I am almost 24 and I haven’t been to a dentist in about 12 years, and I cant really afford to go to one either so I really need your help. For the past 12 years, I have been drinking soda about 2-4 times a day every day, my diet is fast food during that entire time, and I have only really just brushed my teeth everyday and thats it.
Recently, I have noticed my teeth are pretty yellow, and so I have been making changes. I floss my teeth, I brush my teeth, and I use mouth wash, I have also given up pop except on ocassions and I have tried to change my eating habits.
I have noticed though that between my teeth, and mostly between specific teeth, it is brown down along the sides, not all the way down, but it starts from the top of the tooth toward the gumline down to about a 3rd of the tooth, and so far it is just along the sides where my toothbrush cant get to. So, what does it all mean? Is it something really bad? Can I do anything about it on my own (not going to dentist cause I cant afford it!!!) If you can give me any information it would be greatly appreciated, and, tips on how to whiten my teeth, anything that you can tell me will be grateful but I have been really worried about these browning areas.
- Brandon from Washington
Brandon,
If money is a problem for you, I need to tell you something. Dental neglect is very expensive. If you haven’t been to the dentist for ten years and now you’re starting to see funny colors on your teeth, I would scrape together a couple of hundred dollars and get your teeth at least checked, small cavities filled, and getting them cleaned could also be helpful. I’m not sure what is wrong, without seeing it, but the brown areas could be decay, and that worries me.
Almost all dental problems start as simple, small cavities. When they are allowed to grow they become root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, and other very expensive things that cost thousands of dollars. You need to know what is happening to your teeth, before they start speaking to you. 
Watching the pop drinking is good. Adding flossing to your routine is good. Mouthwash really won’t help any of your dental problems – it provides cosmetic help and may help your breath smell better. Limiting the frequency of eating is the best single preventive practice you can undertake to keep from getting cavities. Added to your brushing and flossing, that should keep you in good shape, and if you need to save money on dental care, you could maybe go every couple of years until you get into your thirties when gum disease starts to become a real threat.
Just a word to the hopefully wise.
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