Dentist Days

By Joe Rector

I just returned home from an unexpected visit to the dentist. I have four teeth that were sore, and I was scared that my troubles might be many and expensive. Fortunately, the visit I took revealed that my teeth are all right. The dentist ground the offending teeth and straightened up my bite. With just a bit of luck, the pain might subside, and I can carry on with life.

The culprit for my dental problems is the medication that I take for some other ailment. One maddening thing about growing old is the consumption of handfuls of pills a couple of times a day. After years of taking these pills, some older folks simply quit taking them. Life isn’t worth living for them if it is dominated by pills and capsules and syrups. Their last few days might be short, but they live normal lives without dependency on a fistful of medicines.

I am afflicted with dry mouth. If I don’t have something to drink at all times, I develop “cotton mouth” and find speaking difficult. The problem is caused by one of the other medications that I take. The results are that my teeth begin to deteriorate, and the enamel begins to break down. I’m left with cavities that continue to grow and that will, at some point, lead to root canals and crowns.

Dental problems have been a problem for my entire life. As a child, I had a terrible problem with buck teeth. Others called me “beaver” or “bottle opener.” The teasing was incessant, and it contributed to a temper that was set off in a split second. In the sixth grade, my parents finally could afford to have me fitted with braces. Back then, the first step was placing wires between teeth and tightening them to develop spaces where bands could be inserted. Soreness lasted for several days. Eventually, the braces were set in place, and the soreness was so bad that even bites of mashed potatoes sent me shivering with pain. Yes, eventually, the hardware was removed; however, a retainer was given to me. In all, I spent nearly six years wearing those braces, and I was grateful for having had them.

Having my bare teeth behind my lips was a dramatic change and gave me more confidence about myself and my future.

I have always tried to have regular check-ups, regardless of how painful the repairs to teeth have been. I dodged a bullet today because the dentist told me the teeth were probably bruised from my bite. I arrived home and collapsed on the couch in relief.

At some point, I’m sure that my teeth will succumb to the effects of dry mouth. At that point, a decision will have to be made. I know that root canals will be one choice I have, but that procedure requires a crown for each tooth. More economical will be to have all my teeth pulled. Implants also cost a fortune. That leaves only one choice. I’ll have all my teeth pulled and will attempt to wear dentures. Of course, another possibility is that I leave this earth; that would save a fortune and take care of the problem once and for all.

Everyone should take care of their teeth. Brushing for two minutes and flossing doesn’t take that long, but it can make a big difference in overall health and happiness. As for me, I’m glad that for the time being I am okay. I can also still smile and say thank you for the good report.