Dentist

[Mahoney]

I know this is a really silly question but how am I going to manage going to the dentist I can even eat a meal propally without stopping to try and breathe I can't see me trying to keep my mouth open while they fumble about ????

[stone-UK]

Hi

You should be ok.

Eating, chewing swallowing takes energy, hence breathlessness .

Practice, head back mouth open mouth breathing using diaphragm ( just tried seems to work )

[Hidden]

I find it hard to breathe and eat some times but I have never had any problems going to the dentist.

[soulsaver]

Before they start, tell the dentist you've got a respiratory problem, nothing new to them, they'll have seen it before. Agree with them if you raise your hand they'll have to stop and get the gubbins out of your mouth sharpish for you to cough.

PS Beware that gunk for a mould for a crown... that'll take some handling - bad enough when you've not got a problem!

[knitter]

Hi, my dentist knows I have breathing problems...let yours know before he starts any examination and then he/she can stop while you get your breath back or need to cough. I find it easier if the chair is more upright too.

[Watfordgirl]

Hello, a lot of sound advice there. Having breathing problems clearly doesn't stop people looking after their teeth! Try it - you can breath through your open mouth and nose, and it should help knowing about all the tips you've been given. Good luck,Sue.

[Hidden]

My husbands dentist is really good he uses oxygen now in the chair but before that he used his inhaler before he got in the chair. I think you will be ok. Good luck xxx

[Gerald999]

Just breath in and out through your nose.

[themrs]

My husband who is permanently on oxygen explained the problem to the GP and got a referral to the Community dentist (what us oldies called the school dentist). But this may depend on where you live and obviously the severity of your condition.

[Hidden]

Mahoney

Your dentist will have dealt with patients who have breathing problems. My dentist tells me to raise my hand if I need a break. He stops everything immediately I do that and he waits until I tell him I'm ok to continue.

You need to breathe through your nose at the dentist, not through an open mouth.

You'll be fine. Don't stress.

[pollyjj]

I to go to the (school dentist) because of my oxygen and more importantly because I am a wus and terrified of pain.

Maybe you should have a word with your Respiratory Nurse.

take care

polly xx

[FarmerD]

Hi Mahoney,I had exactly the same problem and even asked my consultant to arrange to have me seen by a hospital dentist.This he could not do.It still remains a mystery to me who can be seen by a hospital dentist,I think it may only be paying guests,if anybody knows do let me know.Anyway,I felt I had to bite the bullet( excuse pun).My son had remarked that the new dentist he had seen was very good ,so I got him to enquire and the dentist said " yes come along we will look after you ".When I got there just explained,trouble breathing and even trouble being on my back.No problem.He made sure the chair was at a comfortable angle and We arranged if I raise my hand he needs to stop so I can control my breath.It was fine he understood my problem and put me at ease and I,m glad to say my teeth were not as bad as I thought they were ,just one filling and a clean,all done.It is worth pointing out,eating does make breathing more difficult as the throat closes so food can,t go down into the lungs which is dangerous but you don,t eat at the dentist of course.Make sure you have your ventolin inhaler so you will feel more relaxed and you will be ok.There is no need to worry,good luck.D. Ps. you should tell them about you condition when you make your appointment.