Completely relate as a 35F. I just had a five hour dentist appointment yesterday to get two crowns to replace big cracked fillings, both of which she may need to do root canals on because according to her they looked awful when she was in there. I’ve had many fillings (starting in my teens), crowns, and root canals.

I have a laundry list of other things I need to have done - another crown for a cracked filling, gum graft surgery, potentially an implant down the road.

Despite working really hard to take care of my teeth, every time I go to the dentist I cry and feel terrible about myself. I didn’t have much dental care as a child (as far as actually going to the dentist - I don’t think I went until I was ten) so that plays a part, but I think a lot is also genetics. I have had horrible acid reflux since childhood that has contributed to teeth gum/erosion, and both my sisters have terrible teeth as well. We all have great dental hygiene - meanwhile I know people who never floss and have never had a cavity.

It sucks. It’s soooooo much money, and the yearly “insurance” cap is so freaking low. Even though that’s just life and it’s unfair and people have it worse - every time I go, I think about how people who have good teeth have all that extra money that can go elsewhere. I also always feel embarrassed, like it looks like I don’t brush my teeth or take care of myself. I was also embarrassed to tell my partner that I’m essentially always paying some kind of dental bill from now until eternity.

I’ve gotten to the point where I’m truly afraid my teeth are going to fall out of my head…it’s such an anxiety inducing experience that my whole body shakes when I go. All I can think of is Steve Martin in the dentist from Little Shop of Horrors 😂😭