u/Real_Raspberry6577

i was thinking initially that it might be some weird eczema from the recent heatwave here in Illinois, but my mom thinks it could be hands foot and mouth disease and now im really freaked out. i dont have insurance and am not sure what i should do if its something serious 😭 these started just last thursday BEFORE i went thrifting so i dont think i caught it from that. theyre not too itchy just kinda annoying and they come and go somewhat. ask anything youd like im just wanting to figure this out. thank you

so hi! im that 23 y/o who has been poorly taking care of my teeth and am now hyper anxious about the hole in my front tooth and teeth sensitivity. im also noticing other cavities on my lower right side molars and top right hand molars. i have an appointment made for late august (on a list for if they have cancellations i can get in sooner) and they’re saying its gonna be $400 for a x ray, exam, and cleaning which with my support system and saving money i can probably afford. so i started using ollie toothpaste and mouthwash and its helped a bit with my sensitivity only one day in and that makes me feel hopeful that my teeth wont get too much worse before i see the dentist. im a bit worried about my slight gum recession, so i’ve started using a soft manual toothbrush as well. and my waterpick + flossing after meals has made me feel so clean recently. things are looking up !!

the first pic is from a year ago and the second is most recent.
Having a lot of anxiety around my teeth. first pic is last year, red hair is this week im 23 and am taking no meds i know i have a hole in my front tooth and it does bring me some discomfort

i have struggled all of my life to keep up with my teeth due to mental health and how i was raised. both of my parents had bad teeth habits and dont/didnt take care of them until recently (my dad literally doesn’t do anything, my mom does now after having some gum disease issues). i recently have started to take better care of myself and ive actually been brushing/flossing every morning and night and ive seen some improvement! im no longer bleeding! i have invested in all new tooth cleaning gear, a new electric toothbrush, expanding floss, ollie toothpaste and mouthwash, & a waterpik. im just waiting for them all to get delivered now lol. i dont have insurance but know i definitely need to get a cleaning in and these cavities looked at. im looking into maybe a free cleaning at a clinic nearby or i think a college near me does cleanings? i’ll have to wait till november to get in though. i guess i just wanna know if im gonna be ok?? im not gonna lose my teeth and die?? lol