I hate dentists even if they make my smile pretty!

I was talking with a co-worker today about how much I hate...no wait, how afraid I am of dentists. I have been afraid of dentists since I was a little girl. I got a cavity in 3rd grade...and when I got it filled, it hurt like heck. So, I have stayed away from dentists for the past few years until I actually grew up...and got in there and got some work done.

Because of my bad behavior when it comes to going to the dentist as scheduled...I have had problems and sensitive teeth. For a while, my teeth were really sensitive to cold and hot. If I drank an iced tea...I would be in quite a bit of pain. It was not a happy picture. I didn't have dental insurance...so I sucked it up, dealt with it and swore off cold drinks and ice cream for a while. I should have bought some of that sensitive toothpaste, but I didn't even think about it.

Actually, my teeth have been more sensitive to cold lately than they have in a while. I recently got a root canal re-done with my dentist and a crown put on the tooth. It looks nice and healthy, but when I drink my cold water and those icy protein shakes of mine...my teeth sometimes revolt. Ouch.

I had some sensitive toothpaste...and gave it a shot. I figured, it can't hurt right? I used some Biotene sensitive toothpaste and it did help. I have only been using it for a few days, so I wasn't sure if it was making a difference until I drank my icy protein shake this evening. I slurped it down and realized that my teeth weren't screaming at me. Whoo hoo! Biotene...or at least the package...says that it helps with immediate pain, but also works to solve the problem. It says it also reduces saliva...and with less saliva, it can reduce mouth pain. Who knew? I didn't. So far, so good. I am liking this sensitive toothpaste and will continue to use it in the future...whenever I have to visit that evil dentist of mine. (which I don't have to do again until February...phew!)

thank god I have a dentist now...

I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago. I hate the dentist, well...I take that back. I am afraid of all dentists, even though my dentist is amazing. I was at the dentist finishing off the last round of re-doing a root canal that my last dentist didn't do too well.

You know, I have had years where I didn't go to the dentist because I was terrified of them and stayed away. And there are also years I did not go to the dentist when I wanted to, but I didn't have dental insurance. The one main job I had in Indiana was a great job, but I worked for a small, non-profit organization, so they could not provide health or dental insurance for their employees.

The tooth that got fixed the other week, when it started to go bad...I didn't have health insurance. Even with health insurance, I had to pay in the hundreds of dollars in order to get it fixed. I can't imagine how much it would have cost me if I didn't have any coverage. When I first got back to NY is when the tooth first started acting up...it was hurting and a filling fell out, so there was a hole there. I wasn't able to get to a dentist right away...because well, to be honest, I could not afford it. So, I went to the store and bought some Dentemp OS. Dentemp is that stuff that you put in your mouth for temporary dental repair. Let me tell you, the stuff is wonderful. I used it for longer than you are supposed to. I had to survive for a few months until I had a job with dental insurance and could get it taken care of, but I digress. The stuff is amazing. It fills the filling...and it isn't messy at all. Plus, it has some pain medicine in it, so it fills the filling area and also adds some pain relief. I have bought more of those little tubs than I want to admit. So, I will say...if you ever have a dental issue and can't get to your dentist right away...buy this stuff. I swear, it's like gold to us, you know the people who used to be poor and not have health insurance.

first free day!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day to have the day off. It was sunny and warm, but not too hot. I didn't have a lot of plans, but that's kind of the point. I woke up early...watched a movie...and then had lunch with 2 friends. It was nice to be out and about on a workday and just doing my own thing. We ended up going to Friendly's...I have a friend who loves the place. I had a nice grilled cheese sandwich and some fries. Mmm...yummy.

And then I ran some errands...went to the video store...went to the library...and then headed home to get ready to go to the dentist. Aurgh...I hate the dentist. Actually, I take that back...I very much like my dentist, I am just afraid of all dentists. He's so aware of this too because he always asks me if I am doing okay...and what my anxiety level is whenever he comes into the room. I had to have my tooth that had a root canal done looked at. He said it was starting to get infected, so he had to get down there and look at it. He said it would probably be fine, but he did mention that if the tooth was cracked or whatever, it might need to be removed. I was not to happy to hear that. My teeth aren't the best in the world, but I would like to keep em, ya know? Well...he looked at the root canal and it looked okay, so he just need to make sure the infection goes away and...phew! He basically inferred that my last dentist might not have done it right, so he is going to make sure it is done right this time. I might just start not being scared of him...oh wait...not yet. I still am panicked in fear when I just think the word dentist. Eeek!

And after my dentist appt...I just hung out at home, made some dinner, watched some crap tv. So basically that's the recap of my free Monday.