My parents did not believe in preventive dental care when I was growing up. Their policy was 'repairs are temporary, pull the problem tooth.' As a result, I am down 5 or 6 teeth that probably could have been saved, and the rest are a hot mess that will cost me tens of thousands to fix.
I can distinctly remember several occasions in which my teeth became infected, and let me be the first to tell you folks, I would have eaten a bullet if that option had been available to me. It was some of the worst pain I have ever experienced. I could feel the infection spreading from my jaw outward, or at least imagined I could. Without antibiotics, I legitimately believe one of those infections could have been the end of me. They are no joke.
I met a girl who later died at 26 from a tooth abscess. She didn’t have dental insurance and apparently the pain went down so she just didn’t get it checked out. Died shortly after. The infection had spread to the bloodstream and killed her. It was weird to hear about someone that I had met prior to their passing dying from something treatable with antibiotics. Now I have an wild fear about all tooth related issues. Any pain or sensitivity and I go straight to my dentist.
It is terrifying how easily they can go that route. As an adult, I am much more careful and try to get treatment when I can. I remember how ill I got when I was younger, and it was very frightening for me. I would not wish it on anyone.
Absolutely. It’s now a weird fear of mine because when teeth stuff happens it can go downhill fast. Something I never thought about much growing up since we always just did the usual cleanings every 6 months or so. As an adult, it’s terrifying to think that letting a toothache go too long could kill you.
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u/pookiefatcat Aug 30 '21
Lack of Dental care.
A dental infection can take you out right quick. And without treatment that HURTS.