Dentistry Question...

[Two Listen]

Ok so maybe there's some folks in EdgeGamers here who can help me out.

I am young. 20 years of age.

When I was a teenager, particularly around the ages of 15-17, I did not take very good care of myself as a whole.

Much less my teeth.

I moved out at 18, and haven't been able to visit the dentist since sometime when I was 16, I believe. And now in my current state, I am without dental insurance - and I can't afford a trip to the dentist without it. At least not so far as I've discovered.

My teeth seem to have paid dearly for the neglect they received during those teenage years. And while I've tried since I moved out to improve my habits with brushing and flossing, I've had some holes in my teeth for quite awhile. I'm not experiencing any pain, and all of my teeth still seem very sturdy in their...tooth sockets, I guess.

But I've still got some cavities. Visible ones, probably more than 5. Not huge taking up the base of a tooth, but still visible and still bothering me. I've had several fillings in the past, but I haven't been able to get these filled as of yet and am not sure when I'll be able to.

My question is, I suppose - am I doomed to have my teeth continue down a path of deterioration? As I said, my habits have improved significantly. But I can't help but fear that these existing cavities might grow and continue to cause damage no matter what I do.

Is this the case? Or can I keep them in their current condition if I keep good care of them? Is this the sort of thing that if I were to get it filled - that would halt their progress, and assuming I didn't get NEW ones thereafter, I'd be good to go?

I'm just not all about the whole getting dentures thing. And it's difficult for me to judge where I'm at. I know I've got some cavities. But no pain, no trouble eating, no weakness that I've noticed...just some holes and scratchy bits.

Anyone have any experience?

 

[PhaseXero]

I am not a dentist however my understanding is that tooth decay (cavities) will not be halted unless it is completely removed and filled in. If at all possible I would start considering cutting recreational activities in order to go see a dentist and fix your teeth.

You have your entire lifetime to keep doing the stuff you enjoy but only one set of adult teeth. Once it starts to hurt it has hit the pulp and at that point you will require emergency surgery plus the chance you will need to do a root canal or prep for dental implants.

In both cases it is expensive, time consuming and overall unpleasant. I would find the cash if all possible and see a dentist ASAP.

 

[SingularPoint]

Brush more, floss and brush your tongue. However I'm no dentist, and my teeth are a bit stained (yech)
Just see a dentist, save up and see one, even if it's just for a basic checkup.

 

[Two Listen]

Based on what I'm reading, it seems you're right. I'm hoping to get in for an examination sometime soon, hoping I can do it for less than $150. I am not a rich man, but my monthly bills are also nothing huge. I could do it. But it'd probably knock me out of my savings. Which while it would not put me out of a home, would not be fun.

Damnit. I'm financially screwed and I didn't even know it.