the tan's of lisa

Do You Floss?

Even as a little girl, my parents always made sure we practiced good dental hygiene. Kodomo Lion grape flavour was my favourite!

I made frequent visits to the dentist in PJ State. He was an elderly man with kind eyes who always rewarded me with an eraser for my bravery. I never had any qualms about stepping into the clinic- but those were the days.

Somewhere along the line- I began to develop this chronic fear of the DreadedDentist.

The thought of having someone insert drills & other metal objects into my mouth made very insecure.

The worst part was that you have absolutely no view, or control over the 'procedure'.
So because of this fear, my visits to the dentist became very very irregular.


But fear had a price to pay.
I knew there was something wrong when my tooth began to hurt. I must've let it hurt for months- thinking that it was probably just sensitive. Finally, I knew I HAD to go.

Dread dread dread...
There was a cloud was over my head.

The kind-eyed dentist had migrated years ago.
And now it was Dr Andrea Yong who attended to me.

I walked into the room full of instruments and was told to lie down on this funky chair that had all sorts of lamps and basins connected to it. I was intimidated more than anything as the nurse quickly strapped on a paper towel over my chest.

Dr Andrea was the chop chop type, and started scaling my teeth without much hesitation.

I was quite shocked. I felt violated.

Dammit woman, give me some time to brace myself or something lah. I wanted to cry foul & tell her that I had a weak heart. But she was already hard at work.

I clinched my fist & tried to drown out the horrible sound of the drill.
I could smell her rubber gloves & could taste the metallic blood.

My heart was beating like a drum. I thought I was going to pass out.

Then she said "I have to open your teeth to get the cavity out"

Cavity? Open up?
"Er, how are you going to open my teeth?"
"With my tools of course!" she knew I was gripped with fear.
"Is it going to be a surgery??"
"No i'm just going to take the cavity out and put filling for you ok?"
"Pain?"
"Just a slight sensation"
Yeah right, I knew better than to believe dentists.
I've been conned countless times. I knew better.

"Can you give me a jab? Please?".
My heart raced. Which do I choose?
The excruciating pain of having my cavities dug out, or the pain of the needle?

I chose the latter.
Yes, I am VERYYY chicken. I was now begging for anaesthetic. I would've requested to be put out if I could.

She injected me & I was a very happy camper.

After what felt like eternity, she finally told me we were done. I was so relieved I let out a big sigh. My stress level must've been sky high. Unbelievable- I made it.

She told me that if I don't start flossing regularly (which I dont!) I'm going to start losing my teeth. I will have to floss EVERYDAY!

Brushing alone is not enough!
It's true! The Listerine ad was not lying.




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posted by lisathetan @ 10:15 PM