What do you do when a friend wont see a doctor????

Question

My friend has an abbcests tooth I am scared that she might die becuase I recently heard about a boy who died from an abbcest tooth because the infection went to the brain. She puts numbing stuff on it and takes perscribtion pills but she needs to see an othidontist. She knows how serious it is and I maybe just paranoid but I don't know how to deel with this!!!

Answer 1

Holy crud. I was going to say "don't worry about it, none of your business," but I actually KNEW a girl who died from the same type of infection. She also thought nothing of it, but it really is very dangerous. You're absolutely not being paranoid. Show her the responses you're getting here. Hopefully that will be enough to convince her (if it isn't already too late).

Answer 2

You've heard the old saying...
"You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink"
This is true of people too. It's hard watching someone you care about make bad decisions, but unfortunately besides doing what you have already done, you are out of options. You cannot forceably make her do anything.

Ask her to atleast get a dental exam. He won't operate or hurt her in any way, but he will check to determine how serious it is. If you can atleast get her in there for an examination, the doctor will do the rest at explaining the dangers and risks that come from a abcess tooth that is not treated. If hearing that information from a doctor doesn't change her mind, nothing will.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I wonder why your friend is reluctant to see an orthodontist. (The reason she gives might not be the real reason.) Has your friend actually made a decision to not see an orthodontist. If she has actually made a decision then you could tactfully explore her reasons. But I guess we all claim the right to make our own decisions about the things that concern us. It is true that a bad choice could result in death, but we all make many bad choices that could have the same consequence. We drive too fast, we drink too much, we smoke too much, we avoid exercise and eat too much sugar, fat &salt. We still feel it is our choice. Remember it is not all that likely your friend will die just because she won't go to an orthodontist. Most people who develop a tooth abcess don't die from it.
However, perhaps your friend has not actually made a decision, and is in fact putting off making a decision. Why? Not enough money? Fear of treatment? Fear of being critcised for having bad teeth? Does not trust the orthodontist or orthodontistry? In this case you may be able to assist your friend by offering support and gentle encouragement.

Answer 4

I agree, she really needs to see a dentist, but telling her will never do anything. Only she can make the decision to go to the doctor, but giving her some information couldn't hurt.

She needs to at least try rinsing her mouth with a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide/water mixture, this will help to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

Print out articles about this, and also images of abcess tooth in its advanced stages... these should persuade her in the right direction.

Answer 5

Is she afraid of the dentist? If so, call around for one that does conscious sedation. Is she afraid of the cost? Warn her that getting septic (potentially lethal bloodstream infection) will cost alot more, and you can call local med schools to find the nearest dental college where they do great work under direct supervision of professors for less money as they get their degree. At a certain point, if someone is totally self-destructive, you have to step back far enough to take care of your own health, but you can search yahoo and webmd to print out stuff. The consequences of inaction are just as real as the consequences of action sometimes. Good luck.

Answer 6

Hold old is your friend? When I was about 19 I had a tooth that was really aching but I chose to ignore it. I ended up taking a whole bunch of tylenol thinking that would solve my problem...it didn't. I ended up with the whole side of my face swelling, and having to be rushed to the ER. The whole experience was incrediably scary...but, in the end, once I faced up to my fear of the dentist it wasn't so bad. If she's afraid of the dentist she might want to ask to see one who will administer laughing gas. It really REALLY helps!!! I know it's hard but dentists see people with teeth all day every day...just let your friend know that it's best to discuss her fears with the dentist first and they will be very gentle to her. Your a good friend. Good luck

Answer 7

I had a tooth infection also and my whole half side of my head was numb and I had to go to the ER.

Your friend needs to get it out before it starts to infect. Yes, death can occur if she waits too long.

Answer 8

Hi there,Let your friend know that you are worried and if she does not get this taken care of it will cause more problems.therefore more money and worse pain.The numbing meds and ant. are only covering the problem.Like when you take pain meds you are not feeling the pain so you are more likely to injure yourself.Offer to go with her to the appt. Some people are terrified of dentists.Also advise her that eventually she will have to see a dentist to get dentures which are very high dollar if she doesn't take care of this.

Answer 9

sometimes denial or fear does hold people back from making logical decisions. unfortunately if she is being stubborn about it, she will only dig her heels in further if you push the subject. my advice honey is to get a home visit from a doctor, or perhaps print out some information on this serious condition, and leave it somewhere she can read it. maybe that might tip her mind to doing the right thing. hope this helps x

Answer 10

It's absolutely fine (and correct) to be worried about your friend. Take it one step at a time. Tell her how you feel and tell her and show her proof of the boy. If she doesnt take it seriously the first time, try again. Slowly, drop hints into your conversations. Also, try asking if she would like you to go with her or make the appointment. Please, though, if you really care about her, dont give up.