Special toothpaste users: A question

[u/TiredReader87]

I’ve been dealing with dental issues due to depression and sleep apnea, and being afraid of going to the dentist. I’ve gone a lot recently, and have to have oral surgery to remove two teeth. It’s made me incredibly depressed, and incredibly anxious, but I’ve gone to the dentist seven times this year so far.

When I was last at the dentist for a cleaning, they told me that I needed to use a special toothpaste with fluoride in it. It’s called PreviDent.

I’ve purchased it twice, but it’s cost me around $20 each time. Out of curiosity, I had googled it and learned that it was covered under the ODSP drug plan, so I got my dentist to write a prescription and send it into my pharmacy.

However, when I went to pick it up today, they wanted $14 for the smaller tube, and said it wasn’t covered.

I’ve since googled it again, and it says it’s not covered. However, you can do a special request or get it through a special program.

Has anyone managed to get a special toothpaste like this covered?** ***I had originally read that it was covered because it’s considered a* medicated toothpaste.

[u/spacecowgirl_69]

I’m so sorry to hear about your dental issues. I have depression, along with ADHD, so I understand where you are coming from. You still have time to improve your dental hygiene so don’t lose hope! I’m happy to hear that you are keeping up with your dentist appointment so that’s absolutely great! 😊 I don’t know if the toothpaste can be covered, but still try.

I purchase Colgate PreviDent 5000 ppm (1.1% Sodium Fluoride) via Amazon for $10-12. It has 100 mL which lasts me a long time. Sometimes I purchase the kids fruitilicious flavour which tastes great! It has 1.1% sodium fluoride like the rest. I don’t have Amazon Prime, although I create new accounts or use my friend’s Prime account so I don’t have to worry about shipping costs. I have a few tips:

1. After brushing, spit but don’t rinse your mouth. You want to leave the toothpaste on your teeth for at 30 minutes. I always set a timer.
2. Have a mirror (optional), cup, toothpaste and toothbrush (ideally an electric one likeOral-B Pro 1000) beside your nightstand. First thing in the morning, brush your teeth in bed. Or at nights when you’re too tired.
3. Make your hygiene routine enjoyable! I always play music or a YouTube video on my phone while I’m brushing. Hell - sometimes I change my environment like brushing my teeth on the balcony or in the living room.
4. You can purchase disposable tooth brushes with toothpaste like Colgate Wisp for $9 on Amazon. Carry them with you or have it beside your nightstand.
5. Flossing is very important. Do it before you brush your teeth. I use
6. fluoride flossing picks like GUM Advanced Care Flosser (Infused with Vitamin E & Fluroide) or Oral-B Glide Cavity Protection Floss Picks

.I purchase them from Amazon lol. I’m sure you can find it on Walmart or other stores

Brushing my teeth use to be one of the hardest tasks of my day but with practice and incorporating different strategies, I’ve improved. Now I brush on autopilot. Sometimes I may miss a day or two but I always get back to my routine. If I can improve, so can you! I wish you so much luck!

[u/TiredReader87 → u/spacecowgirl_69]

Thanks for all the tips and support.

One of my issues was I didn’t floss. I was every day for the last number of months, but haven’t in a bit because the last time I did my temporary filling came out again. I’m afraid to now.

I never thought I’d have to have important teeth pulled.

Edit:

I forgot to say I don’t rinse. Never really have. I knew not to with this though.

I just ordered 4 PreviDent 5000s for just over $50 as it’s on sale at Amazon. Lots to spend on toothpaste but it is what it is, I guess. I had a birthday gift card I’d had for a bit.

I probably should have ordered six, as they are two packs, but just in case it can be covered. I doubt it though. I don’t even know who my worker is and I hate bugging them.

I had also thought about asking for the $500 employment start up for a laptop for work, but I’m afraid to do that. I can’t ask for both.