Poor oral health following depression
Posted , 6 users are following.
To keep this brief -- I've been in an AWFUL slump with my depression, barely leaving the house, barely showering, barely even getting out of bed to do anything productive.
I finally mustered up enough energy to start brushing my teeth again (I don't want to think about how long it's been, embarrassing as it is to admit), and I noticed that in multiple places my gums seem to be bleeding--more or less in between where my teeth are. Not to mention my teeth have been aching, but that's...not really new. My gums aren't red or swollen, but they are pale -- though it's been like that for years, I think.
I don't know if they qualify as 'receding' either, specifically because my family does usuallyseem to have gums that are I guess 'low-set'?? I don't know the terminology, I'm sorry--
Does anyone know if regular brushing will improve these symptoms, or if it's something more severe I should worry about??
1 like, 7 replies
anna17409 mcncheri
Posted
You can ask the dentist. I know how hard it is to get through daily routines when the depression hits. The best way is to take the bull by the horns and keep saying to yourself" i will not allow this to pull me down". Its works but you must say it with conviction.
laura08496 mcncheri
Posted
dear mcncheri, yes, regular brushing will certainly help, and yes, it can be something severe that you should worry about. i too have a paralyzing depression which makes taking showers and brushing teeth exhausting for me. almost
impossible.
i ended up seeing a dentist because of a tooth ache, and he ended up removing a few teeth! not so much for cavities, but for neglecting my teeth and developing problems with my gums. i now, (as hard as it is) tend to my teeth everyday. you only have to take care of the teeth you want to keep. i wish i knew that years ago. please see a dentist or even dental hygienist. you have to take care of your teeth, so you might as well start now...not later. before it's too late, like in my situation. i wish someone told me how bad (and expensive) it could get. but i do understand it's hard.
ann55375 laura08496
Posted
laura08496 ann55375
Posted
hi ann, i've been fighting depression and anxiety with many different meds for over the past 30 years. the most recent combination that works for me is wellbutrin and prozac. and xanax for anxiety and sleep. oh i dont have confidence dealing with any doctors...i'd much rather stay home and not deal with the stress of what to wear and how to get there and back. but when you wait till it's too late, you are FORCED to go. gather your courage and make yourself go now and finish that crown before it falls out. how i wish i'd listened to family and friends, years ago. they warned me...i knew better, but i was just too ill to take care of myself. and, get an electric toothbrush. it does half the work for you.
ann55375 laura08496
Posted
cindy02055 mcncheri
Posted
hypercat mcncheri
Posted
Hi I am the same as you and have lost around half my teeth now to dental neglect. I decided around 20 years ago that enough was enough and no matter how hard it is I make myself go to the dentist for check ups. I have only lost 2 teeth and 1 crown in all that time.
Having said that I am now slipping and haven't been for years because I have to pay now and I am very poor. Also I keep thinking it doesn't matter anyway as nothing else does. I don't do pain though and if I get severe toothache I always go.
What I do more though is keep black cotton close by and I try and floss with it daily and this seems to help. When you floss though don't do it like a sawing motion but up and down. Otherwise you risk loosening teeth.
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease and you do need treatment so make that appointment and go. If there anyone who could go with you? Good luck.