3 years stable, but still insecure/stress loop
I'm 3 years stable now. I have cleanings every 3 months and everything is looking good. I went from 7–9 mm pockets, to 4/5 mm at my first check-up after treatment, and now I'm mostly at 2/3 mm. So jeeeej! 😅
I'm really happy about that, but mentally it still torments me every single day. I keep thinking everybody notices that I've lost gum between my teeth, that I'm not “normal,” or that my teeth are ugly now. Sometimes I check my teeth multiple times a day, afraid people will notice something or that my teeth have suddenly gotten worse.
I know I'm looking at my teeth from a very short distance every day while cleaning them, doing my makeup, etc. So I also know it's become a stress/anxiety loop.
I was wondering if more people experience this urge to keep checking and worrying that everyone they talk to will notice there's something “wrong” with their teeth — even though my dentist, periodontist, and dental hygienist all keep telling me my teeth are fine and that people hardly notice 😅🤦♀️
Still, I feel really insecure and kind of alone in this mental battle. I was wondering if more people have this and if they have any tips.