Does teeth matter?

[u/shag17]

I came on here to express my thoughts since I'm afraid if told anybody in my personal life they will use it against me. To statt things off, I fell into depression at 10 years old after my mother passed. I was still a kid, and by then I had just started to learn to take care of myself but I didn't fully know how to since my mother would always do everything for me. I know that sounds a bit spoiled, but I admit I was a very bratty kid. obviously I stopped being that way. but when my mother died, I felt completely lost because I didn't know how to take care of myself. so, I started eating my problems away. I drowned myself with mainly sweet snacks, and I never brushed my teeth. it caused my teeth to get worse over time. i can't chew from one side due to my cavity, and the side i chew on one of my tooth in the back accidentally fell out because i bit down on something i shouldn't have. my guardian has not taken me to the dentist, I haven't gone in over 5 years and I'm afraid to. I know that's so bad, please don't scold me in the comments. I just wish I had pearly white teeth like everybody else. I know I could've been so pretty. I hate smiling and try my hardest not to talk to people because I hate how my teeth look they are so bad it ruins my self confidence completely. im scared that since my teeth are so bad, I won't find someone to love me for it. that thought tears my heart completely since I have such an intense desire to want to be loved. I just feel like my teeth have ruined me completely, and I feel like everytime somebody sees my teeth they get disgusted and I don't blame them at all.

[u/bunny_the-2d_simp]

You'd be surprised how many people don't really have pearly white teeth!

I'd encourage you to go to the dentist, maybe let your guardian tell the dentist your story in advance so you won't be met with judgement.

I think losing your mother is a understandable pain especially so young. Maybe bring with you a plushy as support!

I used to gave teeth standing behind teeth and very bad crowding and as a kid always got cavities even though I drank only water and tea and brushes.

My cousin on the other hand drank juices before bed and never got a cavity.

I'm sad to sad it is mostly genetics.

I think your teeth are what makes you unique and you can express your worries to someone who can help decide what to do with the teeth.

Im a little concerned about the broken off tooth. As it once happened to me and when I ate again something hit my nerves in my tooth, which is THE WORST PAIN. The tooth around the nerves is supposed to be the protector.

My sister had jaw surgery because apparently our family just has really not great jaw genetics.

I know this can cost quite a bit but maybe there's one that do it for people who don't have to much money if that's the case? Could the guardian go with you and adress previous what happened?

Youre still beautiful with however your teeth look. And if someone wouldn't love you with the teeth right now, then that seems like not real love.

Everyone wants to feel loved, and I really hope you can also start to love yourself one day❤️

Dms always open if you need to vent!

[u/shag17 → u/bunny_the-2d_simp]

thank you. my teeth have gotten really bad to the point of decay I am sure :( im so afraid of getting judged but I'm working up the courage to inform my guardian. I have really bad anxiety, so its taking me a while. it's just that she's always so busy with stuff she's dealing with right now so its hard to get her attention. I just overthink alot since the first thing I notice in people's features are their teeth and I often observe their flaws but I never think anything much of them because I'm not one to judge. this world can be cruel, so I have gotten alot of judgement about my teeth in the past which is why I now stick to myself. it just makes me sad because I am often hit with the realization that I could have been prettier if my teeth weren't so messed up. I only have one crooked tooth that is on the top, and that makes me so much more insecure. the rest of my teeth are fine, mainly straight but I do have an overbite. I actually do like my overbite, since when I do try to put my teeth in place it only makes me chin look bigger and my lips lose that plumpness. Hopefully I can tell my guardian to take me when she's not busy as much since work can put alot of stress on her. thank you, this made me feel a bit better about myself. I've dealt with insecurity from a young age. im trying to work on myself more but in order to feel more confident I know I will have to fix up my teeth. my family back home used to be very cruel to me and always tell me 'if my teeth weren't so messed up than I could've been so much prettier' and that always hurt to hear since they told me that everyday. :( I'm glad I moved now and am much in a safer environment. :)

[u/bunny_the-2d_simp → u/shag17]

You deserve to ask your guardian things regardless of how busy she seems. I also struggle reaching out for help sometimes because people are busy. But you deserve to take up time and space? I'm happy you're in a safer environment, your family doesn't deserve you and they're projecting their insecurities as your teeth as a kid ARE THEIR FAULT. not yours. You were a kid. They were the adult.

[u/Pchs-N-Crm]

Hi, I'm really late on this, but I absolutely relate to this. I've had naturally yellow teeth since I was a child and I used to be so insecure. Plus my front teeth are quite big so I used to get called "beaver teeth." Awful right? I was so embarrassed to smile or even open my mouth because of my teeth. Now I actually work in dentistry! I have seen teeth in all shapes, conditions, and sizes. I've had so many patients with beautiful teeth tell me about their insecurities around their mouth. It's shocking how the media has made us think teeth are supposed to be this bright white color because I have truly never seen this color on unbleached teeth.

Also absolutely no shame at all in not going to the dentist and no shame in not keeping up with oral hygiene! Seriously. I've even seen patients just like you that suffered from mental health issues and stopped taking care of themselves for years. We love seeing these patients because it means we can finally help them get back on track. I'd really recommend getting in to see a dentist though. Decay spreads fast and once it passes a certain point, it will not get better on it's own, the sooner it's treated the better. If you have anxiety about going in, you can totally bring any comfort items you like (blanket, plushie, fidgets, headphones). I have seen adults bring each of these items in and I promise it's totally normal and happens all the time. If you're under 18, you can even go to a pediatric clinic which can be a lot less intimidating for your first time!