A Mouthful of Money

When I saw what Linda's subject was for today, I felt I had to participate.  I could write a book about teeth and dental procedures and I have literally, thousands of dollars of dental work in this mouth of mind.  Here we go, and I know all of you are most interested..........~chuckle~

What are your dental memories of childhood? My very first memory of going to the dentist was probably when I was about 8 years old.  The dentist ran his office out of his house and for those younger folks, the dental chairs you sat in while being worked on were NOT the recliner type that we have today.  They were "  sit up straight"   type chairs with these little "  thingys"   that cradled your neck. I doubt seriously that I went to the dentist much before this time, but I can assure you that I have managed to make up for it. I well remember the huge syringes that the Dr. used to give the deadening agent and I was absolutely scared too death but managed to survive it.

Who pulled your baby teeth and how was it done - with a tissue, string, or other method? Was it a traumatic experience or no big deal? Did you have to have any teeth pulled by the dentist? I well remember it being a very traumatic experience but only because I acted so silly about it.  My tooth would be barely hanging on and my Dad would start to go ahead and pull it and I would start screaming.  Of course, he didn't have much patience for that and things usually escalated from there.  After he got through with me I usually opened my mouth, stood still and he calmly reached in and pulled it out.  I have had two wisdom teeth and one other tooth pulled by a dentist and it wasn't that big of a deal.

Did the tooth fairy visit your house? If so, how much did you get for each tooth and how long did that last? Yes, the tooth fairy did visit our house and I just thought it was totally amazing how she could come into my room, get the tooth out from under my pillow and leave me a quarter in return.  I always said I was going to stay awake all night and see her, but, I never did. ~grin~  I guess she continued to come until we were around 9 or 10.

How old were you at your first dental visit? Did you go regularly? Did you have any/many cavities as a child?  I was about 8-9 years old and I do not remember going regularly, but I do remember that every time I did go, I always had a cavity and it's still pretty much that way. ~laugh~

Was dental hygiene taught in school? Was flossing a big deal when you were growing up? Did you have braces and, if so, for how long? Did you have to wear rubber bands, head/neck gear or other additional "accessories"? Did you need braces but your parents couldn't afford them? Have you had braces as an adult?
I do not remember dental hygiene being taught in school and I do not remember knowing anything about flossing until I was in my 20's and to this day, I hate doing it!  I have never had braces or any other apparatus' for my mouth.

Do you have any fond/funny//traumatic memories of old relatives or friends and their false teeth? Oh, my paternal Grandmother would entertain us with her false teeth all the time.  It is one of my many fond memories of her.  There was never a dull moment with her.  


As I stated, just about every time I have gone to the dentist in my life, I have either had a cavity or something else wrong.  I think I pretty much have a filling in every tooth in my head, and I've had 11 root canals, yes you read that right, 11 of those little fellas!!!  And, I've had surgery on the root of one of my teeth.  Needless to say, I have spent hours upon hours in a dental chair and dollars upon dollars on dental bills.  Its's a shame your family cannot cash in your teeth when you die. ~chuckle~ But, I have managed to keep my teeth in my head and I guess that makes it all worth it. ~smile~


No doubt this was way more than you ever wanted to know or cared to know about my "  dental history"   but hopefully you had a laugh or two while reading.


I'm linking up with my Company Girls too and invite you to click on either button for more Friday entertainment.