Bright and Shiny.

[elfs]

Well, it's 12:40 in the afternoon and I'm just now sitting down to my first cup of coffee of the morning. The dentist announced that my mouth is healthy after much poking and prodding and the flavor of blood. Mmm, blood.

I have to wonder if dentists get kickbacks from companies that make things like the Waterpik or Showerfloss things. The last time I was there she recommended the Sonicare. Now, the Sonicare has done wonderful things for my teeth, but do I really need another gadget?

I can so sympathize with this song:

Why risk rejection
Or an infection,
When you can just touch yourself?
There's no need for showers,
Candy or showers!
It's easy to touch yourself!

Comments

[technoshaman.livejournal.com]

I'm all but certain they get kickbacks, if they're like any other MD...

[dossy.livejournal.com]

The dental industry is a huge, self-perpetuating scam.

I'm glad that science is making real advances in this area. Perhaps someday, you'll go to the dentist *once* in your lifetime, and be done with it.

[dossy.livejournal.com]

I actually meant to link to this article:

"[...] Recombinant DNA technology was used to delete the gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase in BCS3-L1 making it entirely deficient in lactic acid production. [...] And, its strong colonization properties indicated that a single application of the BCS3-L1 effector strain to human subjects should result in its permanent implantation and displacement over time of indigenous, disease-causing S. mutans strains. [...]"

[lisakit.livejournal.com]

As one who often hasn't had the luxury of seeing a dentist regularly I can attest to how truly useful they are. I've been lucky, haven't had too many cavities, but I've had a few and if not treated they can affect the rest of your health in very bad ways. A sore tooth can go septic on you so quickly that suddenly you're sick as a dog with no clue why. Or a cavity can cause an abcess in your sinuses or spread infection to the rest of your system. Bad teeth can affect how you eat and, therefore, your level of nutrition. And for many people brushing and flossing is not enough. I'm an absolute *fanatic* about keeping my teeth clean, but it still doesn't replace regular preventive dental exams and cleaning.

Be happy if you've had little trouble with your teeth, but don't take it for granted. Your dentist is just as important to your health as your MD.