Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Keeping the Dentist Away

I realize, after yesterday's posting, that I could come across sounding like a person with zippo self-control and zippo self-discipline!! Mind you, there are some areas in my life, where I have made significant progress in developing a "good" habit!!!

I grew up brushing my teeth in the morning and that was it. Flossing and mouthwash were foreign concepts to me, and seemed quite useless. I have good teeth, very few cavities, and for years, I thought I was doing pretty good. Oh sure, I have a couple of moderately deep pockets on my upper molars, but that's not too bad, right?? Wrong!! The dentist I'm seeing here in Calgary (who shall remain nameless), is also an implant specialist and after looking at my x-rays and my teeth suggested the following: bonegraft for the pockets, leading to dental implants - Grand total around $7000!!!!

I came away from that appointment with a fair degree of intentionality!!! I resolved to begin an agressive regimen of dental care! Here it is: flossing twice a day (at least), cleaning out pockets (dental ones) with a water pik, brushing twice a day, and mouthwash to top it all off!

My last appointment was in early August (3 months ago) and I am amazed at the difference for myself. My teeth aren't getting the plaque build-up they normally do and my pockets (dental!) feel better as well, not so achy!!

Which all goes to show, that if you have the right incentive ($$$), you can alter your bad habits into good habits overnight! Perhaps all I need is for my doctor to say that if I have on more chocolate bar or another bag of Cheezies (Hawkins are the best!), that I will develop full-blown diabetes?? The incentive needs to be there at least for me.

So, for now, the dental hygiene project is working amazingly well! And I begin to have hope that I do have some self-control and willpower! (So far, no junk food today!)...

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