The Dental Chronicles.

Jonathan had his dental check-up last night, after a couple of years away from the good ol' DDS-es of the world.

My husband once went over a week without brushing his teeth, in college, because (now this is his excuse, and not a good one) his toothbrush was all the way in the car in the R lot and just not worth it to go get.

I don't think I've ever seen him floss. Ever. We're talking over 9 years here.

And he's a nonchalant brusher. He might brush in the morning, if the planets are aligned just so and the toothbrush and toothpaste are jumping into his hands. I think he tries to brush maybe once a day.

Compare this lackadaisical dental hygiene approach to my own: while I am not a tartar vigilante, I like a good flossing at least every few days. I count while I brush, making tiny circles on all surfaces of my molars. I rinse with mouthwash that makes me cry. Yet when go to the dentist, they say something like, "See you in six months for your next cleaning... oh, and next week, the following week, a few weeks after that, and twice more in-between." They don't even tell me how many cavities I have.

And as Jonathan checked out last night, I heard them say, "See you in six months."

I waited...

I waited...

Nope, that's it. Six months. No cavities or problems whatsoever for this one.


*Sigh* I guess it's good that only one of us has a mouth that can unflinchingly eat up hundreds and thousands of dollars... Plus I get to log some hours in the massaging chair listening to my dentist sing along to light rock.

Comments

@sweetbabboo said…
This is what happened at our first post-college appt. To Adrian's credit though, he is compulsive about good dental hygiene. It can actually be a little intimidating he's so thorough. Luckily since receiving regular dental care, I too have been given the "see you in 6 months" treatment.
Jo from Dixie said…
I can completely understand the predicament your in...wanting to be happy that your husband has good dental health and jealous on the other hand. My husband grew up without dental care of any kind. I think he said he had his teeth checked once or twice growing up, and he never had a cavity until a few years ago. So in 34 years of life, he's had one cavity (a small one at that). I, on the other hand, had routine dental checkups my entire life and I can't tell you how many cavities I've had filled, root canals I've had performed, crowns placed on my teeth, 8 silver caps at the age of 3 and a broken tooth to boot. I feel your pain, Chelsea. Unfortunately, I think Jonathon got the Overfield set of teeth. My dad has great teeth; my mom does not.

BTW, in case you don't know who this is, I'm Jeannie, Jonathon's oldest cousin on the Overfield side and Missy's older sister. I'd love to find out your address if possible to send ya'll a Christmas card. Missy may have it. I can check with her.

Oh, and congratulations on the adorable new addition to your family. Please tell Jonathon I said hello.
Moe Masters said…
Ooohhh Chels.
I apologize on behalf of my gene pool. Dangit. I feel your pain better than maybe anybody.
Chin up tho: You've got an absolutely beautiful smile.
XOxo
Jo from Dixie said…
Chelsea,

You can email me at jajecoke@yahoo.com. Thanks so much! I hope you and Jonathon have a wonderful Christmas holiday together.
katiehinsey said…
thank you thank you for the love, i really appreciate it. it's good to know that all the way across the world, someone is smiling a pretty smile my way!!

Teeth are genetic...it's a damn shame.

When I made the gigantic To-Do list before I moved here, 'go to the dentist' was the one that got crossed off without actually going...I hate it, always have, always will.

Your blog makes me giggle because I remember how manic you were about taking care of your dentures when they had braces on them...
Missy said…
I, too, have a lazy husband when it comes to dental hygeine. His first and only cavity was shortly after we were married. How frustrating! I have finally had a good check-up the last two times, but I think they've filled about every tooth in my mouth at least once if not twice! I've given up on preventive care. It didn't matter if I brushed and flossed twice a day and used a special RX toothpaste or if I only brushed once a day - they still had bad news for me. I feel your pain, Chelsea!
Chimpsea said…
Hey Missy - if you see this... can I get permission to read your blog? I keep trying and it won't let me!