The Washington Post: The painful truth about teeth

[FlyingPenguin]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/classic- ... story.html

[Executioner]

I've had issues with my teeth since I was in my early 30's. Before then, I never went to a dentist - BIG MISTAKE!
My wife finally convinced me that I should go and have them checked out. So I did. The dentist was shocked that I never have gone to a dentist. After looking at my mouth, it was clear that the years of build up was going to be a 2 hour job, so they only cleaned one side first. They also took x-rays, and were surprised that I did not have any cavities. After 2 weeks and having the other side cleaned, I thought I was good to go for several more years. BFM! I came back 6 months later for a follow-up, and now I have 2 cavities.

I continued to go every 6 months for cleanings, but during checkups, my pocket depth in some locations were at 8's and 9's. After moving here in 2015, I found a new dentist, and they said I need a "deep cleaning". So far, I've had 3 of these, and they are not fun and can be painful. The good news is my pocket depth have decreased to 5's. I also started to use an electric tooth brush, and use Crest mouth wash rinse before I go to bed at night, and in the morning after eating breakfast. Seems to be working at improving my gum and teeth health.

[FlyingPenguin]

Yeah, that's what defines class in this country in my book. I've never had dental insurance - I just pay out of pocket. I never went to a dentist in my 20's unless I had to, and I had a LOT of cavities and pulled a couple of teeth that I wish I hadn't now.

When I started earning a good living in my 30s I started getting my teeth cleaned on a regular basis, installed some crowns to fix the worst of them, and just keep up good maintenance. I haven't had a cavity in years, my pocket depth is good and stable. I floss and use a water pik every night.

Bad teeth can really make you miserable AND even make you sick. It's sad that so many people can't afford good dental care.

[Executioner]

Crowns - a yes. I forgot to mention those. I have a few installed, and earlier this year, I had to have one of my back molars pulled due to an infection under the tooth.

Yeah I think that dental is more important that even seeing a regular doc, but in my case, I go every 6 months just to make sure.