Fandango’s Provocative Question #194

I am a tooth grinder. Sometimes, even at this late date, I find myself with my jaw rigid and teeth clenched. The result of this is my teeth are not happy teeth. Basically, I need a whole new set because this one is missing many teeth that I cracked from one grind too many and the rest are worn down. I look like an old horse whose age you can tell by looking at his or her teeth. Sad, but true. My long sieges of being sick didn’t help my teeth either.

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush with a new one? Do you have a regular schedule for getting a new toothbrush? Or like me, do you wait until you notice that it’s seriously frayed to start thinking about replacing it?

I started changing my toothbrush regularly years ago. Bad enough that I have ground them down and broken so many of them that chewing can be a bit of a challenge, but the least I can do to help is own a decent toothbrush.

Owen and Garry own a very efficient tooth care thingies from Waterpik. It brushes, flosses, and rinses at the same time. They have very clean teeth. I can’t use one of those Waterpik-type machines. They make me feel as if I’m being waterboarded.

Even though I don’t have one of the fancy machines, I try to brush as thoroughly and frequently as I can and please pass the dental floss. Brushing isn’t going to replace all the missing teeth, but at least I can keep what’s left in the best possible condition.

I should mention that Owen got serious about his teeth when he realized how many problems we have with our teeth following years of neglect and/or mediocre (or worse) dentists.

Unless you have a lot of money and love your dentist, taking care of your teeth is a good idea. If you don’t, you will have a lot of problems later which could have avoided.

Buying a set of toothbrushes and replacing them when they stop looking “healthy” is a great first step in the right direction.

Categories: #FPQ, #Health, Anecdote, Provocative Questions, Word Prompt

Tags: #FPQ, Dentist, Fandango's Provocative Question, humor, Marilyn Armstrong, teeth, Toothbrush