Ever since I was 5 years old I have gone to the dentist at least once a year for a check up and a cleaning. Unlike many people, I never minded going or the “pain” of filling cavities. Some people really dread it and even ask for Novocaine. I never got a shot of Novocaine for any of my dental work. However, when I had my wisdom teeth pulled, they did knock me out for the surgery. Even then, my face didn’t swell and I didn’t need the prescription pain pills after the fact.
I continued going every year and began taking my girls when they were school age. The routine is so ingrained in us that were don’t even think about it, we just automatically make an appointment for either December or January and the four of us go together. Today was my annual dental visit. It was pretty routine: an exam, x-rays and cleaning.
The reason I have not slacked off on my dental visits is thanks to my mother and father. My mother took us to the dentist every year because the schools required that we bring back a note saying that we went. But my mother and father never went to the dentist for checkups. They started going to the dentist when their teeth started hurting. By then so much damage had been done that it wasn‘t so easy to correct. Little by little, all their teeth had to be pulled and they went from partial bridges to full upper and bottom dentures. My father had a dental plan from work so there was really no excuse for them not going. So, my witnessing the pain they went through for neglecting their teeth, made me determined to take care of my own. And the irony is, for all the annual visits they missed through the years, they more than made up for them by having to go to the dentist to have gum infections treated, teeth pulled, moulds made, getting their false teeth adjusted etc, all of which was far more expensive than a check up and a few x-rays.
I learned from my parent’s mistakes on this one. Hopefully, my girls will follow up on their own and continue to go to the dentist. Maybe we can break the dentures cycle!
Prevention, while sometimes tedious, is infinitely better than the cure. It's good that you've developed such good dental habits over the years. Keeping those teeth strong and tough as you grow older is a real comfort, and I hope that your kids follow in your footsteps (teethsteps?) and do the same as they grow older.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Edmund. The best way to prevent cavity build-up is to use dental floss frequently. Compared to dental procedures to fix teeth, it's actually an extremely low-cost alternative! Couple that with brushing and using a mouthwash, and you're ready to go!
ReplyDeleteIt’s good that you are comfortable with your dental checkups. I guess your parent’s experience made you realize the importance of these visits, which is good. And I’m glad that you’re teaching your children the same values. That will inspire them to take good care of their teeth when they grow up.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are quite at ease with any dental procedure! Some dental patients tend to be overwhelmed and scared of a dental procedure, and avoid any dental treatment at all cost. It will be great to start early on learning how to take care of teeth. It will avoid major dental issues in the future. And as much as possible, try to maximize your dental plan. It will help you to get the dental treatment at a reasonable cost
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to dental problems, always seek the help of dental professional. Though it seems costly, it will soon give you long term benefits. I have my regular check-up with my cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills and I haven’t suffered from any gum disease to date.
ReplyDeleteYou are a good example for people who still have dental fear. Dealing with dental fear can be easy after you commit to visit your dentist every within six month. First step is to go at your dentist place to become familiar with staff and dentist. So during the treatment you feel more comfortable. With comfortable your pain will vanish
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