or: Mouthwash Is Not Always A Good Idea
I’ve just had my annual check-up at the dentist. I say “annual” because that’s how often I normally go. For various reasons I hadn’t been since July 2014.
It’s a stretch of the term in this instance.
One of the reasons I am so punctual with going to the dentist (usually) is because I’m yet to have a filling and I would like to keep it that way. I figure it is better to find one early than too late and if they keep my teeth all polished and cleaned, then it should be less likely that there will be one.
I am not scared of going to the dentist in the way I am of the doctors.
I have had numerous unpleasant doctor experiences while all my dentist ones have been overwhelmingly positive. This started when I was at school and we had regular checkups with the dentist that had a little office on our school grounds. Pretty impressive for a state-funded school in Queensland.
Anyway, they would always tell me what lovely hair I had while they were checking in my mouth. That was a massive compliment to me because my hair was one of the things I was teased about at school. They would then have me brush my teeth before chewing a supposedly raspberry flavoured tablet which would then show all the spots I hadn’t brushed properly.
I found it fascinating.
I continued going to the dentist regularly through uni as it was subsidized and once I left, I took out private health cover so I could keep going to the dentist and also in case I needed to see a doctor. Then the government started to make it worthwhile from a tax perspective to do as you were levied more at tax time if you didn’t. I didn’t need to think about the benefits too hard.
My first piece of dental work was having two wisdom teeth taken out. They were done separately by trainee dentists at the local dental hospital in Sydney. They were both fantastic and while it hurt, I wasn’t in the agony that others have described.
I continued to have my teeth checked annually while I flossed and used mouthwash too. I also discovered an awesome electric toothbrush which makes it feel like I’ve always just been to the dentist. In my ideal world, the brush attachment would be made from bamboo the same way the non-electric equivalent can be done.
I had initially had the goal of not needing a filling until I was in my thirties as my Mum had told my brother and me, when we were much younger, that one of her family members didn’t have one until then.
I like a goal.
Which brings me to the current day.
My dental hygienist (they split responsibilities in HK for your dental work) saw me first and commented on my teeth rather than my hair. Good to know she’s focused on the task at hand.
I was focused on watching the Golden Buzzer moments being projected onto the ceiling of the office.
While going through my mouth scraping and polishing, she asked me if I used mouthwash. I replied “yes”. She said if it was one of the ones that says that it kills germs, I should stop using it. Apparently these ones also stain your teeth. Good to know and that’s one less product that I now use. Interestingly, I had been trying to work out how I could have a more environmentally-friendly option because there is an insane amount of packaging for mouthwash and had just discovered Lush’s mouthwash tablets. I may still try these since there is no mention of germ killing on these ones.
She then went on to ask me if I drink tea. I thought this was interesting since she didn’t ask about my coffee or red wine drinking habits. I replied “yes”. She then suggested to wait five minutes after drinking and to brush my teeth again.
Interesting…
Lucky I also use the tooth tablets rather than toothpaste since it sounds like I’m going to be brushing my teeth even more frequently.
She told me I had good teeth.
I said, “thanks” and was then taken into the dentist’s area.
The dentist looked through my mouth and told me the same thing.
”Good, strong teeth.”
With relief that I remain cavity free, I left.
I’ve definitely exceeded my goal!
* Thanks to Owl City for the title to this post.