I just have to post on this. Partly, because someone is paying for me to go the dentist, and I am scared out of my mind and want commiseration. Partly, because it's awesome.
So, I have a lot of fillings. I don't really know where I stand regarding my teeth; hence, dentist visit. I do know that for years I had one tooth that was the WORST - I couldn't eat anything sugary with it or else it would cause stabbing, horrific nerve pain. Sometimes, even when I would just drink something cold, it would hurt. So I just started eating sweet things on the other side of my mouth. I also tried having it re-filled, and did this twice, to no avail. The dentist couldn't even figure out what was wrong.
Well, I was reading my Going, Going, Gone book while eating (as I always did until I finished it - sadness), and read the "chapter" on fluoride. It floored me. (Ha ha!) I had always thought of fluoride as a mere preventative, but in fact, it can re-mineralize teeth (read all about it here). I also freaked out about my teeth, just because. I've been a flossing maniac since I got my most recent fillings (years ago), but with that and brushing, my regimen was complete.
Not really. After I read that chapter, I went to Macy's and got this electric toothbrush. In some ways it was not the most frugal purchase, as I did go there just because I could put it on my Macy's card. It was significantly on sale, though - $55 from the $90 suggested price. And, I researched the consumer ratings, and it fared well in those.
I also bought fluoride mouthwash. I'm a big fan of bubblegum flavor, so I got that.
(I don't actually use this kind, I use a brand I get at Target, but the name escapes me.) At about $3 a bottle, it is not cheap - but what standard do I have? Other liquids? Bottled water? Suave shampoo?
I was rinsing with the full amount they recommended until one day, I realized I could do less. Basically, I can use just enough to swish around. Half of the recommended amount is fine. Less than half is fine.
I've been doing this for about 6 months. I'm here to report that I can eat full-on hardcore candy (taffy, chocolate bars, ice cream - you name it) on the aforementioned tooth with no pain whatsoever.
It pays to be preventative, but being preventative can sometimes have extra rewards. Dental care is prohibitively expensive, even if you have insurance. I would rather rinse and brush and floss than pay for a root canal, crown, or pulling. Wouldn't you, too?
(I will report later on the dentist visit. *sigh*)
