No cavities but Enamel fading, gums receding, teeth yellowing

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Chaemyerelis@reddit

Don't use medium or hard toothbrushes. Soft only. And as other have said try an electric one.

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Cocoricou@reddit

You need an electric toothbrush with pressure sensor.

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Cocoricou@reddit

I've also have had great success with calcium hydroxyapatite toothpaste (hap)

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Cocoricou@reddit

No it's hard to find but I buy it online.

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I’m trying to figure out what to do with mine. My remaining teeth are disgusting (I have a genetic condition and it affected them) and I am not able to eat solids anymore because they are so bad. I can’t wear dentures and I am a poor candidate for implants (which I can’t afford, anyway)

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Happy-Bluejay-3849@reddit

Why in this day and age isn’t there something they can just paint on and fix enamel wear and small cracks? You’d think with all the scientific advances we’ve seen, there would be good ways to fix problems without drastic measures.

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

Right?? I keep seeing alleged breakthroughs but those tend to fizzle out

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KaijuSignatureRising@reddit

Why is this in the cadence of Mom's spaghetti?

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about a post of mine. Thank you

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SocalR32@reddit

Second opinion! Never heard of over cleaning, that is definitely not a clinical term and unless your using Clorox really doesn't make sense.

3M makes prescription toothpaste. Clinpro 5000..

Really made a difference with my sensitive teeth as I noticed with age, which is enamel related.

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mydarkerside@reddit

Some people brush too hard and that's not good for their gums. And most toothpastes are abrasive, with some much more than others. So overcleaning would be brushing 4 times a day with those whitening toothpastes using a hard bristle toothbrush.

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SocalR32@reddit

Then stop? It's a habit, not clinical problem. Gums can heal, enamel can be restored as well.

Kinda like people who complain their shoulder hurts because they sleep on their side...

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

How can enamel be restored? Dentists have always told me it can’t. Very interested in reliable treatments if any.

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SocalR32@reddit

Can't fully restore, but can remineralize. They do this before restorations with people who need a little extra to hold the new teeth in, my friend is actually going through it now... Tobacco.

The 3M toothpaste will help keep what you got and add a little more strength by filling those little porcelain pores. I use it because my teeth started becoming sensitive after 45. I also highly recommend Phillips Sonicare toothbrush, totally changed my gum game.

I have good insurance so I go in every 4 months to clean. The Sonicare was the easiest and most noticeable game changer honestly, even with my charts.

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

Im sold!

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SocalR32@reddit

Still find another dentist.. Took me 10 years before I figured out what good care actually is.

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mydarkerside@reddit

Your reply is ironic because you said you've never heard of over cleaning, yet it exists. So like many health and dental problems, we don't know something is a problem yet, otherwise we'd already stop. OP has now been told by the dentist that overcleaning is a problem.

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SocalR32@reddit

Yes, corporate marketing sites is where I get all my clinical information. A bad habit is not a clinical problem...

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Perle1234@reddit

Omg do not do the oil pulling lmao. I would get a second opinion. I got an electric toothbrush that’s done great for my gums. It’s an Oragel. It has a pressure sensor that gives a green light. If you press too hard it flashes red. I’m sure there’s plenty of brands but that really changed how I clean my teeth.

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puppylove1212@reddit

agreed…hard no on the oil pulling

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

Yeah I think I’ll finally get one. Thanks for the rec.

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ihatepickingnames_@reddit

Electric toothbrush is the way to go. I was also told to get a nightguard because I clench/grind my tooth and it’s causing gum damage.

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eatingganesha@reddit

and a water pick flosser

also saying, dont do oil pulling. That… does not have great consequences in reality.

From google:

Oil pulling isn't inherently "bad," but potential risks include accidentally swallowing the oil, leading to stomach upset or lipoid pneumonia. It can also cause jaw muscle strain from prolonged swishing and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Critically, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend it because there's a lack of strong, reliable scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness as a replacement for conventional oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Specific Risks and Drawbacks

• Lack of Scientific Evidence: The most significant concern is the lack of credible research proving oil pulling is effective for reducing plaque or cavities. [4, 5]
• Potential for Aspiration: Swallowing the oil, or inhaling it into the lungs, can lead to lipoid pneumonia, a serious condition. [1, 6]
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Swallowing even small amounts of oil can cause an upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea. [2, 3]
• Facial Muscle Strain: Excessive swishing or prolonged practice can lead to jaw pain, stiffness, or headaches. [2, 3, 7, 8, 9]
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may have allergies to the oils used, such as coconut oil. [2]
• Ineffectiveness as a Substitute: Relying solely on oil pulling and neglecting brushing and flossing can result in the accumulation of plaque and bacteria, ultimately harming your oral health. [1, 2, 10, 11]

Why Dentists Caution Against It

• Misleading Claims: Some promote oil pulling as a cure-all, which is inaccurate and potentially dangerous if it leads people to abandon effective oral care. [2]
• Potential for Over-reliance: People might substitute oil pulling for proven dental hygiene practices, leading to negative consequences. [2]
• Limited Mechanical Action: Oil pulling lacks the necessary mechanical action of brushing and flossing to effectively remove plaque and food debris, according to experts cited by TODAY.com. [6, 11]

[1] https://www.koppelmandental.com/oil-pulling/[2] https://promenade-dentist.com/is-oil-pulling-safe/[3] https://mypenndentist.org/dental-tips/2024/09/04/oil-pulling-benefits-and-dangers/[4] https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2018.281[5] https://www.verywellhealth.com/oil-pulling-5083468[6] https://www.livescience.com/50896-oil-pulling-facts.html[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/coconut-oil-pulling-dangers[8] https://www.kwcdental.com/blog/coconut-oil-pulling-dangers[9] https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/coconut-oil-pulling-dentists-benefits-risks/[10] https://www.kwcdental.com/blog/coconut-oil-pulling-dangers[11] https://www.today.com/health/skin-beauty/oil-pulling-benefits-rcna149337

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ave427@reddit

Seconding the electric toothbrush. Definitely a game changer.

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InadmissibleHug@reddit

Third it.

Get one with a pressure indicator. It feels unnaturally soft but it gets the job done

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Accurate_Weather_211@reddit

Fourthing the electric toothbrush, true game changer. My dentist also recommended a non-abrasive toothpaste for me. I use Sensodyne but there are many others on the market.

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LayerNo3634@reddit

I have never heard of replacing crowns every 10 years. I have a 40 year old crown that is still doing its job (famous last words/knock on wood!). Definitely get a 2nd opinion.

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TravelerMSY@reddit

It sucks. You’re not saving a dime by deferring dental care. I learned the hard way too. Now I have to go for cleanings every three months if I want to keep those teeth.

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bird9066@reddit

I don't want to keep my teeth. Both my parents had dentures in their forties. I have teeth that are literally a single wall of natural tooth. I can't find a dentist who doesn't insist on keeping natural teeth no matter how little of it is left. It's ridiculous.

I currently have three broken teeth and the rest are so worn down it's stupid. I spent almost a year in the hospital so my teeth were definitely on the back burner. I just can't anymore. I can't take the time, the cost or the pain.

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bradatlarge@reddit

Dentists and natural teeth = doctors keeping people alive no matter what

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Just-Ice3916@reddit

This had to be said. Completely agree.

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TravelerMSY@reddit

Uggh.

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stanley_leverlock@reddit

Like others have said: get a second opinion. I had a dentist that I loved until all the veneers they put in started popping off a year later. A few dentists later I finally found one that takes dental health seriously without recommending shit that won't help you.

Whatever you do don't let anything get to an exposed nerve issue. That is something that will motivate you to go to the dentist as often as possible.

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MovingTarget-@reddit

Yeah Baby!

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

Been thinking of him all day lol

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Ok-Pension4225@reddit

My dentist suggested teeth straightening, like invisalign, but I don’t know if I can take teeth straightening again. I switched toothpastes to Sensodyne Pronamel but don’t know if its making a difference.

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

I had a dentist suggest it as well. I’ve been using sensitive for years, and I do feel like my teeth are less sensitive. I also wear a mouth guard so it could be that as well

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mydarkerside@reddit

I think I take care of my teeth decently well, but still have issues as I get older. I don't get cavities, but have issues that come along with getting older. I grind my teeth during sleep and cracked a tooth two years ago and needed a root canal and crown. I have thinning enamel and my front teeth and wearing down from the grinding and just wear and tear.

The dentists always say thing same thing: electric toothbrush, floss, water pick, nightguard. But on top of that, what I think works for me is using Listerine nightly along with brushing and flossing.

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

Water pick AND flossing? How long is your routine? I stopped using mouthwash when I stopped rinsing ( so the toothpaste could stay on my teeth and continue working its magic )

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mydarkerside@reddit

😂 No no.. I don't do all those things. I'm saying those are all the recommendations that my dentist tells me to do.

I just do Listerine, brush, and floss. I use a manual toothbrush, and they always recommend an electric. I do have a waterpick, but I don't use it because its messy and inconvenient. They suggested a cordless one and use it in the shower, or at least for my back teeth which are harder to brush/floss. And they always push me to get a nightguard, but I just don't like having something in my mouth when I sleep.

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FrauAmarylis@reddit

Dental tourism. Take a trip to Turkey.

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Soft-Caterpillar8749@reddit

I got mine done in Mexico. I’m never going to an American dentist again

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

Yeah good call. If I’m dropping $4k and I can spend part of it at a tropical destination while also getting my teeth fixed then, sonofabitch im in

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psychologystudentpod@reddit

https://www.cancundentalspecialists.com/

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Gobucks21911@reddit

Turkey Teeth!

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MaleficentProgram997@reddit

Get a second opinion!

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Dondontootles@reddit (OP)

Good point. My shitty insurance picked this dentist but I’ll look into my options for a provider.

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Listen-to-Mom@reddit

Yes. I had a dentist who routinely suggested deep cleaning the gums, or something like that. Switched dentists and it was never mentioned.

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MaleficentProgram997@reddit

Same, a dentist worked with a bunch of my officemates. I didn't go to him because he wasn't conveniently located to my home. He did this treatment that you use on people with receding gums, told everyone it was preventative. One single person switched to a new dentist who never suggested it, even after being asked about it due to their previous treatments from Doctor $100-a-pop (which were not covered by insurance so they were all paying out-of-pocket). Everyone followed suit, switched to different dentists, not a single one of them needed that treatment ever again.

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FeralBanshee@reddit

Go to a periodontist for advice and also get other opinions. I had severe gum disease on a couple teeth (which was from a cancer drug I went on) and needed gum surgery and I got crowns because it was my front tooth and looked weird. A different dentist wanted to PULL those teeth! Luckily they couldn’t cuz of that drug I had been on. I also saw two others. The only person I felt had a sane approach was the periodontist.

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BexKix@reddit

Second opinion as others have mentioned.

I’ve had one dentist say I need 4 fillings, and 6 months later another say I’m fine.

The first dentist wanted “perfect” teeth in me and some $$$ with his new practice. (Every single person needed fillings as I sat waiting and watched 3 people check out/ create appointments. Coincidence that I “needed” work too?) The second was an older guy a few years from retirement.

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GrumpyCatStevens@reddit

Only one root canal so far, but I finally started taking my dental health seriously when my current dentist pointed out how much bone I've lost.

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Jebgogh@reddit

some people have teeth yellowing from having lifetime of fluoride exposure along with coffee and all the rest

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Pharsydr@reddit

Wait what, had no idea fluoride contributed to that. Figures.

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Jebgogh@reddit

yeah, weird but true. after fluoride was added to water, they started to notice when fluoride used with children can cause teeth to go yellowish. Usually has to be excessive but can also be from drinking a lot of tap water if the city has a heavy hand.

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fedexmess@reddit

Brushing harder than required will cause gum line recession. Meth will turn teeth yellow.

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esquirlo_espianacho@reddit

So will coffee

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ForestFreakPNW@reddit

So will smoking. And cause gum recession.

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fedexmess@reddit

The meth thing was a joke...it seriously will though 😅

I know coffee is supposed to but I drink a lot of coffee and tea and my teeth aren't significantly discolored between 6 month cleanings.

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soifua@reddit

I’ve seen that look. Usually there are dogs involved.

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KorryBoston@reddit

I have 2 uncles that are dentists. I can tell you that the enamel doesn't grow back. Just getting back to regular flossing and dental hygiene will slow the progression. But I do agree with other responses...get a second opinion. I had a dentist that kept pushing me to crowns to fix old fillings. So, I did because they are the experts. When I moved, the new dentist was like "Your teeth are perfect. You don't need more crowns" and I have zero issues

I only issue with my new dentist is one hygienist...she keeps pushing tongue scraping. I get there are benefits, but everything else in my mouth is fine

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Used-Look6356@reddit

Ugh same. My gums have receded so much. I use an ultra soft toothbrush.

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divergurl1999@reddit

Omg. Dental neglect as a kid, Army breaking my molars when they used a hammer/chisel to break my wisdom teeth for extraction, root canals done, root canals needed but couldn’t afford, those teeth are broken in bits at the gumline and have been falling out intermittently over the years. I’d love to afford to extract those but VA Health doesn’t cover dental. Over brushing and using teeth whitener in my 30s in a pathetic attempt to slow down the progression has me in the same boat. Stress induced teeth clenching and grinding in my sleep is making it so much worse.

Being in our 50s sucks, dentally speaking.

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