The Dentist

Today I went to the dentist for my semi-annual cleaning. Good news! No cavities. I've got a couple of areas that "we will be watching," so I just need to be sure to brush and floss extra good in those spots. I got the standard bag of swag as I left, which is good, because now I get to use a safety orange-colored toothbrush. That thing is so bright, that I could tie it to my head and go hunting without worrying about being shot. No joke. It's cool, though, because orange is one of my fifteen favorite colors.

I like my dentist. He used to live in my ward when I was growing up, so he's kind of a family friend. Also, I've known his hygienist since before my mission (like about 13 years or so), so I guess we're old friends now. That said, I learned something today while I was getting my check-up. If ever your dentist or hygienist says, "We have a new tool that we'll be using on you today," you need to be very afraid. That is dental-speak for "We've been getting complaints that our other tools are too kind. This one is specifically designed to cause the maximum pain allowable without a prescription." I was only there for a cleaning, but this new tool really felt like they were removing portions of my gums in order to expose the root and use my nerve endings as a banjo.

It's all good though. Soon I'll be able to eat solid foods again. And I really love that smooth, just-polished feeling that you get after you've been to the dentist.