3 Months Quit..............

[Aoibheann75]

next week and I am delighted to have quit as suffered terribly with chest infections during my 29 years smoking - still early days in my quit, but really feel I will never smoke again especially after last weekend as was my worse curve ball so far.

Long story short, I need to urgently address an issue that I have brushed aside for years - my teeth, they are an utter mess and have deteriorated in the last 3 months but thought I could sort it myself after quitting, brushing and flossing morning, night and after meals, increasing my calcium intake as I have a serious phobia since a child of dentists and have not gone to one in 15 years

Then, last weekend, I received some cruel to be kind advice from my hubby (took him weeks to pluck up the courage to say something to me and know he said it to me for my own good, I am so grateful to him for that). I am not exaggerating when I say my teeth are a mess, I would need at least 3 fillings which is minor compared to my 4 top front teeth which have worn down so badly from grinding - 2 are really bad and developed a huge gap. Since quitting I have also developed bleeding gums. I have promised my hubby that I will make an appointment with the dentist but I am just petrified that nothing can be done, the damage is gone too far - I actually feel sick to the stomach thinking about it and have been so down all week (if I am honest been down for quite a long time now about it, that I smile with my mouth closed and constantly putting my hand up to my mouth when talking and laughing). I am also so embarrassed and ashamed beyond belief...

Sorry for the long post, just wondering has anyone experienced the same thing with their teeth and what treatment can be done if any, have I let it go beyond repair? Any advice would be much appreciated...

Aoibheann

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome Aoibheann75 to our community and congratulations on almost 3 months quit!

Unfortunately, after we quit alright can bring up underlying teeth issues so it is advisable to go to the dentist to get an examination soon after we stop, but I know that is easier said than done for many especially with a phobia like yours(myself included) - we have a few other members here with similar teeth issues as yourself which will be able to offer you advice....

[Aoibheann75 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks for the reply Roisin....

[Phobicmaniac 2 Years Smoke Free]

Hi Aoibheann75 , your post was like reading my own story I posted here a few weeks ago.

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin.......

I too suffer with grinding of teeth and I have one front tooth severely worn down but please know you are not alone in these feelings you are having and are normal - I feel the exact same but thanks to mushen here and her honest, heartfelt advice, I finally plucked up the courage to make that dentist appointment - it is Tuesday at 11:00 and I am so scared, I put it to the back of mind the whole week but this morning woke up in a panic - thinking the worst that they won't be able to sort things out, but at the same time, I am delighted I have taken the first step to regaining my long lost confidence, fingers crossed!! I will let you know on Tuesday how I get on but if you can, make that appointment before then.

Also, you have a very caring and loving husband to let you know, what gave me the push to get my teeth sorted was overhearing some family members talking about the state of my teeth, I was so hurt and annoyed but I am solely doing this for myself and nobody else! You do it too for yourself

[Aoibheann75 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to Phobicmaniac]

Ah Phobicmaniac , thank you so much for your helpful reply, I find it very hard to find other people with the same issues and felt so alone, so reading your replying was a huge relief, I will go into your post and have a read now, thanks again

[Beatit 500 Days Smoke Free]

What a heartfelt and honest post Aoibheann75 - be brave and make that appointment, it will change your life just like quitting has - keep us posted

[Aoibheann75 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to Beatit]

Thanks for taking time to reply Beatit

[CocoaXChange Valued Contributor]

While sleeping, I've worn a mouth guard for 20 years and it helps with the affects of my grinding. But that is not a substitute for the dentist. I think if you find one you like, it takes much of the stress away. Good luck.

[Aoibheann75 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to CocoaXChange]

Thank you for your reply, I got a mouth guard the last time I was at a dentist (15 years ago!) but unfortunately it got damaged and never got it replaced a good few years ago (was quite expensive even back then). Going to check out the best dentist to go to and make an appointment soon........