In the comics , Maria Hill is a hardass and frankly kind of an obstructionist dick most of the time . But honestly I much prefer this version of her . <| sep |> Well done for getting back on track . I worry that going from little oral care to brushing as normal might cause you to associate brushing with pain , which might make it more difficult to keep the routine up . So it might be worth trying to use medicated mouthwash only for a couple of weeks to reduce the gingivitis , then move on to using a softbristled brush with medicated toothpaste if possible . It ' s also worth alternating a gumfocused toothpaste e . g . Corsodyl , with a toothfocused , high fluoride toothpaste e . g . Colage Duraphat 5000 ppm . I don ' t know if these are available where you are , but maybe check the ingredients and hopefully there ' ll be an equivalent . Also , going to the dentist for a planned , routine checkup is much less traumatic than going for an emergency appointment if you develop a more serious gum or tooth infection fingers crossed you won ' t . So while you can ' t handle the dentist judging you at this time , maybe consider reserving any energy you have to work towards getting there before your teeth get worse and you start judging yourself unfairly . I ' m sorry depression has caused you to have to choose between education and health I ' ve been there and it ' s awful . I really hope things get better for you .