Panic: What if All My Teeth Fall Out?

[theshadowoftheliving]

Okay, so I know that I am overreacting. But I can't stop panicking. Like, full fledged, anxiety attack, panic attack panicking. I think the anxiety is just a cover for whatever is really the matter, whatever that might be. But knowing that doesn't stop it.

I just can't get rid of the thought that all my teeth are probably going to fall out and I'm going to be toothless and even worse of than I am now.

I've had a string of dental work done in the last year. More than usual, but nothing so terrible. I have dental issues. But, my dentist does tell me that my teeth are pretty normal for my age, since I'm not really all that young anymore. So, there isn't evidence that tooth loss is coming soon.

But I can't stop panicking. This has been happening for months. I can't get a grip on it. It's the sort of panic that gives me nightmares about losing my teeth (and I actually cracked a tooth grinding my teeth during one such nightmare - but I can't for the life of me get a dental guard into my mouth without so many flashbacks I vomit).

I'm really worried I'm ruining my teeth and my health by panicking about my teeth. But I can't stop.

Any ideas?

 

[Empty Shell]

Okay, so I know that I am overreacting. But I can't stop panicking. Like, full fledged, anxiety attack, panic attack panicking. I think the anxiety is just a cover for whatever is really the matter, whatever that might be. But knowing that doesn't stop it.

I just can't get rid of the thought that all my teeth are probably going to fall out and I'm going to be toothless and even worse of than I am now.

I've had a string of dental work done in the last year. More than usual, but nothing so terrible. I have dental issues. But, my dentist does tell me that my teeth are pretty normal for my age, since I'm not really all that young anymore. So, there isn't evidence that tooth loss is coming soon.

But I can't stop panicking. This has been happening for months. I can't get a grip on it. It's the sort of panic that gives me nightmares about losing my teeth (and I actually cracked a tooth grinding my teeth during one such nightmare - but I can't for the life of me get a dental guard into my mouth without so many flashbacks I vomit).

I'm really worried I'm ruining my teeth and my health by panicking about my teeth. But I can't stop.

Any ideas?

But I can't stop panicking. This has been happening for months. I can't get a grip on it. It's the sort of panic that gives me nightmares about losing my teeth (and I actually cracked a tooth grinding my teeth during one such nightmare - but I can't for the life of me get a dental guard into my mouth without so many flashbacks I vomit).

Sorry, but I'm not real savvy on replying. I completely relate - I do the same thing, and grind my teeth every night and clench them everyday. I have run on panic and anxiety literally since for all my life. Suggestion: Have you asked your dentist for any ideas? Also, they have a new night guard out! It looks a lot smaller and I think it just sits on your molars. I haven't seen it but you don't need to boil and fit. My teeth were wearing down when I was 20 and the dentist told me I was grinding my teeth, and I didn't know there was anything I could do. I started to wear them several years ago. They help, so I hope you go check it out - I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck.

 

[hithere]

I think the model for stopping this behavior is to sit and visualize yourself with no teeth and imagine it for as lo g as you can tolerate and try to do it for a full 5 minutes. imagine it and focus on it happening.

what will probably happen is you'll become acclimated to the thought and wint be scary anymore. just like height phobia when you sit in the distress of it all of a sudden. you can look out and not be afraid anymore

 

[Friday]

What if all your teeth fall out? Then you get dentures or implants.
And then what?
I’ll have teeth, again.

It’s called the “And then what?” Game. You look at whatever your mind has chosen to freak the hell out about and treat it as real, and follow it to the logical conclusion(s).

Emotions don’t logic so hot, so by chasing down each :eek: OMFG :eek: it helps put capstones on whatever tool it’s using to spin you up.

Chase down the tangents, too.

But what if I can’t afford it?
Then I’ll get dental insurance. Or go through the university dental school program. Or apply for a medical line of credit m
And then what?
I’ll get dentures or implants.
And then what?
I’ll have teeth, again.

One night as I lay thinking here, a What If crawled inside my ear.
It danced and partied all night long, And sang it’s little What If song.
- Shel Silverstein, A Light In The Attic

 

[Emotional girl]

@theshadowoftheliving I have not got any advice really but I wanted you to know that I have the exact same fear.I will wake up in the middle of the night in a panic that all my teeth have fallen out and have to check to make sure they are still there.
My friend told me the other day that she grinds her teeth at night and her dentist has told her to try acupuncture and she said it is helping her so maybe that is a option for you.

 

[cravinbob]

What do we panic about? Much of it is the unknown but why does it seem to consume us? Every day we have questions and are confronted by mysteries, we see people and we do not know them so we assess what we see and quickly move on, right or wrong we move on.
Losing teeth, all of them, is traumatic all the way around. Panic disorder is very real even though there is nothing obvious to us or others to truly panic about. The brain can be seen and studied, living or dead but the mind cannot be seen. Obsessing is a side effect of the disorder and becomes the front and center of dictating our life.
Panic disorder is not visible to others and there is no cure that works in a few days so what to do? Accept that it is who you are first, don't fight it- float with it. Your main thoughts now are your teeth and I know I am losing mine soon and it is a fear that is real. We need to learn about what is involved and how the dental profession treats these conditions. Do you have a good dentist? If you don't then find one and ask questions. The unknown has to be enlightened and be known then you can deal with it intelligently. Vocalize your fears to those that have educated answers, this is not 1890 thank God, we have painless dentistry!
The little things we must do will help such as avoiding the stimulants that cause restless sleep. Have busy days doing what we need to do and healthy meals followed by relaxation then sleep. You have cause to be nervous but you need to rate fear on a scale of 1-10. Dental work should not be 10! Flying on a disabled 747 should be a 10. Going into battle should be 10 for someone without training but 5 for a soldier who is well-equipped and in good physical shape.
When you have an episode you need to relax. Breathe in through your nostrils and out slowly through your mouth, eyes closed, this is actually the only time I know that you will actual stop your mind from chattering at you if only for a few seconds. Start to learn how to balance your life. Worry has a place but not all day. Do things you love and things that need done. Internal dialogue is okay but too much is too much. Little by little it will subside so do not expect a lot too soon, it will diminish when you take it on intelligently!