The Dentist

In the words of the 42nd president, . . .

Ah feeeeel yawhr Payne!!!

My father worked for Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center as a Dental Radiologist in the dental school for about 45 years. In 1974, I went for a cleaning from one of the students. She was very nice, and showed me everything she was removing, explaining it all. I was horrified. Although I had always had "good teeth," I did have my problems.

Ever since that day I have brushed and flossed before going to bed an average of about 325-330 days a year. The other 35-40 days, when I crash before I get the chance to, it's one of the first things I do when I get up, although you really should never fail to do it before going to bed. My diligence and "unusually thick enamel"* has prevented almost all further major problems, as well as minor ones.

I'm 49.85, and have 30 of my original teeth, with the jagged base of one of the others still existent. It's one of the large bottom molars near the back. The one across from it had problems years ago, and I had to go for an emergency extraction. Do I need work done? Yes. Can I get by for the rest of my life without getting that work done? Could very well be. Why? Because of all that brushing and flossing before bed.

By the way, brushing and flossing before bed has also helped me to wake up fresher, avoid some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue and a friend recently told me that bacteria left in the mouth as a result of NOT brushing and flossing before bed is being studied in relation to heart disease. It's not only disgusting to think of going to bed without brushing and flossing, it carries the potential for a lot of trouble, BEGINNING with your teeth. Listen to foodislife, get to know your brush and floss, and if the only time you do it is before bed, make sure you do it then.


*Something a dentist told me a few years ago when an ex-girlfriend paid for me to see him about a cleaning.

I too feel your pain. I have to have two wisdom teeth pulled and cavities filled. Its already past due and I, as you, have no dental insurance. Well any insurance but no dental is hurting me now. I can get by without smoking but the money aspect sucks.

I dunno why, but dental insurance doesnt cover all that much - it usually pays most of the charges for routing cleanings and such, but the bigger the price tag, the smaller the percentage the ins. pays, at least, for dental work :evil:

MarkG said:

I dunno why, but dental insurance doesnt cover all that much - it usually pays most of the charges for routing cleanings and such, but the bigger the price tag, the smaller the percentage the ins. pays, at least, for dental work :evil:

Click to expand...

This is an excellent point - I used to do group benefits when I first started up the firm - back when I had hair...hehe... Dental insurance is one that has a limited benefit that you can receive, but the price tag is very steep. You pay alot to insure a little. Regular checkups, cleanings, etc are the best way to go. My 2 cents.

My dental isn't too bad. Covers the regular cleanings and such, and half of the big stuff, like extractions and fillings. I know I need it right now, but I don't have 500 bucks to drop on what needs to get done. It sucks.

I should clarify - if your employer is footing the bill or subsidizing - that makes a HUGE difference!

Well I pay 54 bucks a month for the entire family to have dental care through the employer. It seams like a lot, but when you think of what you could be paying it makes a difference.

My .02
Any insurance is better than no insurance.
Also you have to be using a preferred provider
(from your insurer's list).
I remember back 10 12 years ago when kids were young
I had two of them in braces, I could have bought a small house for what it cost and I had dental insurance.

Yep, I've had 3 kids in braces, 1 going for a second time because what the orthodontist thought he could do the first time didn't work. Payment right up there with my truck payment.

And with my wisdom tooth extraction and 2 crowns, our insurance is better than nothing. Paid 60%, still left me with around $750 to pay. It does cover 2 cleanings a year for the family.

Mmmm, the cigars I could have bought ... :cry:

Yikes! foodislife, I'm sorry you have to go thru all that stuff. And, I can't believe how much is going to cost. :shock:

The worst part is you wont be able to smoke for a couple of weeks.




Can you still drink? 8)

This whole thread is going to give me nightmares.... :shock: