I’ve neglected self care and hygiene for years

I am 20 and struggle with severe OCD and depression for as long as I can remember. As a result, I very often neglect self care completely. I’m especially lazy when it comes to dental care. I have avoided the dentist for years and years. I went to sleep the other night so anxious about what must be going on with my teeth and lo and behold, I woke up with a bad infection that rushed me to the dentist and after taking X-rays, it turns out one of my premolars needs to be extracted. This is only one tooth being examined so I can’t imagine what else is going on with my teeth. Whatever type of neglect you can imagine, I do it. My question is, how can I get my teeth back on track in a realistic way? I’ll take any advice at all. I’m so so anxious about the permanent damage I’ve caused.

Posted May 12, 2026, 8:14 AM UTC

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