As many of you may or may not remember (or care?), I've decided to attempt a 2013 challenge or multiple 2-3 week challenges. My first challenge - flossing. Nothing real earth shattering here. I went years and years without having any cavities - all the way into college. But lately, not so good. I even went (accidentally mind you) three years in college without going to a dentist. I just kind of forgot about it. And big surprise, since then I've been getting more cavities.
At first, it didn't really matter to me. It was "just one - not such a big deal". Then it was "Just two - most people have had loads by now. I'm really just catching up to where I should be." Then it was three, four. I don't know how many altogether. All small and non-problematic, except that I *used* to be someone that had never had a cavity. Ever. I still remember being in the dentist office, 10yo, going for my fluoride treatments (which i loved because my dentist had cinnamon flavor), and seeing a sign hanging up on the wall: "You don't have to floss all your teeth...." - this is good, I don't have to floss!! - "...just the ones you want to keep!" - Damnit! Fooled by a clever rhyme again.
None of it really mattered, until I started having to pay for it, that is. In that past, my dental insurance was pretty OK. Nothing amazing, but good. These little cavities didn't really hit the wallet too hard. But this last one - I paid 134 out of $184. Not ok!! Apparently my insurance thinks I should get silver filings on my back teeth and that white ones are too much of a splurge. I went against every cheap natural instinct of mine in order to not "ruin" my "white" smile. It was a rude awakening.
So flossing seemed like the natural first challenge. Overall, I think I flossed about 75% of the days - sometimes I was just too lazy. Did I learn anything amazing? No, probably not. But I did learn that its really not at all that bad to freaking floss. And if I don't want to spend $200 on cavities to appease my laziness, I should just floss and not be such a lazy butt! My gums are still a little sore each time, and my permanent retainer is still a pain (working on that - need to call orthodontist), but I'm getting used to it. And it's not nearly such a daunting task. Who really wants to floss?
Well, this lady minds it a little less nowadays. I've postponed my 6mo. dentist appointment to see if it makes a difference. Last time, some of my gums were still "irritated" - hoping for better next time! So I guess I don't have to floss all my teeth - but I do have to floss for the monies I want to keep.
