Today I went to the dentist...
So while at the dentist, we figured out when I'd last been to a dentist.
9 or 10 years.
It was while I was still working at Chapters, because that's the last job I had that provided benefits.
Basically what they told me was:
Getting my bad wisdom tooth out is going to be a rather extravagant affair, because it's such a mess. There was something about screening off the wound after the removal to prevent the gums from growing over it before the bone had a chance to heal... not cool. Cooler than keeping the bad tooth, but still, not cool.
Also, other than the bum tooth, my teeth are in remarkable condition for someone who isn't overly anal about dental care... I mean, I brush, I floss when I have something stuck in my teeth... but generally other than that I leave well enough alone.
What has this gotten me?
No new cavities, for one thing...
Apparently if I start flossing daily as of today, and keep brushing the way I have been (and start going to the dentist on a regular basis), I can expect to have healthy teeth and gums for pretty much the rest of my life.
I remember this time I was homeless for about 6 months, and brushed once a week...
I know it sounds gross, and it was - no excuses. I did things to keep from having gross breath, but my teeth were icky... anyways - after 6 months of once a week brushings and no flossings... and about a year after that of daily brushing and no flossing, I went to the dentist.
The verdict?
Perfect teeth.
2 gallons of Coca-cola a day, endless supply of sugar, and nothing?
I'm wondering if maybe toothpaste is half the problem...
A few nights ago I was tired, and staggered to bed without brushing my teeth. When I woke up in the morning, the morning breath was virtually non-existant, and my mouth didn't taste like a dirty sock. Next night, brushed my teeth, and the dirty sock was back in the morning. Every wonder how honest the medical/dental professions are?
Odd how 5 or 6 visits to a quakropractor can leave your back feeling brand new, and clear up problems when a doctor will happily tell you you'll never walk straight again... are they really quacks?
A friend was babbling about there being a drug-based cure for gum disease... pop two pills a day for a couple weeks, and no more infected gums... pink and healthy as new.
My aunts raise horses, and they have access to a salve for horse arthritis. It works on humans too - it's not a cure, but it does cure the symptoms and problems temporarily, and with regular use, keeps them gone. The salve was banned for use on humans, because when they drowned a lab rat in the crap and left it submerged for a few days, it's cornea turned opaque. Unsafe for humans (or rather - less profitable than painkillers).
So while at the dentist, we figured out when I'd last been to a dentist.
9 or 10 years.
It was while I was still working at Chapters, because that's the last job I had that provided benefits.
Basically what they told me was:
Getting my bad wisdom tooth out is going to be a rather extravagant affair, because it's such a mess. There was something about screening off the wound after the removal to prevent the gums from growing over it before the bone had a chance to heal... not cool. Cooler than keeping the bad tooth, but still, not cool.
Also, other than the bum tooth, my teeth are in remarkable condition for someone who isn't overly anal about dental care... I mean, I brush, I floss when I have something stuck in my teeth... but generally other than that I leave well enough alone.
What has this gotten me?
No new cavities, for one thing...
Apparently if I start flossing daily as of today, and keep brushing the way I have been (and start going to the dentist on a regular basis), I can expect to have healthy teeth and gums for pretty much the rest of my life.
I remember this time I was homeless for about 6 months, and brushed once a week...
I know it sounds gross, and it was - no excuses. I did things to keep from having gross breath, but my teeth were icky... anyways - after 6 months of once a week brushings and no flossings... and about a year after that of daily brushing and no flossing, I went to the dentist.
The verdict?
Perfect teeth.
2 gallons of Coca-cola a day, endless supply of sugar, and nothing?
I'm wondering if maybe toothpaste is half the problem...
A few nights ago I was tired, and staggered to bed without brushing my teeth. When I woke up in the morning, the morning breath was virtually non-existant, and my mouth didn't taste like a dirty sock. Next night, brushed my teeth, and the dirty sock was back in the morning. Every wonder how honest the medical/dental professions are?
Odd how 5 or 6 visits to a quakropractor can leave your back feeling brand new, and clear up problems when a doctor will happily tell you you'll never walk straight again... are they really quacks?
A friend was babbling about there being a drug-based cure for gum disease... pop two pills a day for a couple weeks, and no more infected gums... pink and healthy as new.
My aunts raise horses, and they have access to a salve for horse arthritis. It works on humans too - it's not a cure, but it does cure the symptoms and problems temporarily, and with regular use, keeps them gone. The salve was banned for use on humans, because when they drowned a lab rat in the crap and left it submerged for a few days, it's cornea turned opaque. Unsafe for humans (or rather - less profitable than painkillers).
letterbomb:
once i forgot to go to the dentist for a year and a half. when i finally remembered to make an appointment and go, i had 6 cavities. my four back molars are all mostly filling. i rule at awesome. and i'm unhygienic.