Where to go?

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I haven’t been to the dentist in about 10 years since having depression and anxiety and it affecting my oral hygiene due to embarrassment and people thinking they can say it how it is with little regard to how it makes me feel because they don’t know I have mental health issues or they don’t understand mental health, I have symptoms of mouth cancer and finally went doctors after building the courage up and was told to go to the dentist, I don’t know why does it mean it’s not cancer so go dentist it’s a dirty mouth, or he doesn’t know anything about oral cancer but then shouldn’t of he got another doctor? I’m not going dentist, which I also told the doctor I hadn’t been since my depression due to embarrassment and anxiety so what should I do? Thanks Lisa

Karla S- Macmillan 19 days ago

Good morning Lisa,

Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.

My name’s Karla, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I’m glad you’ve reached out to us for support. Coping with anxiety and depression can be tough and I appreciate how hard you worked to build up the courage to see your GP.

Only your GP can explain what they think is happening with your mouth and why they’ve said to go to a dentist.

We’d recommend calling your GP practice today to ask if your doctor is worried you may have mouth cancer. And to let them know that’s what you’re worried about (if you haven’t done this already). If they concerned your symptoms could be caused by cancer, they can refer you to a specialist at hospital for further tests.

If your GP isn’t concerned you have cancer but thinks you need some dental care, only a dentist can do this. You’re not alone in having anxiety about going to the dentist, many people feel the same.

Dentists are much more aware and ready to help people who experience anxiety. And there are things that can help you cope.

Finding a dentist you trust and talking through your worries lets them support you. Relaxation and breathing exercises can help you feel calmer. Bringing a relative or friend for support can also help you feel more relaxed and safer. Medications can be useful too in easing anxiety.

If you get support in coping with your anxiety and depression, we’d recommend talking through why you don’t want to go to the dentist. Talking about this with someone who understands your mental health might help.

You’re welcome to give us a call to talk about what’s happening over the phone with one of the nurses on our Support Line. We often find that we can help people more after doing this as it allows us to ask questions about your individual situation.

I hope this information helps to guide you.

Best wishes,

Karla, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

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Where to go?