Apr 09 2009
Taking Care of My Teeth
Yesterday I went to the dentist for my six-month cleaning. Keeping up with my dental check-ups is something I have done a good job with in the past few years.
It wasn’t always that way. I remember after I have the kids, I went about seven years without going to the dentist. I knew I needed to go, and I had dental insurance. I think I was just embarrassed because it had been awhile and I knew my teeth were probably in bad shape. Of course, the longer I waited the worse things got and the more difficult it was to go.
Finally, I HAD to go because I had a tooth that was in a great deal of pain. I ending up going through the most unpleasant experience of getting a crown. I also had a couple of cavities so they had to drill put in fillings. I finally learned that even though it’s no fun and it can be an inconvenience, it’s so much better to go every six months for cleanings and check-ups than to wait until there’s a big problem.
Now, every time I go I make my next appointment before I leave. I used to tell them that I would call and set it up later, but of course “later” would never come. Even though I’ve been going every six months for the past few years, I still need to work on flossing and brushing twice every day.
I have to do the dentist thing again in a couple of weeks… not looking forward to it!
Got two fillings that came out (I grind) so those have to be replaced.
It’s great that you are going to the dentist regularly. After my latest episode, I will be doing the same. I’ve already made an appointment for my next check-up in July.
I don’t have the excuse of kids for not going — but I also went more than several years between dentist visits. And it did cost me — in the way of a root canal (first one ever!) and two cavities that had to be filled. My reason I finally bit the bullet and went, was also due to tooth pain.
Since then, I’ve been better about going regularly.
Good for you taking care of you!!
I once went about 5 years without going to the dentist - I know bad me!! But I didn’t have any cavities or anything else wrong to speak of other than more than typical build up so a more painful cleaning than usual… Guess I got lucky!!
After our daughters were born Hubby and I went about two years before going to the dentist. We were fortunate to have zero issues… but now we’re back to going every six months.
flit - Ugh, new fillings are no fun. I hate the sound of the drilling!
roz - Yep, after you learn the hard way, it’s much easier to make those appointments!
laneerg - Yes, preventative care is best, and probably less costly in the long run.
slcolman - Yes, lucky you!
quadmama - It’s funny, once after I had the kids I had to have a cavity filled. My teeth were great before I had kids, and I told the dentist I thought being pregnant made my teeth more susceptible to cavities. He told me that was an old wives tale. Most moms just let their teeth go because they’re so busy taking care of their kids!