How often do you go to the dentist?

[discordia]

I go around three times a year, because I have really good dental insurance. From what I understand, gum disease is pretty serious.

[TvBabe]

I also go every 4 months....I have dry mouth due to medications that I take for my arthritis. So even before I became diabetic I visited my dentist pretty regular :)

[ang]

i go the standard every six months. does anybody have any information about a higher incidence of cavities and other dental problems as a result of diabetes?

[duck]

What is this word "dentist" that you use?

[discordia]

What is this word "dentist" that you use?

They implant micro computers in your teeth which enable you to uncannily solve the greatest of riddles. Some of you might want to look into it.:hello:

[duck]

They implant micro computers in your teeth which enable you to uncannily solve the greatest of riddles. Some of you might want to look into it.:hello:

I hate dentists. Years ago, as a kid, I had to have a few fillings. Okay, did that, say about 1983, and then I had one more filling done in 1989.

In 1999, I chipped a tooth on my tongue ring. So I went to a dentist to get the tooth fixed. She does the work, and asks how long I've had these fillings...I tell her. She says I need to replace them, since they go bad and can fall out.

Eh? Don't need that, now do I?

So I replace all four.

My teeth started hurting all the ****ed time. I go back and complain. She tells me the pain will go away. Six months later, no. So she replaces all four again (and of course, charges me and the insurance company). All four continue to hurt.

Fast forward to 2002. I go to another dentist because the biggest of my fillings really hurts when I eat cold and warm foods. So this dentist replaces the filling. Still hurts. Weird. So he recommends a root canal. I get the root canal, should kill the root and kill the pain, since how can you feel pain if you have no nerves? No dice, I still feel it in that non-tooth. And what's worse, the tooth is now shaped a little different than it was prior to root-canal, and now the gap between that tooth and the two beside it collects everything I eat. It's disgusting. I can't operate without dental floss being somewhere close to me, because trapped food is annoying.

What's amazing to me is that I can almost guarantee you that if I were to go to a dentist today, they would recommend I replace my fillings, get a cleaning, learn to floss, get my wisdom teeth pulled and do all manner of things I don't need. Keep in mind, I have had my wisdom teeth pulled, have had the fillings replaced, and definitely know how to floss. I brush at least twice a day but it's never enough, since how can they make any money on a cleaning and other unnecessary treatments if I do a good job?

[discordia]

I had a bad molar last year and instead of pulling it like I wanted they insisted on a crown. My insurance covered most of it so I didn't really care, and now I have a gold tooth which my kids think is cool. Point is, if I didn't have insurance you can bet they would have pulled that sucker.

[camjen1]

Duck, did I fail to mention to you I used to be a dental assistant? Now you love me even more, don't ya? :laugh:

[duck]

Duck, did I fail to mention to you I used to be a dental assistant? Now you love me even more, don't ya? :laugh:


Bloodsucker.

How often do you go to the dentist, BTW?

[camjen1]

Bloodsucker.

Yeah, yeah, yeah give me a couple more years and maybe I will be doing prostate exams.

How often do you go to the dentist, BTW?

Ummm Ummmm Ummm......Actually, I really do try to go at least twice a year. I need ALOT of work and unfortunetly, I left my old job before the dentist finished what she started and was charging me nothing.:eek: How dumb was that?

[amccrazgrl]

I go every 6months.
Id go every single month I love getting my teeth cleaned.

[liz32]

I only go when I'm in dire pain!!!!!!! I have a phobia of the dentist. I have to do breathing techniques and hope that I don't cry. Up until I'm in the appointment I'm in the bathroom...leave that to your own imagination! I had traumatic experience as a child and now it's rediculous! I hear all the hype about dentist and diabetes but unfortunately there's really nothing that would ever make me go unless I'm in incredable pain. My doc want to sent me to a shrink who deals with dental phobias. I may take them up on it....then again I may not!

[Batty]

i went a month ago..for the first time in since the 6th grade. its expensive to go and my mom and i both dont have coverage. it costed $285 just for an exam and cleaning. and now i have an est. of $909.90 worth of work that needs to be done. i hate the dentist. they ripped my gums when they started the cleaning and had to give me advil and send me home, telling me to come back in two weeks when my gums had healed so they could finish the cleaning. i was in so much pain.

[am1977]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I like going to the dentist... Ok, let me take that back. I don't like going in for dental procedures, but I like getting my teeth cleaned :biggrin:. My teeth feel so nice and clean afterwards. :top:. Speaking of which, I should make an appt. to go... :)

[Pumped]

I used to go twice a year to get my teeth cleaned but now am reconsidering this. I've heard of more than one or two cases where a person who didn't go to the dentist to get their teeth cleaned etc. and only went if there was a cavity has much better teeth than the teeth-regularly-cleaned guy. The theory is that with the over-cleaning they destroy the tooth enamel.

[JediSkipdogg]

I go every 6 months because I have soft gums. Just daily flossing and brushing causes my gums to bleed. They keep wanting to put me on some medication for it, but they said it hasn't developed enough to warrant the medication, they just find it odd that for about 10 years I've had bleeding gums and my gums look healthy as can be.

I have insurance that pays for mine, so I don't pay anything when I go which is why I figure I'll use the twice a year allowment for free.

[KickStart101]

I go to the Dentist definitely twice a year, 3 if I need to in between.
I like my Dentist. :D He's from Egypt. Really kind and very good at his work.

[claysmum]

:wink:

Wow, I have to say it is kinda funny to read all the responses about this "dentist" thing. I am in the biz and it is been hillarious to read the remarks...Ha!
Where should I start...
Do diabetics have dental concerns?? 100%. When your blood sugar is high, the tissues in the mouth do suffer. Gum disease is more prevelant in diabetics for sure and a diabetic who smokes is in big trouble.
Should diabetics go to the dentist more regularly?? For sure. Min twice a year.
Smoker atleast 3 times. If you do not have coverage... find some or budget. It is worth it the money you will spend.
An infection in your mouth can be pretty serious...can even lead to heart problems they are finding.
High flouride toothpastes work great. There is one on the market called Prevident. You have to ask the pharmacist...behind counters. It is a higher concentration which helps with decay and sensitivity. Keep out of the reach of children.
Scaling your teeth 4 times a year will not erode away the enamel. As long as you have hygienist treating you, you are pretty safe. It is the sandy toothpaste if used way to often will get you...it would have to be used alot.
Anyways..any questions, feel free to ask..
Good luck..

S

[sydneya]

Hey, pumped!! I like your rational. I think I'd go to a mortician before a dentist. Well, that's not true. I went a year ago and will go soon. I have no dental insurance so I always use it as an excuse, "I want to pay off my last bill before I come in again." I have heard that we with diabetes are prone to gum disease and those cleanings are nice. I have to do deep breathing exercises before going in and pray they won't use the **** rubber dam. Claustrophobia has only hit in the dental chair.
(And I really haven't used the mortician's expertise yet!!)

[Georgia]

Hi

I usually go every 6 months. But before my check-up last week it had been over a year - I'm pleased to say my check-up went well & the dentist said I am taking good care of my teeth & I have no plaque :)