Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fallsfall on September 26, 2003, at 22:53:12
I just have to brag a little about an accomplishment.
First, I hate dentists. When I was little my dentist told me I had great teeth, and I believed him. I did need braces, but only because I had an overbite - not because my teeth were crooked (somehow the overbite seemed like it was less "bad" than crooked teeth). When I was around 20 I went to a new dentist. He found 10 cavities, which he filled. Every 6 months he found another 10 cavities until much of my molars were covered in silver. I think I hate dentists because I think that one of those guys was lying to me. At one point I went 7 years without seeing a dentist.
So, I have bad gums. I really do need to see the dentist, get my teeth cleaned, and floss every day. Some people can get away with doing less, but I really can't.
1 1/2 years ago I crashed and I was so depressed I couldn't floss my teeth. My therapist agreed that my limited energy was better used in eating than in flossing. My dentist really didn't understand. I told him that I wasn't flossing and that I wasn't going to until I was feeling better and that was that. He knew enough, at least, not to badger me. They started asking me to come every 4 months instead of every 6 months, and I did do that.
3 weeks ago I flipped the page on my calendar and saw that I had a dentist appointment today. I really have been feeling better, so I started flossing again. It was painful and there was lots of bleeding at the beginning, but it did get better as the weeks went on.
So I had my teeth cleaned today. I told her that I had been flossing for 3 weeks. She looked pleased, but she was going to reserve judgement. When she was done she said there hadn't been any bleeding. She was very happy. I'll go back in 4 months again, but it may be 6 months after that! She always gives me a toothbrush and a little container of floss, but today she gave me TWO containers of floss because she said I did such a good job.
It doesn't have to be a big step for progress to feel good.
Posted by Tabitha on September 27, 2003, at 1:55:18
In reply to I have beautiful teeth, posted by fallsfall on September 26, 2003, at 22:53:12
Good for you, falls! I picture your big lovely smile with one of those little sparkles on your tooth.
I've struggled with getting to a daily flossing habit for years. Still not quite there. I bought minty mouthwash for the first time. Somehow that helps-- I use it as my reward for if I brush AND floss.
I had that mouthful of silver too, but now they're deteriorating and have gradually been replaced with composite. I missed only 2 years of checkups and had like 10 cavities afterward, but fortunately no root canals. I'm trying to cut down my pretty bad sugar habit (love to binge on sour candy and soda).
Turning 40 gave me a little boost in flossing motivation-- my gums are visibly receding now-- I have one uncle with gums so receded over his eyeteeth he looks like count dracula when he smiles big. I sure don't want to end up like that. So it's floss, floss, floss.
Posted by Dinah on September 27, 2003, at 15:10:12
In reply to I have beautiful teeth, posted by fallsfall on September 26, 2003, at 22:53:12
Congratulations!!
My dentist has been threatening me with the direst of punishments. And I've been putting off my latest dental appointment till I feel better.
Posted by jinglebts on September 28, 2003, at 1:30:26
In reply to I have beautiful teeth, posted by fallsfall on September 26, 2003, at 22:53:12
have you tried something called a Sulka brush? it's two little conical brushes at either end of a sort of plastic stick, and one is oriented out for the outside of your teeth, and the other is oriented in for the inside (you kinda' have to see it) . you use it both for flossing and cleaning ...
my dentist hands them out periodically and at the last visit i got a little bottle of herbal stuff to use with it (you can use toothpaste, or just nothing) ... i don't know why, but i have a real aversion to flossing and used to use a toothpick (not at the table); then my dentist gave me this little gizmo and i can't live w/o it now, because it doesnt' just do the hateful job of flossing, but cleans the insides of you teeth that the toothbrush can't get at ...
i believe you can get it at any drugstore ...
she-who-hates-flossing...
jinglebts
Posted by fallsfall on September 28, 2003, at 10:44:43
In reply to Re: I have beautiful teeth, posted by jinglebts on September 28, 2003, at 1:30:26
I'll look for it. Thanks
Posted by Susan J on September 29, 2003, at 8:50:12
In reply to I have beautiful teeth, posted by fallsfall on September 26, 2003, at 22:53:12
Way to go! I have the same gum problem, and flossed just like my dentist told me, until I started feeling depressed. Then, I *never* flossed. My dentist yelled at me, but the hygenist seemed to understand very well. Daggit, when you are just trying to keep yourself afloat, flossing seems even less than secondary.
One thing my dentist told me, if I refuse to floss, then I should try a waterpick. It apparently loosens stuff under the gumline almost as well as floss. And it's easier. :-)
Way to go, though! You're inspiring me!
Susan
Posted by jinglebts on October 2, 2003, at 2:02:38
In reply to Congratulations Waterpicks » fallsfall, posted by Susan J on September 29, 2003, at 8:50:12
my husband has a waterpick, but i have an aversion to that too, for some reason .. aren't we funny (odd), when it comes to our teeth!!
This is the end of the thread.
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