Yesterday, I had my regular six-month appointment at the dentist. Yay! The dentist is somebody that I just love and hate all at the same time. He is a really nice and friendly guy, but he makes me nervous, all the same. I have yet to have a cavity in my life--I give all the credit to ACT fluoride mouthwash and sealants that have protected my teeth since I was a kid. I still get very nervous though, as I thumb through a magazine in his office, hoping it will be another cavity-free day.
I showed up for my 4:00 appointment an hour early. I left the French Camp as quickly as I could and raced to the dentist, hoping to get it all over with as soon as possible. The receptionist was very surprised to see me there so early, but she was able to squeeze me in anyway.
The Dental Hygienist is a funny lady. She got me all set up in the reclining chair and had her tools in my mouth, checking around, when she asked me, "So...what is new with you since you were here six months ago?" Hello, lady! Can't you see that you have all these metal thingys in my mouth?! How am I supposed to talk back to you?! "Uh...I'm going to France in July," I manage to get out, not sure if she even understood. She took out the water and air hose and started spraying around in my mouth. "What will you be doing in France?" Okay. Is this a big joke? Seriously. How are we supposed to have a real conversation. I wrack my brain, trying to think of the shortest possible answer. "Eating a baguette." She didn't let it drop. "Is the bread much different from our bread here?" I honestly wonder if she just gets bored, working in silence. Don't get me wrong--I don't like much silence either, especially around strangers, but I think if I had her job, I would be tempted to put on a movie or something. Anyway, after a while at trying to hold a conversation that wasn't quite working, she just started talking all by herself. She told me stories that I had never thought I wanted to know about before like the hospice care system at the Murray Hospital that offers patients rooms with views of waterfalls. She has a friend staying there who is just waiting for "the blue bus to come and pick her up and take her to heaven." Hmmm...well, at least it beats me trying to get any words out. I just nodded and smiled.
It was finally almost over. The dentist came in to inspect the teeth. The hygienist informed him that I was going to France all just in hopes of eating a French baguette and some cheese. Sure, lady. He smiled as he flattened my chair and got out all his different-looking tools. He looked around and looked around and finally said, "Well, go and eat some cheese to celebrate that you have NO cavities!" Phew. It was over. I always like taking home a brand new toothbrush. And I did celebrate, not with cheese but with some ice cream.
Yesterday, I had my regular six-month appointment at the dentist. Yay! The dentist is somebody that I just love and hate all at the same time. He is a really nice and friendly guy, but he makes me nervous, all the same. I have yet to have a cavity in my life--I give all the credit to ACT fluoride mouthwash and sealants that have protected my teeth since I was a kid. I still get very nervous though, as I thumb through a magazine in his office, hoping it will be another cavity-free day.
I showed up for my 4:00 appointment an hour early. I left the French Camp as quickly as I could and raced to the dentist, hoping to get it all over with as soon as possible. The receptionist was very surprised to see me there so early, but she was able to squeeze me in anyway. 
The Dental Hygienist is a funny lady. She got me all set up in the reclining chair and had her tools in my mouth, checking around, when she asked me, "So...what is new with you since you were here six months ago?" Hello, lady! Can't you see that you have all these metal thingys in my mouth?! How am I supposed to talk back to you?! "Uh...I'm going to France in July," I manage to get out, not sure if she even understood. She took out the water and air hose and started spraying around in my mouth. "What will you be doing in France?" Okay. Is this a big joke? Seriously. How are we supposed to have a real conversation. I wrack my brain, trying to think of the shortest possible answer. "Eating a baguette." She didn't let it drop. "Is the bread much different from our bread here?" I honestly wonder if she just gets bored, working in silence. Don't get me wrong--I don't like much silence either, especially around strangers, but I think if I had her job, I would be tempted to put on a movie or something. Anyway, after a while at trying to hold a conversation that wasn't quite working, she just started talking all by herself. She told me stories that I had never thought I wanted to know about before like the hospice care system at the Murray Hospital that offers patients rooms with views of waterfalls. She has a friend staying there who is just waiting for "the blue bus to come and pick her up and take her to heaven." Hmmm...well, at least it beats me trying to get any words out. I just nodded and smiled.
It was finally almost over. The dentist came in to inspect the teeth. The hygienist informed him that I was going to France all just in hopes of eating a French baguette and some cheese. Sure, lady. He smiled as he flattened my chair and got out all his different-looking tools. He looked around and looked around and finally said, "Well, go and eat some cheese to celebrate that you have NO cavities!" Phew. It was over. I always like taking home a brand new toothbrush. And I did celebrate, not with cheese but with some ice cream.
Way to go! No cavities is an awesome feat. you deserve every bite of that icecream.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dustin! Any excuse to have ice cream!
ReplyDeleteDustin’s right. Having no cavities AT ALL is something you don’t see every day! Aside from the fluoride mouthwash and sealants you’ve been using, I think we can also give some of the credit to your routine dental check-ups. I think these visits enabled you to be more conscious about your oral health, which led you to take care of your teeth even more.
ReplyDeleteLandon Heath
Hurray for no cavities! Yep, dentist appointments can be nerve-racking, which is the most common reason why many don’t do it regularly. That’s why, I admire you’re commitment to your dental health – this story is a testament to that. Well, your next appointment should be anytime soon; hope the experience is still positive!
ReplyDeleteTed Grimmer