Facing My Fear: My Journey to Dental Health and Wellness

If you had asked me a year ago what my biggest fear was, I might have said something dramatic—bridges, deep water, or cold weather. But if I’m being honest? It’s the dentist.

For the past 20 years, I have avoided dental care beyond the occasional cleaning, and it wasn’t because I didn’t think it was important. It was because of fear. A fear rooted in a near-death experience that left me traumatized and hesitant to ever step foot in a dentist’s office again.

The Experience That Changed Everything

In my 30s, I had a routine tooth extraction that turned into a nightmare. I developed a severe infection that spread rapidly, sending a red line from my jaw to my heart—a sure sign of sepsis. I was hospitalized for weeks, fighting for my life. It was so serious that a nun sat at my bedside reading me the Bible because the doctors believed I wouldn’t survive.

But somehow, against all odds, I pulled through.

That experience left me with deep dental anxiety. Even though I would occasionally go in for a cleaning, the idea of even just the cleaning sent me into panic mode. And so, as the years went by, my dental visits became less frequent. I ignored the little signs—the sensitivity, the gum irritation and bleeding—until I couldn’t anymore.

Facing the Truth About My Dental Health

Now in my 50s, I realize I can’t ignore my teeth any longer. After five years without a cleaning or dental work, I finally made the decision in late 2024 to prioritize my health. Hey, don't judge! Better late than never. I am much more comfortable taking care of others, people pleasing and overworking.

What I learned in just a couple of months has completely shifted my perspective on the importance of dental care.

1. The Shocking Truth About Calcium Buildup

I had no idea how the calcium buildup on my teeth could affect my overall health. Turns out, this hardened plaque harbors bad bacteria that can easily enter your bloodstream, contributing to chronic inflammation throughout the entire body. 

This explained a lot—I have been dealing with inflammation in my joints, fatigue, many autoimmunce conditions and other random health issues. I never once considered that my teeth might be playing a role in that.

Given my history with breast cancer and chemotherapy in 2014, I was told that chemo has long-term effects on dental health, making my situation even more concerning.

2. Not All Dental Floss Is Created Equal

I recently learned (from the periodontist) that Glide floss contains Teflon, the same chemical used in nonstick cookware. Not only is this concerning from a toxic exposure standpoint, but it doesn’t even work to remove food particles because nothing sticks to it.

So I’ve now switched to a woven floss that actually grabs onto plaque and debris. Small change, big impact.

This is what was recommended to me and what I currently use: https://amzn.to/3CXynnU

3. The Power of an Electric Toothbrush

I was also shocked to learn that using a manual toothbrush isn’t nearly as effective as an electric one. A high-quality electric toothbrush cleans deeper, removes more plaque, and doesn’t require aggressive scrubbing—which can actually damage gums. Switching to one has already made a huge difference in how clean my teeth feel.

While I am sure I learned how to properly brush my teeth when I was a kid, I was reminded that a full 2 minutes of brushing is required. 30 seconds on each of the 4 quadrants of your mouth. So the toothbrush they recommended is one with a 2 minute timer. I have enough to think about in a day so setting a timer to brush my teeth isn't priority. Whoever invented this timer toothbrush is brilliant! Marketing targeted to the convenience factor!

This is the toothbrush I have that was recommended by my dentist: (and yes, you can buy replacement heads for it) https://amzn.to/4k4EaJ1

4. Periodontal Disease & Deep Cleanings

Because of my years of neglect, I now have periodontal disease, meaning that my gums have begun to pull away from my teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive. The solution? Deep cleanings.

The problem? Deep cleanings are painful, and they trigger my dental anxiety. But I now understand that this pain is temporary, while the consequences of ignoring my teeth are permanent.

Commitment to My Dental Health & Overall Wellness

So far, I’ve had a root canal, three fillings, countless X-rays, and a consult with a periodontist. This is only the beginning of my dental health journey, but for the first time in 20 years, I am prioritizing my teeth instead of avoiding them.

I share this story not just for myself, but for others who might be struggling with the same fears, and especially for my kids—so they don’t have to go through what I’m going through. I’ve always believed in documenting my journey, which is why I blogged throughout my breast cancer experience and continue to share my path to wellness. If what I’ve learned can help someone else take control of their health sooner, then it’s worth sharing.

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist, let this be your sign to make the call. I won’t say it’s easy, but I can say it’s worth it. Your health—and your future—depend on it.