I’ve always had issues with my teeth. Cavities and sensitivity, even when my mom diligently took me to the dentist every six months as a kid. It sucks! But I have to be honest, I hate taking care of my teeth.
I know intellectually it’s important, but it just causes me SO MUCH anxiety. Even thinking about the dentist puts knots in my stomach. I’ve so often lived through the pain, and avoided making an appointment or finding a solution at home. It’s just not on my priority list. In fact, I need dental work right now, and I haven’t made time for it. For over six months I’ve avoided it. It stresses me out just thinking about it.
But last week during Spring Break the weather has been gorgeous! We took a little road trip for John’s birthday, and I’ve had ice cream and/or popsicles six times. Yes, SIX. Well, come on, it was John’s birthday after all. Celebration was imperative.
Just look at this awesome ice cream dish we had on top of the Space Needle.
We often joke that Ellie and I inherited my mom’s ice cream gene. She of course inherited it from her mother. We just can’t help but love that sweet cold goodness. But the teeth I inherited have never been much of a fan. Ouch.
But this week, I’ve had no pain. Yay! And it’s a good thing with all of that ice cream. I’ve been taking care of my sensitive teeth at home and it’s really been helping. I found the Colgate Sensitive Toothbrush and Sensitivity Pen at Fred Meyer the other day when I was shopping for supplies for our road trip to Great Wolf Lodge.
I’ve been using it for about a week and it’s doing it’s job. The toothbrush has really soft bristles and rubber, which actually feels quite nice on my sensitive teeth and gums. You know how harsh brushing teeth can be when you have sensitivity. According to Colgate, the Actis Enamel Pen blocks sensitivity at the source of pain. And it’s easy. Simply: Brush, Apply, Go.
It took about 3 days to really get working, and it says over time over time (with continued usage) the product builds a barrier so teeth are less prone to sensitivity 24/7.
I put it to the test this week for sure. Not only did we have treats at the Space Needle and Great Wolf Lodge, I also enjoyed a delicious Johnny Rockets Salted Caramel shake Saturday during the Social Fabric blogging conference I attended here in Seattle.
Then yesterday, our friends invited us over to enjoy an afternoon barbecue with cake, ice cream and popsicles for John’s birthday.
I think I’ve probably gained five pounds this week! But it’s been fun. And YAY to no pain. This whole thing has been forcing me to realize how much I really do need to visit the dentist again to take care of that work I’ve been avoiding. I think just talking about it openly, while embarrassing, helps. I’m sure no one wants to know that I need extra deep cleanings and cavity work that’s going to take about eight hours. But if I don’t go I know it’s only going to get worse.
Back in my twenties, my anxiety caused me to avoid the dentist for about 5 years and I ended up with an emergency root canal. I DO NOT want to go through that again. So I’m making the commitment to you, right here and now to call the dentist today. I’m going to figure out time to schedule my dental work.
I need to make me a priority, because I know oral health (or lack there of) can cause other health problems and that is definitely not worth it.
A friend recently told me that I need to be open and honest with my dentist about my anxiety. I never think about the fact that I should divulge this kind of thing to doctors other than my psychiatrist, but I’m sure even dentists have ways to help patients manage their stress and anxiety during visits. If I’m going to be open with you, I need to be open with them too. Then I can have even more moments like these, with no tooth pain.
Kroger (and Kroger banner stores like Fred Meyer, where I purchased my toothbrush and pen) offer digital coupons for the Colgate Sensitive Toothbrush and Sensitivity Pen. Check your local store webpage for more info.
Do you have dental anxiety holding you back? What about teeth sensitivity and pain?
I agree with your friend! I think that it’s so important to be on the same page with people about things like that, especially when it directly affects what the other person will be doing. In that vein, I firmly believe that it’s critical to find a dentist that is understanding and accommodating about anxieties! And teaching our children to be honest about things like that will definitely help them have a better experience – and help the dentist help them have a less scary time!
I’m so glad I found this! I have very sensitive teeth and have tried just about everything. Thanks so much for sharing your discovery with us.
I agree that you should be open and honest with your dentist about any anxiety you may feel. They will be the one who can likely resolve your concerns. As a result, you’ll find that dental visits can even be a pleasant experience.