destroying feeling. I wish I knew you to hug you. Hopefully with consultation, you’ll be able to come with a plan and length of time that suits you xx