Mamas with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders

Dentist

I have my first dentist appointment today in quite a few years. My teeth are in such bad condition due to my mental health and I’m panicking so much but my son will be with me so I’m scared of the anxiety rubbing off on him.

My teeth are so bad due to my bad mental health so I’m so scared as to what they will say/do. I haven’t had a panic attack for so long but I can’t calm down

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Hey, i’ve been there too. I didn’t brush my teeth for years when i was a teen due to depression and not leaving my bed. I have panic attacks and cry every time I cross the door of a dentists office. I’m not sure how old your son is to give advice? My overall thoughts would be to allow yourslwd to feel these emotions and i would call privately in advance and explain your anxiety and fears and see if the receptionist can give a note to the dentist or something x

Teeth were definitely my worry when I was younger, but you're making a great step in even making the appointment!

All I'll say is, I'm sure they've seen worse teeth and it's literally their job to help and fix them, so even though you're anxious, you're making a great choice for yourself x

Thank you for sharing this. I should’ve told them on the phone when they called about the appointment that I was really anxious about it but I could already feel myself getting upset. I’m so private about how bad my teeth are and try to hide it as much as possible because I’m so embarrassed. My son is 3 so hasn’t picked up on me having bad teeth yet and it’s his first ever visit so I don’t want to scare him.

My gums are receeding and I have a massive tartar build up so I’m terrified. Thank you for your response x

thank you for the reassurance! It’s just the fear of allowing someone to see how bad I’ve let them get and the fear of judgement (I know they’re not supposed to judge). Also the fear of not knowing what treatment I will need/needing to have teeth removed. I just hate feeling embarrassed when speaking and trying to hide my mouth 😭

I went and the dentist gasped and said “you have gum” when I opened my mouth. She was quite judgemental but actually didn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all. She just told me to see a hygienist and make an appointment for January

aww, that sucks that she was like that, doesn’t sound kind at all. At least you weren’t uncomfortable x

If the dentist was like that I would definitely ask for another dentist next time you visit and tell them you felt she was quite judgemental. Regardless of the state your teeth are in she should not make you feel bad for them, you’re getting treatment now and that’s all that matters! Well done for going now though xx

Hey :) I hadn’t seen a dentists since 2006 when I went in to get my teeth looked at. Same issue (I have ADHD, brushing my teeth is hard sensory wise) and they were SUPER kind about it. You can just say you’re anxious about feeling shamed and they’ll understand.

I had a bunch of minor work done and it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. They were surprised I had never been in since I had all my adult teeth with the condition I was in.

Since my appointment I’ve been so scared to go back. I have an appointment with a hygienist on Wednesday and I’m so scared for it. I know I’m going to come away with loads of gaps from where the plaque has tartar up between my teeth. Has anyone else had the same?

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