The Worst Mouths I Have Ever Seen: Personal Stories of Dental Misery and Recovery
As a former dental hygienist and surgical assistant in the periodontal field, I have witnessed some of the most harrowing cases of dental hygiene and oral health. This article will delve into three unique stories, exploring the challenges, treatments, and emotional impacts of various dental journeys.
The Case of My Mother-in-Law
My mother-in-law is/was deathly afraid of needles. Her fear of needles was so intense that she only got a COVID vaccination to be able to see the great-grandchildren. She had not been to the dentist since her mother forced her to go 70 years ago. God help her, imagine the state of her mouth. They had to pull all but 4 teeth; there was simply no saving the rest. I can't even begin to imagine the pain she endured over the decades. She was under for the operation and, after the work was done, she was relatively happy she didn't have to worry about the dentist poking her with a needle again. Even with a set of false teeth, she wasn't a fan, but she didn't have much of a choice.
My Own Dental Journey
Honestly, I am not a dentist, but the patients I had back then were pretty bad. Looking at pictures taken by the dentist is still a trigger for me. Only two of my top teeth weren't infected, broken, or rotted away. It's a mix of genetics, a nutrional diet growing up, and a lot of soda. Four of my bottom teeth and my wisdom teeth were removed. Essentially, most of the teeth on the top were just a few millimeter-high spikes. I had constant infections, especially in the molars. I hadn't seen a dentist since I was 18, and by the time I finally made an appointment, it had been a decade. They offered to restore the top teeth, but I chose to get all my upper teeth removed. I kept the decent teeth on the bottom. Since then, I've had to get two more teeth removed, and I’ve got a set of dentures as that was all I could afford. These dentures are not comfortable, but I wear them so I can eat more food and work. People really don't understand the importance of dentures. They are life-changing.
A Story of Empathy and Hope
Working as a surgical assistant, I have seen countless cases of bad oral hygiene, which often picture the unhealthy choices people make. It was not until I met a 15-year-old girl that I realized the impact of personal neglect on oral health. Despite her attractive appearance, the smell from her breath was a cross between a dead animal and decaying food. She was shy, wearing tattered clothes, and rarely spoke. I had to take a full mouth series of x-rays, something that would require her opening and closing her mouth several times. I put on a mask and approached her with respect and care. Something about this young girl drew me to her and put me in a 'Momma Bear mode.' I wanted to find out more about her. The result? She needed full-mouth extractions and dentures. Not one tooth could be saved.
Later in the day, I spoke with the front office and learned that she had recently been placed in foster care. Raised by her grandparents in Appalachia, she had never been to a doctor or a dentist. Shaken by her story, I often think of her 42 years later. My hope for her is that she found a loving home that is gentle and kind.
Conclusion: Dental health is not just about appearances; it's about overall health and well-being. Whether it's the story of a needle-phobic mother-in-law, personal experience with dental neglect, or the story of a young girl in foster care, the stories of dental misfortune underscore the importance of good dental hygiene and regular dental care.