Any dental professionals here? Need advice.

[KelNottAt]

Ugh. Bad news from my dad the other day. He said he was planning to visit the doctor about a couple things that are bothering him. One is a weak, painful hip. OK, fine, maybe arthritis, etc. I’m glad he’s getting it checked out. In addition, he is tired and achy in general. (He’s 65, 6’3”, 240 lbs., HBP medicated.)

The other is tooth-related. He said he wanted to ask the doctor (huh? Dad, go to a DENTIST) about what’s going on in his mouth. Apparently Dad has been waking up most mornings to find bloody pus drooled out of his mouth during the night. (TMI, sorry.) He said he thinks he’s swallowing it during the day too, and that’s adding to his discomfort.

Dad has already lost about 3 teeth to poor hygiene, now this. Plus, he says he’s got 2 or 3 other loose ones. What’s worse, he said if the doctor refers him to a dentist, he won’t go.

I want to scream. It seems to me that he has an infection in his teeth/gums/mouth. I’m blaming that for the fatigue and body aches. I’m hoping the MD prescribes an antibiotic for an infection so he can hopefully start feeling better.

But an antibiotic won’t address the underlying cause…which is probably some form of periodontal disease. I fear his case is so advanced that he needs some pretty aggressive treatments. But this is a man who says he won’t go to the dentist.

So, if you’ve read this far, thank you. Is there anyone here on the DIS who can guide me in what to ask the next time I talk to him? (He’s in NC and I’m in MD, so I just can’t bop down there and lead him through this.)

Also, I’d love to hear how gum disease is treated and what it can lead to if left untreated.

Thanks,

 

[Diva of Dragons]

Hi!

I'm no expert but I agree that his tooth problems are probably the cause of a lot of what is bothering him. I do know that poor dental hygiene and gum disease can have serious effects on the heart! Even healthy people who have mild heart conditions, like mitral valve proplapse etc..., are often required to take antibiotics before having dental work done, in case any bacteria travel from the gums to the heart during the procedure.

I hope you and his Dr. can persuade your father to get the help he needs. If he is actually phobic of Dentists, maybe his Dr. can prescribe something to calm him before he goes.

Best of Luck!!

 

[KelNottAt]

Thanks!

You know, he's never explained why he hates dentists. My impluse is to say he wants to avoid pain. But, knowing him, he wants to avoid a lecture on dental hygiene.

I guess we'll see...