Today I Went To The Dentist

I get it, you are probably rolling your eyes at the title of this post. No judgement on your judgement, it seems like any responsible adult would be heading to the dentist twice a year for cleanings and maintenance. That wasn't me until recently.

It's not because I am gross and don't brush my teeth, actually on a weekly basis strangers comment on how nice and white my teeth are (it's natural), the truth is I am a recovering alcoholic covered in fear, a lot of fear, especially of the dentist.

It's been over 8 years since I picked up a drink and my life is, for the better. I really was living in a giant hole filled with fear for years. As a child I wasn't taken to the dentist often because we couldn't afford it, and honestly the adults in charge of me weren't very responsible either, it took me over 4 years to get my braces off! Dentistry avoidance!

Then came the major trauma, around 19-20 years of age I had all four wisdom teeth extracted while I was awake, several of them were impacted, my dental insurance was so bad I couldn't afford to pay to be put under during the procedure. That dentist broke an adjacent molar in the process! I was so completely traumatized by that experience I still haven't properly fixed the tooth yet (it's been 25 years!), it has caused so many issues in my life and I've had root canal because of it too!

FEAR! STRESS! ANXIETY!

Today I go to a lovely kind dentist twice a year. It took me 3 years to finally agree to have her replace the toxic metal fillings I had in my mouth (I did two today, and two will be replaced in September). She asked me if I do meditation, we spoke about a guru she follows and she reminded me how stress, fear and anxiety play a huge part in our dental health which can hurt our overall health.

Then I meditated listening to India Arie, the doctor began and the whole process took less than 30 minutes.

I feel really positive about my experience today, I'm a strong sober woman, addressing her health both physically and mentally. Breathe deep, dental work too shall pass.

Oh and I didn't even use any Novocaine ;)