When little things ain't so little.

[immisceo]

We all know that having MS doesn't give us a pass on other health concerns. In fact, you could argue we need to be *more* vigilant overall so that other issues don't exacerbate our MS or get swept under the rug until they themselves are the bigger problem.

So, "Hi, I'm Immisceo, and until two days ago I hadn't been to the dentist in eight years." And I was terr.i.fied. Not about pain, not out of dislike/distrust of dentists. I was just really upset to think of all the issues I'd likely given myself in this period of time, and very ticked off that I'd neglected this basic area of being a competent adult.

But I finally made the leap on Saturday and booked the appointment for Monday morning. And...







I've still never had a cavity. Not a one. Thank you fluoridated water and previous pro-fissure sealant dentists! Seriously. In my head I'd just come to terms with the fact that I'd need two root canals, debridement, fillings, possibly an extraction. I was even prescribed (low-dose) diazapam for the visit.

And, while none of this is strictly MS-related, I still want to shout it from the rooftops because it's a big sector of my health and well-being that I've clawed back. I was having actual, not figurative, nightmares folks. I've already scheduled my cleaning in six months. It feels so, so good to be back in the saddle.

Yes, it was just a dentist appointment, but for me it was much bigger.

[anon07072023]

I don't like going to the dentist. Actually, I have great fear of the dentist. Good for you! :-D
I had waited over 10 yrs between the last time I had gone & my visit. No cavities for me either!  That was a couple of yrs ago. They said that daily flossing, etc, had saved my butt. LOL
I just had a cleaning a few months ago and still no cavities. Yay!

[Sailorsong]

I haven't been to a dentist since 2008 as I know I need a lot of work done and can't afford what it will cost me right now.  Between medications and Sjogren's syndrome I have chronic dry mouth which causes a lot of havoc to teeth and gums. I probably only have about 2 teeth in my mouth that aren't broken and need to have them all pulled. @ $300 per tooth extraction  that adds up quickly.

Dennis

[immisceo]

Thanks, Karry!

So interesting to hear that a lot of us had significant chunks of time when we didn't get to the dentist. I kind of felt I was alone in falling off the wagon!

And I hear you on the gums and brushing too hard. I think I must have equated a good tooth brushing with a 'good scrub' of the body, as in, the harder the better! Then I had a dentist in my early twenties who essentially told me she wished anything other that soft brush heads were banned (obviously not really. Just exaggerated to make her point that soft is best).

I also use an electric toothbrush, which I think helps. Certainly helps me hit that 2 minute time mark (30 seconds per quadrant!) each time. And getting my husband into the flossing habit (not pushing, he just saw me do it so much) is something I'm proud of!

Delighted you've found a dentist who's earned your trust. I can imagine it's difficult when you've had such bad experiences, but hopefully it gets easier every time. And congratulations to you too! It's such a freeing feeling, isn't it!

Laura, so sorry your daughter had to tangle with something like that as a child and that there are still after-effects. But just like with Karry, I'm glad she's found a dental group that are sensitive to her concerns. That's paramount. I wish her the absolute best in the implant process.

[karryon55]

Well done & great news Immisceo! I also went to the dentist for the first time in 7 years & I am petrified of dentists. I wish I'd take a diazepam before I went or maybe somebody could have darted me in the butt if they could of caught me lol.

The good news is I didn't need any work done but I really have to stop brushing so hard. I have exposed every root in my mouth from brushing too hard so my teeth are pretty sensitive. I do use an electric toothbrush as well which was supposed to stop me scrubbing.

I'm going to try & go back every 6 months as well. I hope I can get over my fear. I think a lot of it is because local anaesthetic doesn't work on me so the thought of drills & lots of pain freaks me out. I have found a dentist I trust now which makes a big difference.

Oh & yes the flossing is super important Lulu.

Karry.

[Lulu54]

What a fun conversation about dental hygiene - our dentists would be proud of us, especially if we throw in something about daily flossing!

imm- I'm thinking tetracycline was what she had mega doses of for a couple years due to chronic ear infections.  But my memory might be wrong.

[kwarendorf]

I would remind your friend "Judge not, that ye be not judged!" :-)

[immisceo]

Thanks DV and Corriel! I really appreciate the support!
(and I'd totally be afraid of being judged if I had a friend giving the treatment!)

[doublevision1]

Congrats on your dental health! I once went a few years between visits, so I appreciate your trepidation. Once I went back I stuck with it and yes, booking 6 months ahead is a great way to stay engaged.

Kyle - I have a friend who is a dental hygienist, but I don't think I could go to her for a cleaning. I'd be too worried she might secretly judge me, for subpar flossing or something. ;)

[Corriel]

Woohoo! Good for you! Nothing feels more awesome than conquering an old fear, especially a big one. Congratulations and I am glad it went well.

[immisceo]

Yowsa, Kyle! Very fortuitous about the friend in the biz. That does sound like quite the laundry list, but you did it! Like you, I too feel thoroughly reformed.

[kwarendorf]

I wen about 10 years between visits a while back. I ended up having every nightmare scenario fulfilled :-)

Root canal, extraction, posts and crown... 2 months and many dollars later I have reformed. Every 6 months for me now!

It doesn't hurt that my dentist is a friend of mine :-)

Kyle

[immisceo]

Oh, I agree. Nothing wrong with liking a lovely smile! I guess I meant the utter, utter extreme (in all things) is sometimes misinterpreted as the 'norm' when people think of us in other countries. Make no apologies! I like the whole package too.

Thanks everyone for indulging my little victory lap. I am truly proud, almost more so for making such a big step than the results (though that was a great outcome).

[essdipity]

I guess we can blame Hollywood for the superficiality aspect, but then again, who doesn't want a nice appearance? People have to look at one's teeth---they're right there front and center. No point in Americans, Europeans or anyone getting glammed up, looking chic, working out to achieve a good body, and then having it all spoiled by a really unattractive smile.

So I guess I buy into the whole package, health as well as esthetics. Not that I ever was glamorous(!), and nowadays I'm pretty ancient, but I do have a nice smile. Have my parents, orthodontistry and good habits to thank for that.

ess

[immisceo]

Oh dear, Laura! I know someone who had childhood need of tetracycline that certainly left its mark. I think they are currently saving for some kind of solution as well. Even though my own worry turned out to be unwarranted, I don't think I'll ever have anything less than total compassion for those who are dealing with it. It's a tad more all-consuming than I think a lot of people realise.

And as you state, thinking of dental health as part of a much bigger picture (with potential bigger ramifications) finally got me in that seat. Well, that and having an appointment with a psychiatrist who heard me out, helped me outline a plan to tackle it, and gave me the option of a bit of medication to help. It was a multi-pronged attack!

Ess, as you state, it's not just aesthetics! I grew up in the States and know first hand that the prevention versus treatment culture is not the same over here (though that may be changing a bit).

We Americans are seen as pretty superficially obsessed with our bright white, square, chiclets. Hollywood, once again, determines the perception of the nation as a whole. Sigh... Whereas, I think of a generally hugely successful public health initiative. I was so proud when I went to my first check-up when I was 3 and got my "May the Floss Be With You" sticker! (yeah, it was the early 80s) Getting on the "No cavities" board was a cool thing! And now that I'm back in the land of the non-dental-phobic, I'll be happy to pony up for those biannual visits. (I remember this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyyW-n8aook and we sang this every night as I brushed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV-9Mq0F2KU )

[essdipity]

Absolutely, dental health is really important, and not just so we can show off our pearly whites.

I'm very lucky to have had great dental insurance for many years, the best bargain out there. I do the dentist thing faithfully every 6 months, and for a long time have used an Oral B electric toothbrush, which does a really thorough job. Expensive to begin with, but one of the best health decisions I've made, really worth it.

I was surprised to learn that in much of Europe, people see the dentist only when there's a problem, and not as a health maintenance issue. Here in the US we're accustomed to doing things differently (at least most of us), having had dental health drummed into us from an early age. Anyone remember Mr. Tooth Decay? And all the toothpaste ads on TV at least have the upside of keeping this front and center.

ess

[Lulu54]

Our daughter is dental phobic, but has recently begun a dental implant process. She has found a dental group she likes and they are very sensitive to her worries.  Unfortunately she was very sick when little and the prolonged use of antibiotics ruined her teeth.

Hubby also had an implant done last year and it cost almost $4,000 by the time it was done and it isn't made of gold!  Daughter found a teaching hospital clinic where the same dentist who did hubby's tooth also works and it is half the  cost.  It sure paid her to shop around.

The chain clinic idea for dentists sure makes sense - glad it works for you.

So glad to know some people have the genetic good fortune to avoid these problems.  

Anyone else out there neglecting their oral health?  It is important maintain good habits because teeth are a direct link to heart health.  They even say it can affect your memory.  

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Dental/ways-poor-dental-care-makes-sick/story?id=15402772

gotta go floss!
Laura

[immisceo]

Oh, JJ. I should have put a bit more thought into my phrasing. You response is extremely gracious in light of my crowing. Some of it might just be plain genetics, as I have *not* had the habits deserving of these results.

To be honest, mine just started with the bargain basement, plain old exam cost. I really just wanted to know what I was in for to start. Had it been more like what I was imagining, I guess I would have just broken it down from there.

There's a chain of dentists over here that are quite good about that (they're quite like chain opticians, actually!). They outline and prioritise all that needs to be done, what it will cost, and how best to make that fit into your schedule, finances, etc. And you can have the treatment at any of their many locations for the quoted price, and they'll all be able to instantly access your x-rays, notes etc. It's all certainly changed in those 8 years!

It's really one of the few 'silver lining' outcomes of the economic downturn here in Ireland. Certain industries have gotten it together and don't take the mick so much anymore. There's a lot more sensitivity that some people have just not had the extra funds to spare on certain things and they might be quite anxious as well. No more 'tut-tutting' from the dentist.

[supermum_ms]

Well that must be a huge bolder off your shoulders!

Wish i could say the same but i only need to look in the mirror and know i'm in a bit of a pickle. lol that darn toothbrush getting shoved into my teeth, my numerous face plant falls, genetics and over here in oz, the cost of anything at the dentists gets you taking out a second mortgage, aided the pickle. hmmmm fluoridated water and sealant, sooooo hasn't helped this little chicken. lol

I'm pleased for you :D

cheers.........JJ