Has anyone had the experience of crumbling tooth? Is this the worst thing that can happen? Does this mean tooth decay as well as gum disease. Remember I am new to all this! Help!

The tooth crumdling is probably due to decay. Gum(perio)disease is assosicated with the bone under the gums and the gums. So i would say decay.

The tooth crumdling is probably due to decay. Gum(perio)disease is assosicated with the bone under the gums and the gums. So i would say decay.

Brwneyez, I guess I have both then. :-(

I have experience with crumbling teeth, but mine is due to radiation. Also, if your teeth are not exposed to flouride and intake of calcium. There is a mouthrinse that you can ask for from a dentist. Its a concentrate of flouride, its a gel, that you measure out, mix with water and swish away. Its not that bad. :D It helps to strengthen teeth and can even heal small cavaties. Good Luck. :cool: :angel:

I have experience with crumbling teeth, but mine is due to radiation. Also, if your teeth are not exposed to flouride and intake of calcium. There is a mouthrinse that you can ask for from a dentist. Its a concentrate of flouride, its a gel, that you measure out, mix with water and swish away. Its not that bad. :D It helps to strengthen teeth and can even heal small cavaties. Good Luck. :cool: :angel:

I'd ask about it except that I am back in my frozen fright stage and don't think I would make it there. Thanks for advice anyway. :-(

Chego, please do not take this the wrong way, but if it is just fright that keep you away and not finances, think about this, even little children go to the dentist. Not going to the dentist and letting your teeth crumble away will cause a thousand time more pain than the dentist will. If you don't get over your fear, you will have no teeth to worry about in the future, and then your problems will really start. Infections could also cause major health problems, then you will end up not only at the dentist but also at the doctor's office. Good luck, try to relax and realize the dentist is just there to help you, but you have to also get over what ever it is that is stopping you from getting the help you need and deserve. I don't think any of us like to go to the dentist, in my case, it's only because it is so darn expensive, nothing to do with pain, but we do what we have to do. Marti

Hi Chego, hang on in there - you've been doing great so far, when you look at things objectively.

"I was literally petrified the first time I made it to the dentist, but I got over it. The second time wasn't as bad but then they didn't do anything except clean 38 years of gunk off."
You probably remember that... just wanted to say that your worst fears proved to be unfounded last time round.

With regards to the dental hospital waiting list, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it but wait, and once you get an appointment, see what they suggest you can do about the problems you're experiencing. It's entirely up to you then if you want to follow their suggestions, and usually, there are a number of options which you can pursue. You can then choose whatever option you are happiest with. Or you can choose to do nothing if you so wish. It's only a consultation.

A crumbling tooth is hardly "the worst thing that can happen". For all you (or I) know, it might be pretty easy and straightforward to restore that tooth. I'd say call your friendly dental practice, tell them you have a question re. a tooth that's crumbling, and ask if it would be possible to talk to your dentist. He may be able to call you back, or ask when he's not busy. Or else they might ask you to come in so that he can have a look. Whatever the case may be, keep in mind that dentistry is a service industry and what dentists do is provide a service to you, the customer (sorry if I'm getting repetitive =)).

Don't be too scared to give them a call, remember what happened last time round (i. e. you were totally petrified and the experience was nothing like you had anticipated). OK, so the news wasn't ALL brilliant, but then again, you knew that already.

I'll be thinking of you - take care =)