in response to ...I saw ur posting and can relate to u as well,its sad that all across the us,people with medicare cant recieve help with something most people take for granted "healthy teeth"Honestly,my worst nightmare of losing teeth is happening to me also,due to having a gastric bypass in "01"oohhh dont ask:)but just wanted to say ur not alone,and hopefully someone will hear our stories and be able to help,we cant give up hope,and prayer:)well if u wanna chat further,Im here...Take care,jill
By Anonymous - on Jan 10, 2012
Posted in Cassie Minor
Good Morning! I am a 43 year old white male, live with my parents, have my 18 year old son living here also and live in a depressed area of Ohio. I made just under $10,000 last year. 25 years ago, I broke my front 2 teeth. They were filed down and had a cap put over them. Last night they decided to break off. After they fell out, I noticed that the caps must have been too big because the teeth on either side of the caps are cracked and will probably need replaced also. I contacted Medicaid and because my son is 18 (what that has to do with anything is beyond me) they said no help was available. I've spent hours on the net trying to find help to no avail. As you can imagine, $10,000 with your son living with you leaves you absolutely nothing for dental, vision etc. My life isn't the greatest, but I don't do drugs or drink (although, if I did, then I could get help), all I need is a little one time help here. Since the teeth fell out, my self esteem has hit rock bottom. I can't smile and now my speech has been affected. I know that you probably can't help, but I saw this and figured that the worse that could happen is being told 'your screwed'. Been told that a couple of times today already, so what's one more? :-) Thanks for taking the time to read this!! TS
thank you for the info. i am going to try and get help for my husband and i to get our teeth fixed. we cannot afford $5,000.00 dollars. we live in il. you have been very helpful.
I really hope someone can help....situation is this...my boyfriend is 29 years old and has had major teeth issues (from neglect) for as long as he can remember. He has medicaid insurance, which denies most work and due to pain and financial problems, he has had 8 teeth pulled and is now wearing a partial denture, which fits terrible, is painful and annoying. He needs to get either implants (i know VERY expensive) or a permanent bridge (also expensive). I have been looking into dental schools in the area, but they have a long waiting list and are supposedly about 20-25% less than a private dentist (which is still alot). I dont know what to do. We are located in Nassau County, which is on Long Island, NY. Please any suggestions, help!
The Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston) offers an emergency clinic. Generally, fees at dental schools are usually 1/3 to 1/5 the usual and customary fees in the area. You can find more information here and below. In addition, other treatments are available at the school for much lower cost. Learn how to become a patient.
FROM MUSC WEBSITE:
Emergency Care
The College of Dental Medicine has an emergency “walk in” clinic for both assigned and non assigned patients. Patients are seen in the Oral Medicine Clinic (First Floor, Room 119) Monday through Friday at 8:45 AM or 12:45 PM with the exception of Tuesday mornings. The phone number to the Emergency Dental Clinic is (843) 792-2101, option 1. College of Dental Medicine patients that need to be seen after hours for emergencies can call (843) 792-2123 and ask for the dental resident on call.
If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or any life threatening situations, please call 911 or present to the nearest Medical Emergency Room. Rendering of emergency care in no way obligates the College of Dental Medicine to assume responsibility for further treatment. If additional care is indicated following emergency treatment, patients must follow the usual screening procedures to qualify for comprehensive care.
in response to Mommysaysouch...Where are you located? How far can you travel? Did the office tell you why they needed you to come in for two more appointments? Did you have an x-ray of that particular tooth or all of your teeth? Do you remember anything mentioned like periodontal disease?
TIP: You can always ask an office for a consultation so you can have a chance to get to know the dentist and find one in which you feel comfortable.
I am a stay at home mom with a mouth full of pain! I went and got an exam and stays done at a place where the dr doesn't say two words to you. We decided to focus on the tooth that bothers me the most to be root canal or pulled. I don't have 2000 to get a root canal so I called to get it pulled and they want me to do two more $$$ appointment before. I it want it out so is can enjoy my kid without a washcloth of ice Tony face
Hi Leadinglady, Here is a link to the free dental clinic events in NC to the end of 2011. Also, it would be helpful to get into regular care and new x-rays. Go here to find the nearest dental hygiene school from the drop down, state menu and make an appointment. Keep in touch.
Good Morning Cassie, I pray you can help and guide me. I have began to experience horrible pain in my bottom teeth and gums. i do not have dental insurance as i just experienced divorce and funds are low . I am embarrased to say " i feel the bottom ones may fall out soon and they hurt so bad ..i just want them out and a way to get a partial or something. ( they are so weak i dont they can be saved ) ..my top front ones i wear a cheap flipper that is old... Cassie, i just want to be able to smile and not have dental pain. can you please help and guide me as to where i can go and get some assistance? feel free to call me at #704-858-4862 or email me at : theleadinglady@carolina.rr.com
in response to Cassie Minor...Hello,
I live in NJ. I could travel within the region by car or train. Possibly travel a distance out of the area with planning . Thank you for replying to my plight. I would appreciate any feedback.
Hello,
I am a hard working parent that takes my job as a parent seriously. I work full time and I have 3 beautiful children that I spend all the money I make ... taking care of my children's needs. After all is said and done there is never anything left for me. I am in need of extensive dental work due to years of postponing what I need to do for myself. How can I get assistance? I am concerned that my dental problems will lead to serious health problems ... as it is I have both loose and missing teeth.
I need Dential help, all my teeth are bad and infected I lost my job do to medical ,now I have no income, no insurance. could you please tell me where I could get Help. B.F. 19 Mace Circle ,Conway,AR 72032
in response to VolsVW...I will try to explain this as best as I can and give you some resources to help you better understand.
There are bacteria in many people's mouths that cause cavities. These bacteria enjoy the same meals as you, the same drinks as you. Sugars in soft drinks are quite energizing to the bacteria. They begin to have families and go potty. When they go potty, you get a cavity. Drinking sodas does not cause cavities alone. The worst cases are those in which the person sips on soft drinks daily, thereby feeding these bacteria all day. Give me a person that drinks soft drinks regularly and nine that do not and I will identify the one that does. I am sorry you feel this way since it is such a huge concern. As a matter of fact, ABC did a special on people in Appalacia drinking sodas. You can use PubMed to search research articles that show the damage caused by soft drinks.
I challenge you to ask your dentist about soft drinks on your next visit. The fact that it hasn't come up in your appointment makes no difference. If I were to explain all of the health issues and hazards to a patient in an appointment, I would only see one patient per day.
Cassie
One other thing: Do you think I just hate the soda companies? The truth is that I love people and I hate to see them unaware of damage they cause themselves with soft drinks. Also, educating the public pays me nothing.
This is difficult to swallow (no pun intended)! Sorry but there are so many people drinking soda that we would see MANY people with black teeth. Further, there wouldn't be just one dentist warning about it. My dentist who I've been going to for 15 years and hasn't yet stopped lecturing me about tooth health and brushing/flossing has NEVER ONCE mentioned mountain dew or any soft drink and damage to teeth, let alone black teeth. Sorry, can't buy this. Please cite a source or point the reader to some sort of supporting evidence for "soda damages teeth and ultimately causes them to fall out".
in response to the_broken_girl...I am glad you know. I hope you share. It is not worth the outcome to drink it habitually.Thanks for your post. ~Cassie
mt dew has afforded me a new set of dentures at the ripe ol age of 32 and trust me, the dental community is not feeling very sympathetic :(((((( i cant even wear the fake teeth
Cassie, I am in the real estate industry and having a hard time here in N. CA, Sonoma Co. and wondering if you know of any low/no cost help for dental services in this area?
Reply to Cassie Minor:--I watched a tv special about a group of people that live in the appalachian area, I forgot the name of the town, Almost the entire community had teeth that were rotted down to the gums because of Mountain Dew. The strange part of that story was that all these people were or are dirt poor and for some reason the poorer the community the more mountain dew and the worse teeth. I don't quite get the correlation between poverty and Mt Dew, why not diet coke or pepsi or any other soda, why just Mt Dew? Your info is invaluable to us here on aidpage though, we have so many people come through here with few if any teeth and suffering from constant mouth pain and any dental hygiene info is fabulous. Thankyou for posting all these resources. sheshe030
Mountain Dew habit – drinking Mountain Dew daily for any length of time especially throughout the day.However, any more frequently that 2-3 times a week is a habit.
You may ask yourself, why I would single out one soft drink.The truth is regular consumption of any soda will soften and break down your teeth.However, I can look inside the mouth of a person I do not know that has a Mountain Dew habit and tell them about their habit.Why?Because the appearance of the teeth in the mouth of a Mountain Dew addict is very similar to that of a methamphetamine user.It starts with lighter areas at the gum line that get lighter until they become opaque.Then they will, very easily, chip.The portion of the tooth in that area will develop a darker appearance from yellow brown to finally black.The last part of this process is quick.This is why you may see people with all black teeth.Cavities in this area have more chance of returning than other places because of it’s location near the gums.
In the free clinics, in which I volunteer, we often do full mouth extractions (all teeth).A Mountain Dew habit is frequently behind the damage. Is it worth it???
How to break a Mountain Dew habit!
1.Don’t stop cold turkey.The ugly detoxicating side effects are uncomfortable to say the least.
2.Wean yourself by cutting down how many you drink in half.Drink water (or anything except Mountain Dew) at other times.
3.On the half you are still drinking, mix ½ decaffeinated Mountain Dew to reduce the caffeine you are drinking.
4.Continue mixing more decaf Mountain Dew until you are no longer drinking caffeine. Now you can drop the Dew.
5.Drink green tea.It’s incredibly healthy and you can get that caffeine jump if you need it.
6.Swish small amount (teaspoon) of baking soda to balance acidity, but do not use it to brush.
You MUST start rebuilding your teeth quickly. You will need the assistance of a dental professional.
How to take care of your teeth while you are breaking the habit?
1.Get prescription fluoride gel or rinse from your dental healthcare provider, if possible.Use daily as prescribed.
2.Ask for treatments your dental healthcare provider can do to strengthen your teeth.There are pastes available in office that will help your teeth get stronger.
There will be a free dental clinic held in Sparta, NC on June 12 & 13.
NC Missions of Mercy has a FAQ page to answer questions about qualifications.
For directions, use the schedule page at NC Missions of Mercy and click the location.
For tips on attending a free clinic event, email me via the contact page at NC MPACT.
Dental professionals licensed in other states may volunteer under their home license. To sign up to volunteer, go to the NC Missions of Mercy sign up page.
For all of you that are having dental problems and seeking help, I want you to understand a few things.
First, be encouraged! You can get the help you need, but it will take some doing. Anything less than outright determination will not get you what you need.
Dentistry is very expensive. I'm not just talking about the patient's expense, I'm talking about the doctor's expense. Please understand that cost of dentistry is one that is felt by doctor and patient alike.
Last, you'll need to be determined. Yes, I said this before, but you must understand the need for determination in getting the dental care you seek.
Go to the If you need help page at NC MPACT to get you started in a direction.
I am frequently asked how to get help for unmet dental needs. First, I would like everyone to know that this is the very reason I became involved with dentistry. I was a patient in pain with limited resources, but more significantly, I lacked education. I invite all of you to ask questions about dental care and here are a few tips for getting the care you need.
Contact your local community colleges to determine if they have a dental hygiene school. Dental Hygiene School's can provide many services and resources to get you back to health.
Locate your state's dental schools. If you have one within a reasonable distance, you can find the help you need for 50% or less than regular dental fees.
Contact your state's dental society. The state dental society is an organization for dentists, but can frequently give guidance to those seeking help. Some state organizations specifically provide information for those in need.
Other great resources for finding free and low-cost dental care are local health departments and social services.
Whatever you do, stay encouraged and keep trying. It will take perseverance, but your health is worth it. Feel free to email any questions you have on your search.
I am in the same boat as you, under 30 and same teeth problems. I work in sales and have only 3 front teeth left, I understand the embarassment and because of past medical problems I am unable to get any sort of credit because of the medical bills on my credit report. If you find a way to get it done PLEASEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Let me know, the pain has been driving me crazy for almost 10yrs.
I am under 30 years old, single, grew up in foster homes with people unwilling to take me to get dental care. I have almost complete tooth loss. I have dental insurance through the law firm I work at, but it is useless. I don't qualify for carecredit because my credit sucks due to just plain not always being able to pay bills at 11.50 an hour. Anyone have any suggestions? Help? How do I get financed? We all know how painful tooth pain can be, I have put up with it for so long that I think I have a lot of dead nerves now too. I don't want to be vain, but we live in a vain world. This is embarrassing and painful. The fact that I even have to ask for help sickens me even worse, but I have no family and can't even afford a large loan payment, I don't even own a car to sleep in if I can't pay rent.
i have very bad rotted teeth i am in so much pain it hurts when i go outside loud sounds and all sorts of other distractions from the pain i have in my teeth i have tryed so hard to find help and have been turned away i can pay some on payments but have been denied credit i have 2 kids and am married to a great woman but this is puting a strain on us both im always in pain and have become depressed to the point i can not leave my home and have lost a big part of my life from the dental problems i have it is hard to describe but if you have bad teeth and abcess then you know the distress it causes i just want a little help to stop the pain even if i have to have them all pulled we need some sort of programe for the poor so no one has to deal with this pain and other issues this causes ......are any of the polititions listening any more or is it all stage and show they need to start here by helping nyone who needs dental service there are so many people who suffer every day from this and yes it does affect you'r life i am not a wealthy person and they charge outrageouse amounts to work on teeth so we suffer and then leads to more major medical problems i think a programe that helps stop tooth decay and dental services for the poor it would eliminate alot of uneeded visits to the e.r for short term pain reliefe of somthing that keeps coming back that one visit to a free dental clinic would relieve alot of unpaid emergancy room bills that some cannot pay and that canot recieve medicaid for one reson or other .....we need help in this country for this problem it is just going to get worse ......
Don't dew it!
Mountain Dew habit – drinking Mountain Dew daily for any length of time especially throughout the day. However, any more frequently that 2-3 times a week is a habit.
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