Teeth...

[fajrdrako]

I went to the dentist today. I'd been fearing and dreading and needing this ever since I'd been diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome; and the last time I saw my dentist, he mentioned my dry mouth, and gave me advice about it.

That was a year ago.

Now my condition is worse and my teeth are worse, and my anxiety about both was bothering me. Which meant it was necessary to face the problem and deal with it, sooner rather than later. ("Deal with it" includes somehow paying the dental bills.)

In an hour of treatment, and Dr. Barnes fixed the teeth that were actually bothering me, and his sympathetic Oh, no! when I told him about the Sjogren's was balm to my worried soul. He said he thinks autoimmune diseases are on the rise because of all the chemicals we ingest and interact with. I could only agree, as well as one can agree with a mouth full of someone else's fingers and instruments and tooth-fixing compounds.

His advice: sip water as often as possible, don't rinse the toothpaste out after brushing, and use dental tape instead of dental floss.

Right.

I have a follow-up appointment on Monday, and knowing it's there does a lot for my peace of mind.