I’m just like you, sometimes I have to see the dentist too!
Posted May 23, 2019.
Here’s real evidence, that even as your dentist I have to take my turn sometimes!
A dentist at the dentist?
It’s true. Even a dentist like me is a real human, and I have to take a turn in “the chair” throughout the year. In fact, in the past decade I’ve had: braces, 4 gum grafts, my first crown and root canal, several teeth resealed, a chipped tooth from a pothole on my bike and another from my 4 year old hitting me in the face, plus several teeth updated from older work that needed replacing. So for a lot of the things I recommenced, I literally “feel” what you do.
Back in the 1967 a trade group called the Sugar Research Foundation, known as the Sugar Association today, paid three scientists at Harvard $50,000 (in today’s dollars) to publish a review on sugar, fat and heart disease which skewed our views on that sweet substance many of us love to taste. The group handpicked reviews to minimize the link between sugar and heart health, and to put the unfair blame on fat. (Source: New York Times, Sept. 12, 2016.)
Today, we are literally seeing and feeling the effects in our Health Care system and how we feel over 60 years late. Now we know that high-quality saturated fats are actually important for nerve health and regeneration, as well as an important fuel source. We also know that processed sugar is one of the worst things ever to happen to us on a daily basis. For a great book to listen to or read on this, checkout one of my favorites, Head Strong. Tooth decay and gum disease are preventable for most of us, but thanks to sugar it’s a lot harder to avoid.
A few years ago, I personally switched my own preventative maintenance and cleaning visits to more often than every 6 months because I want to keep my teeth for as long as I can. For many of us every 6 months just isn’t enough. This photo was taken at my recent dental visit, where I was having several teeth update that had older work which needed replacing. Being a patient is one of the best things, because it reminds me of perspective from the other point of view.
I was reminded that:
- I have a small mouth - even though my wife wouldn’t believe it.
- Good numbing is a true blessing.
- We touch our teeth together thousands of times each day when you factor in chewing, speaking, sleeping, resting, swallowing. It’s incredible that they are strong enough to endure that kind of use.
- I am grateful for old dentistry, even though it’s not as up to date as what we offer today, it’s helped save millions of teeth and allow millions to chew longer. Silver fillings are a thing of the past, but I’ve seen many last 20 years or more. How many car tires, clothes, or things we use everyday can last that long? I replace old crowns, silver fillings and worn teeth every day - and I find a lot of good ‘ol fashioned work underneath there - it’s what saved your tooth this long.
- It’s amazing what we can do! In under 2 hours I had 3 teeth completely updated and old work replaced with new bonding. Sure I was numb for awhile but I got to eat right after and had no follow up needed on these teeth. How many minor surgeries compare to that? Modern dentistry is amazing, that’s why I love being a part of it.
I thank you for your efforts in helping us fight oral disease and in taking care of your own dental health. We couldn't do it without you.
Have a great week,
Dr. Tyler Williams