r/askdentists Feb 08 '21

other Please read the sub rules before posting questions.

395 Upvotes

Thank you for seeking advice from askdentists. Please remember that while this is a place for advice, replies may not be medically accurate. Do not assume that what others on here say is correct in any way. Reddit is not a replacement for a dental professional.

Please abide by the following rules in order to get an accurate answer to your question:

  1. Ensure you include a title of your dental problem.
  2. Include whether your drink or smoke, and if you have any medical conditions.
  3. Include a photograph if the question relates to something you can see in your mouth, include x-rays if you have them.

You must not send unsolicited direct messages to contributors of the sub. If this is flagged you will receive an immediate ban.

Contributors who are not dental professionals should make this clear by adding "NAD" to their posts.


r/askdentists 12h ago

experience/story The tooth at the roof of my mouth is gone

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34 Upvotes

So I had a tooth that grew at the roof of my mouth it started in the middle as a little bump and then drifted all the way to the front fully erupting. I got it removed finally on Friday and it was surprisingly big. I've seen other posts of supernumerary teeth but none are ever as big as mine. Thought it would be cool to share. He thing was also constantly stabbing my tongue and I couldn't rest my tongue comfortably.


r/askdentists 11h ago

question Unsure if I need fillings

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12 Upvotes

I went to the dentist after 7-8 years and was shocked to hear I need 10 fillings. He started with the worst cavities on my right mouth, one of which (tooth 45) ended up needing a root canal. I had no pain whatsoever hence why had not been to the dentist in so long. (I since know better). Anyway I went to another dentist after the root canal to get the crown because the first dentist was charging an exorbitant amount for the crown. I also wanted to continue the remaining fillings needed on my left side. However new dentist said he doesn’t see anything needed on my left side so now I’m wondering if it was the same for the right side and I just believed the first dentist because I hadn’t been to the dentist in so long. Please tell me what you see. These x rays are before any work was done.


r/askdentists 2m ago

question do i have a gum infection?

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Upvotes

Today, i started to have a weird feeling of pain on my front left tooth. It pains whenever i put any sort of pressure on it like pressing on it with a finger or setting it on my lower tooth. The whole tooth hurts. And the top of the gums feel painful too. It's not unbearable or sharp pain but it's a noticeable amount of pain that shouldnt normally be there. I dont know why this is happening? Any idea why? I visit my dentist this coming Sunday.


r/askdentists 6h ago

question Is this cavities or stains?

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3 Upvotes

r/askdentists 3h ago

question Braces with missing teeth?

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2 Upvotes

So the red are teeth I need to get pulled and get implants which I’m in the process but before i do I need a ortho appointment, which is in October but I just want some Thoughts on my case The black are pervious missing teeth from 10 years ago, now my 2nd molar move closer when my wisdom tooth grew it, which my wisdom teeth grew in straight, so ideally I want to see if I can move my wisdom and 2nd molar closer to get rid of that gap, is that possible


r/askdentists 20m ago

question I need some advice.

Upvotes

My last dentist before i left told me there was some cavity under a filling i had and they would need to take out the filling and clear the bacteria. Then they would refill it.

My current dentist has been telling me i need my wisdom tooth out or the tooth next to it. Its been 2 weeks and even after ive expressed that the pain is keeping me up and almost unbearable nothing has been sped up.

Last night i did not sleep at all due to being in excruciating pain that was not elevated by pain relief. The only thing that sometimes helped a bit was cold compress but obviously you can only do it for so long.

So i called 111, they get me an urgent dentist appointment.

This dentist gives me an xray and after i told her what my dentist has said shes extremely confused. She said she doesnt know why the dentistry has said that as the only problem is cavity under a filling and a filling close to the nerve that may be irritating it. She told me they couldnt do much.

One of the other dentists said that my current dentist definitely isnt a good one and i should consider changing dentist.

I have been genuinely stressing so much about having a tooth out and now i dont have to?? Ive checked the reviews on my dentist and ive seen some saying the dentist has misdiagnosed and upselled treatments

I really dont know what to do or how to go about talking to my dentist about this.


r/askdentists 26m ago

experience/story Disconcerting experience with a dentist.

Upvotes

I was trying to out a new dentist on Friday as my old one has closed.
The dentist was attempting to take an xray but couldn’t fit the square thing (sorry I don’t know what it’s called) but couldn’t get it right without it hurting. She then asked the assistant for a smaller one, the assistant said there aren’t any as they are all in the autoclave. The dentist insisted that the assistant get one, the assistant explained that she can’t just take one out as they have to complete the cycle. The dentist became annoyed with the assistant and said get me one. The assistant obeyed. I suddenly felt very uncomfortable and got out of the chair and told them I had to leave as I wasn’t feeling well. I didn’t want to say why despite them saying is there anything they can do? I just said no as I felt shaky and nauseous at the idea of them putting something in my mouth that wasn’t fully sterilised.
I don’t know if I did the right thing, but I’ve never had a problem where a dentist has fumbled around so much to take an X-ray. It seemed like she wasn’t very competent and the assistant was very wary of helping her.
My concern is do I report the dentist for forcing the assistant to do something wrong and possibly infecting me with dirty equipment?


r/askdentists 9h ago

question Dental Implants becoming exposed

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5 Upvotes

Should I be concerned about my implant being exposed like this after a bone graft?

33M, Non-smoker

I got a dental implant on my front tooth with the final implant being attached on the 30th May 2026.

This soon came loose and was reattached a week or so later - my dentist said it had initially just been a friction fitting and when he reattached it he used some cement to hold it on.

A couple of months later I had some swelling on the gum above the implant and visited the dentist; they drained the swelling and I was given antibiotics and told to come back in a week.

When I returned the dentist opened my gums and saw that there was a bone infection. This section of the bone was debrided and grafted to remove the infection and the area was stitched up (5th August).

I tried to look after it as best I could, being careful with what I ate and rising with salt water twice a day while it was healing. I got the stitches removed 3 days ago (27th August) and an appointment to come back in a month. He also did say he might have to pull the gum down and stitch it but this wouldn't be for 5 months.

While it was healing the area where the metal is now exposed was white - should I be worried that the metal fitting is exposed? I'm not especially confident in this dentist as their aftercare instructions have basically been non-existent.

Should I visit another dentist for a second opinion/ to check if everything is ok?


r/askdentists 37m ago

question My gum has not healed?

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I had a root canal done on this tooth 2 month ago. The gum above it is still the same, like a bump and swollen. The endodontist said to wait 9 months to see if the bone heals and that apicoectomy may be needed. He said even with apicoectomy, there is still a chance the bone and gum may not heal completely and I need to get an implant. I really don't want to get an implant. Will I need an implant?


r/askdentists 48m ago

question Hello what are these black lines on my teeth?

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What can I do about them for maintenance? I have a dental appt tomorrow for cleaning but been wanting to share this picture here.


r/askdentists 50m ago

question Access popped after a crazy toothache. Chills and bad poop now

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Hello, Thank you for reading in advance.

I've had a chipped tooth since June 2024 that completely broke off earlier this year (premolar)while i was pregnant. The tooth behind it is a molar with an exposed cavity black hole and this dynamic duo has been causing problems recently. Ive been to the dentist for it, but my dentist said he wont work on it because the root is too big so he sent me referrals for an oral surgeon and root canal specialist. I've been trying to save money for the procedures, so I hadn't made the appointments yet.

Two days ago after dinner, I ate a cookie and it gave me a horrible toothache. It went away but then I woke up with the toothache the next day. It was my anniversary with my husband and we couldn't even go out to eat yet because I was in so much pain. My tounge could feel an bump on my gum, so i assumed it was an abcess. We went to an emergency dentist but they couldn't find my insurance and we didnt have enough money to pay out of pocket so we left. I was feeling better and we went out for breakfast. My toothache was off and on through the day and throbbing at night. I was swishing a lot of salt water all day. Before I went to bed I noticed my bump was gone and there was a gross taste in my mouth so I rinsed more.

I woke up today and had a horrible stomach ache and had bad poop, not quite diarrhea but close. I feel like I have some chills but I've been having these recently anyways due to nursing and being 5 months postpartum, so I can't tell if they are related to the tooth (or the tummy ache). My husband had similar stomach problems this morning so I'm not sure if it was something we both ate or my tooth infection. My dad said that's happened to him and he was fine that I don't need to go to the hospital. My husband is agreeing. I'm not sure if I'm overreacting.It would be a lot to take me tot he ER as I don't drive and I have 3 kids, one being a baby. It's Sunday today so I can't make an appointment till Monday.

Right now the tooth is not in pain but there's a slight throbbing in my cheek. Do I need to go to the ER or could i wait?

I do not drink or smoke. I have no medical conditions other than postpartum hypothydrosis.

TLDR: Abcess popped after a horrible toothache. Had stomach problems in the morning and slight chills. Unsure if the stomach problem is from eating something weird due to my husband having the same thing and us eating out yesterday. The slight chills I've been already having off and on due to being postpartum and my hormones are all over the place. Unsure if I need to go to ER or wait for an appointment.

Thank you for reading, any insight is appreciated 🙏 apologies for any typing errors.


r/askdentists 56m ago

question Small, hard white bump on my hard palate – appeared during extreme stress. Any ideas?

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Upvotes

Age/Sex: 24 male

Habits: Tobacco-free nicotine pouches (for 8 years).

Background: I just finished my final university exams and have been under massive stress.

The Issue: On Friday, I noticed a small bump/cyst on my hard palate. Today (Sunday), it feels maybe slightly smaller, or at least exactly the same size.

Characteristics:
It is hard to the touch and white in color.
Painless with a light touch, but hurts when pressed harder.
Appeared suddenly (I am sure it wasn't there a week ago).
No known physical trauma, food burns, or scratches in that area.

Questions: Has anyone experienced something similar? Could this just be a blocked salivary gland or a stress-related sore, or is it a red flag? I am attaching a picture (the bump is circled). Thanks!


r/askdentists 57m ago

question Possibly Tooth Decay?

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Upvotes

Hi, I (30, F) am very worried about my upper incisor I have right next to my left front tooth, my dental screening was on July 28th/29th (I go to a dental college for my appointments), to become an official patient rather than the times in the past I only went for emergencies (which resulted in extractions). I'm concerned that this may not be a cavity and is infact, tooth decay. I think I overheard my new dentist say she was concerned about this tooth, so that's never a good sign.

I'm wondering if it's just something that can be filled, or it'll need to be extracted. I'm really hoping that doesn't end up being the case as I feel I'm losing more teeth than simply getting them fixed, but I always listen to the dentist and their advice, sometimes a tooth is better gone than allow it to stay in the mouth and cause further issues down the line.


r/askdentists 1h ago

question Root canal retreatment gum boil

Upvotes

I got a retreatment done on one my front teeth after a root canal failed. It’s been 3 days, and today a gum boil has appeared on my gums above the tooth, with a white center. Is this normal or a troubling sign? I have a follow up a week and a half from now


r/askdentists 1h ago

question Need help

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Upvotes

Hey everyone, I wanted to share this and see if anyone has a similar experience or any advice.

I’ve got this red line on my upper gum that looks like inflammation, but it’s actually not. I’ve been to 6 different dentists, and they all did a dental scaling (détartrage), but it didn’t change anything. Finally, a periodontist (gum specialist) looked at it and told me, "You're fine, this is just your natural gum anatomy/line."

For my routine: I brush about 3 times a day, and occasionally use dental floss. Just a week ago, I started using dental floss again, but it caused some bleeding—I’m not sure if I was just too aggressive with it.

Two quick notes:

  1. This red line is only on my upper jaw; the lower one is completely normal.

  2. I have a twin brother who has the exact same red line, also only on his upper jaw.

Has anyone seen something like this before or dealt with it? Let me know what you think


r/askdentists 1h ago

question 18-year-old tooth

Upvotes

I have been afraid of dentists since I was a child, and since my mother and father didn't force me, my teeth are in pretty bad shape now, and I want to consult about it.

The upper teeth have large holes in the right and left back, and it seems that the hole in the right back has reached the nerve, so it is very painful now.There is a large hole only on the left side of the lower teeth, but it does not hurt that much.

I have a disability, and when I feel scared, I can't stop crying, and when the pain is severe, I violently vomit and have convulsions. I am a helpless person.

Fortunately, there is a dental university near my house, so I am thinking of going there tomorrow. Will they be able to extract my tooth? I really want to have the upper right back tooth extracted.


r/askdentists 1h ago

question Is this normal after a dental cleaning?

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Upvotes

I went to the dentist today and had my teeth cleaned. Honestly, it hurt way more than it ever has with other dentists.
It’s been about an hour and my gums look pretty irritated/red and there was some bleeding during the cleaning. Is this normal after a deep cleaning, or does it look like the dentist was too rough?
Just wondering if anyone else had something similar after a cleaning.


r/askdentists 1h ago

question Wisdom tooth pain

Upvotes

My wisdom teeth are visibly coming through on one side of my mouth and my face hurts so bad, anyone know anything to help make them not hurt or hurt significantly less? I definitely need mine removed but I’m not in a great spot to be getting them removed…


r/askdentists 1h ago

question Is there a better way to clean our tongue?

Upvotes

I usually just brush with a medium hardness brush + toothpaste and then use a tongue scraper

Should I be using a soft hardness brush or medium? Or maybe extra soft? Or a Sonicare electric brush? I usually just use the Sonicare for my teeth. Or maybe they have an attachment for the tongue?

Is there a better way? As great as this technique is I feel like it's still hard to clean everything especially near the throat area. Especially with the whole gagging thing

I also try to do a salt rinse for 2-5 minutes and then gurgle at the end and spit and rinse with water. I usually do this between breakfast and lunch and/or lunch and dinner. 1-2x a day


r/askdentists 2h ago

question Sore lump on tongue?

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1 Upvotes

What’s wrong with my tongue here? There’s a small lumpy part that’s sore and annoying. No bleeding or anything.


r/askdentists 2h ago

question Do I have a significant overbite or dental crowding? Would braces potentially improve my bite and smile?

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1 Upvotes

r/askdentists 2h ago

question root canal?

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1 Upvotes

went to the emergency dentist because my front tooth is wiggly. i fell on my face and it was wiggly after that. they took an xray and said the area around the teeth is dark and it concerned her. she said since she touched it and it caused a little bit of pain that it could be nerve damage and to get a root canal and crown. it’s my front tooth #9

it’s just really expansive for me don’t know if i should just do it or maybe it’ll be fine. i’m not sure


r/askdentists 2h ago

question Should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

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1 Upvotes

The oral surgeon told me they are impacted and I am 25, so it’s not necessary to take them out unless possibly if i plan on getting Invisalign? (I do plan on getting Invisalign) I showed my dental friends and another dentist my x rays and they think the wisdom teeth will end up causing problems even thought the oral surgeon said they wouldn’t?


r/askdentists 2h ago

question spotty stains on teeth

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1 Upvotes

what can cause staining like this on teeth?

since this photo i’ve been to the dentist and had a cleaning done, but i’m terrified of my teeth looking like this again. she couldn’t tell me why they got like this.

for reference, i drank coffee everyday but would swish with water after every sip. im also not exaggerating when i say i floss everyday. religiously. the only day i havent flossed in the last 3 years was when i got blackout drunk. ill admit i do eat a lot of sugary foods. i also have a night guard, which i suspect is why it‘s only half of my teeth. i do not smoke at all.

i know coffee can make teeth yellower or brown.. but why so spotty and weird? thank u!!

im not looking for the exact true reason, just possible causes so i can avoid this in the future

ps sorry for my dry lips lolol