My Experience at the Dentist Today

I've never liked the dentist. I mean, who really likes having their mouth open wide for 20+ minutes and their teeth being scraped and gums prodded? Not me. Even though I really like my hygienist - she's the sweetest - I do not look forward to these appointments.

Today was especially bad. I left the office at 2pm for my 310pm appointment. That's one hour and ten minutes to drive what should be a 45 minute drive, tops (I go to the same dentist I first went to when we moved to Southlake back in '99, so needless to say its far, far away from my Dallas office).

After twenty five minutes I had probably gone about five miles from my office. For those of you who don't live here or know what's going on, pretty much the entire freeway system on the Dallas side of the metroplex is under construction. Usually they only work and close lanes at night so I have no idea what was going on to make traffic so congested at 2pm on a Tuesday.

I crawled along the freeway just waiting for an exit where I could make my escape and take regular roads to avoid the construction. I finally got moving on the regular roads and had a glimmer of hope that I would make it. When I finally got back on the highway I was debating which way to take - regular roads to avoid construction and arrive late or risk the highway and more construction traffic, but if I got lucky I would be on time. It was at this time that my gas light decided to come on so I freaked out a little (Jennie!!) but I couldn't stop because I'd be late, so I just hoped and prayed that I would make it. 

I decided to risk taking the highway and was in luck! No traffic! Although, a stupid 18-wheeler decided to take the curves too fast and almost caused an accident between himself, a suburban and myself. So that was fun. I rushed to my exit, drove through a school zone by which time it was 310pm, so I called the dentist office to let them know I was minutes away. I was literally shaking when I pulled into the parking lot (gas light still on). I rushed inside, checked in and ran for the bathroom a)because I had to go bad and b) I needed to brush my teeth!! I shook the whole time. 

I was still all hyped up when they called me back. The hygienist decided to wait a little before taking my blood pressure - I'm sure it would have been through the roof if she had done it right then. I finally did chill out and my blood pressure is fine. However, my gums are not. 

This cleaning was the worst I've ever had. I'll skip the nasty details, but basically, to my horror, I've been diagnosed with gingivitis. Like this experience hadn't been bad enough. I take decent care of my teeth, daily brushing, occasional mouth wash and sporadic flossing, rarely a cavity. I need to be flossing daily apparently because that's the only way to clear up the gingivitis.

I will be getting out my Water Pik and flossing hardcore daily. If you aren't flossing, take it from me, get on it. Bleeding gums and a sore mouth are not fun. I could barely chew an almond my teeth were so sore after! 

First thing I did when I left the office? Got my butt to a gas station. Phew!