One unfortunate morning a couple of months ago, while my office mate and I were busily type-type-typing away at our respective desks, I suddenly stopped mid-word; I was stunned to inaction by a loud, persistent squeak emerging from our radiator. The little mouse that inevitably was discovered within scurried off to a place unknown, but that squeak persists in my memory as one of the Worst Sounds in the World.
That squeak was emulated by the water squirty pick thing at the dentist this morning, except this time the squeak was COMING FROM MY MOUTH.
My renaissance with oral health was spurred by a public health report that noted, among other things, visits to dentists as an indicator of good health. Never wanting to lie below the median in that which I can control about my health, I set up an appointment for the following day. The questionnaire I completed was simple enough- allergies, emergency contact, last dental visit...LAST DENTAL VISIT? I sheepishly scribbled in 2007, with full knowledge that my last foray into the reclining seat world of a dental office occurred more in the 2005 range. 2007? The hygienist asked me. And like a good catholic girl who only goes to confession in order to complete the checklist required to be confirmed, I lied to her face and said- yes, 2007. What is a few years between friends (one wearing a lead vest- ready for x-rays, the other wearing a mask- ready for some serious gum disease)?
Buzz. Squeak. 2007. Buzz.
The good news: my oral health is great. Turns out that manically flossing really is a good idea. For all of you readers from whom I've asked if you happen to have floss on your person when you were out...HA! Told you so. And yes, I have some in my purse AND on my desk right now.
The bad news: Turns out the every 6 months dental visit actually carries some merit. I have a cavity that is so developed that I need an EMERGENCY FILLING tomorrow else risk the chance of some serious nerve-cavity-induced pain. Dammit. The Gentle Dentist (not to be confused with Gentle Dental (of which I've heard terrible things)) told me that he **thinks** he'll be able to do just a filling. If not, I'll need a ROOT CANAL. With those two words, everything I've believed about myself flew away on the wings of the Evil Gingivitis Monster.
Dr., did you not hear about my manic floss habit? Are you not aware of my love for all things fluoride-enhanced? I am a DENTIST'S DREAM.
Except, of course, that I avoid the dentist like I do country music or Filene's Basement around the Running of the Brides. Except that. And apparently, that exception is enough.
2 comments:
I like to use a Girpit Floss Holder - www.gripit.biz - to floss regularly. These handy devices come with their own floss supply that can be advanced in seconds and refilled with floss or dental tape from local
drug and grocery stores. They last a lifetime and don't clog landfills.
I've used one for 35 years.
I don't floss--I should try that!
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