stop being afraid of the dentist

I cracked and lost a tooth 6 months ago playing field hockey. And even though there’s a huge gap where the tooth used to be, I still can’t go. I started hyperventilating just talking to the receptionist on the phone.

Here’s the fear: I haven’t been in a long time. So long in fact, that I am afraid of what they will find. So it leads some anxiety, because what if they do find something? Something that I can’t afford to pay for?

I haven’t been to the dentist in at least 10 years. I tried to go a couple of years ago and end up leaving the office when they wanted to x-ray my teeth.

It’s weird, because I used to not give a crap about going to the dentist. I would just go no big deal. Now it’s like I feel guilty about not going for so long—and the last thing I need is guilt trip from the dentist about my non-visits.

The other thing that I constantly worry about is the cost. Money is so freaking tight right now, so when I think: “Dentist visit or gas money for the month?” Gas money always wins out.

How long has it been since you’ve been to the dentist?

I mean, it’s seriously affecting my teeth. I know I need to go, but I’m freakin’ terrified.