With Teeth

Um, I hate going to the dentist. It's not on a phobia level or even on an Ali level*, but I really do hate it. And the effed up part is that what makes me nervous are the cleanings and NOT potential work that would be done. The last time I went for a cleaning (a little over six months ago because I couldn't take off from the sub gig when the real six months would have been), I was at my office job. My coworkers noticed my nerves and made fun of me as I tried to explain why.

My mom, on the other hand, LOVES going to the dentist. She goes for a cleaning and is ecstatic for the rest of the day. She will refuse to eat or drink anything until at least the next day.

And it's not like I've had a bad dental experience...well...maybe I have. I remember being in 6th grade or so and going to a new dentist where, I guess, they were removing an old filling and putting a new one in? Whatever the procedure was, it wasn't a big deal or painful, but I remember screaming in the office. I cried. I was in 6th grade and crying at the dentist. (Why am I telling this story?)

Anyway, my current dental office is awesome, they really are. I think what makes me nervous to go now is that I'm always aware of the slight chance that I will get The Nazi Lady. Nazi Lady is old skool in her dental hygiene and likes to "toughen up gums." (Her words, NOT mine.) She holds your head close to her belly as she picks out the most disgusting toothpaste there is. Blech, I hate that toothpaste. The consistancy makes me want to vomit.

I used to set up an appointment and then make myself forget about it until the day before. If I didn't do that then I would inevitably get a cold or bite my lip so it hurt to go and they would say I could come another day. Weird, I know.

I'm 26 and don't want to go to the dentist! I know it will be fine, but I wish I hadn't remembered I had an appointment until tomorrow;)


XO,
SVR



*I'll let her explain. If she wants.