The Dentist

Oh, the dentist. Guess which two lucky people got to visit the dentist this week? oh the joy. 

haha. Really though, I LOVE the way my teeth feel afterwards. I am just not a big fan of the actual cleaning. Luckily, I have a really good hygienist who explains everything she is doing and talks to me most of the time she's cleaning my teeth. The report this time: no cavities! and I'm doing a much better job at flossing. She explained this meant there was a lot less bleeding than last time. So that's good! I do however have to start using toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Why? Well, I didnt really go to the dentist until I was almost in high school. Which means I never got the fluoride that most people get when they are younger (more on this in a minute). I also used a "hard" toothbrush because to me it made my teeth feel cleaner. So by brushing my teeth for years with a "hard" toothbrush, I managed to damage some of the enamel on my front teeth. Also, in a few spots in the back of my mouth, my gums are receding slightly.

How did we figure this out? You know that awful machine that cleans your teeth and the one that polishes them? It hurts my front teeth pretty bad. In the past, I have always just sucked it up. I thought that was supposed to happen. This time I flinched and she asked me about it. So, I finally told her. She was like OMIGOSH! you have to tell me these things. And upon a closer look she could tell that some of the enamel was gone. Sad day. But she did stop using the tools!

I freaked out when she told me about my enamel. Then she calmed me down and said if I didnt feel pain when I ate or drank that it was very minimal loss. If I start to use sensitive toothpaste and a very soft toothbrush, I wont lose anymore and it will protect what I do have. So good news/bad news I guess? I'm just glad she wont use those awful tools on me anymore! and that of course, my teeth are good. The dentist took a look and said they were great and there was nothing to worry about. Thank goodness! 

I mentioned earlier that I didnt get a lot of the fluoride that most kids get when they go to the dentist. This also caused me some problems growing up as I'm more prone to cavities. womp womp. So I have a good few fillings in the back of my mouth. I've also had a root canal :(. OUCH. Those are NO fun and I'll take super good care of my teeth until I die to make sure I dont ever need another one those. Not to mention they are very pricey.

Anyway, the story of my root canal is a story all in itself, but I bring it up because I realized something while I was getting my teeth cleaned this week. While she was cleaning my teeth, I realized that I was holding out one of my hands like I was holding someone else's (i'm not crazy, I promise). Then I flashed back to the time I was getting my root canal and I was terrified. I decided that day, while I was in the chair and the drilling was taking place, that maybe if I asked Jesus to hold my hand, I wouldnt be so scared. So I did and I prayed to Him the entire time and I was FINE! (There was still pain. But I wasnt scared anymore).  I've done this ever since that day too, even just for cleanings. Oh, faith like a child. I do believe He is there with me because whenever I'm in that chair, I remember back to holding His hand that one time and I feel His comfort.

So, as I was thinking about this, I started to wonder why I dont do this all of the time? why dont I just let Jesus hold my hand every day and help guard my heart, thoughts, speech, fears, happiness, decisions, etc? I really need to remember to let Him do that all the time! Not just when my teeth are getting drilled.

Anyway, it's something to practice and pray about for sure! And YAY for my teeth being A-OK!