Like Pulling Teeth (day 10)

It's a pun. The title, I mean.

I'm having a hard time dredging up memories now... I honestly can't say as I remember too terribly much under age 14 or so. Around then, in my memory, is when I became sentient feeling. When we started, I had so many things flood into my head, or so it felt... I made a notepad and wrote the ideas down. Now I'm almost out of them, burning them quicker than I can pull more. I only have a couple left. So I don't know if I can keep my head above water in this challenge.

Today I remember the dentist. Originally, we didn't take me to the dentist. But, at some point, my mom got insurance that covered most of it. Then, I think it was my grandmother that suggested it, as she didn't believe I took good care of my teeth.

I thought I did fine, my teeth felt great, and I told them so. Big mistake. I was assured that I was probably way too lazy to take proper care of them, and I was going to go to the dentist (I was a little nervous and didn't want to, or see the need to, go). I insisted that my teeth were fine, and I did take care of them.

So then it escalated to that if my teeth weren't perfectly fine, I was in trouble. They were going to ground me if I had cavities or anything. I brushed my teeth for 45 minutes that night, determined to prove them wrong, and a little nervous still about the trip and possibility of grounding.

I went the next day. As I remember it, the nurse (or whatever the dentist's assistant is called) was young, like in early 20s, and quite cute. She had an adorable, funny manner that really put me at ease. I remember coming in many trips later and her not being there any more, and me being sad. She was such a friendly face, and I suppose I fancied her on some level. Most of the procedure was fine. I liked the taste of the different things, like the gel and their toothpaste. The high power electric toothbrush was neat, as was the high power water sprayer (it tickled sooooo bad). I hated the dentists' pick, though. It hurt so bad. It always did, and still does. Can't stand it; my instincts scream at me that it's doing damage in there. It also makes my skin crawl something fierce.

But, at the end of the visit, after all the poking, prodding, x-rays and scraping, I didn't have cavities. I didn't have any problem except a little plaque. My parents viewed this with suspicion, and I was informed that next time, if/when I had cavities, I'd get grounded then.

But I didn't have them next time.

Or the time after that.

Or the time after that.

Or the time after that.

Or ever, actually. My teeth have always been perfectly fine. So, hah, they never got to ground me over it. :]

I don't even bother with perfect dental hygiene (not that many people brush after every meal as you are supposed to). I may have had cavities at some point; but cavities, despite what they tell you, can heal. And I heal quickly. In fact, most people have cavities that go away naturally some times in their lives. It can be caused, or worsened, by stress.

So in the end, it was just one of those things. You know, where, as a child, you think: "I don't need this. There's no point. If it were up to me, I wouldn't do it." And this time, I was right. It was always just a waste of time and money. I don't go anymore.

Though at least I have the memories of the cute nurse.

Seriously though, an experience is worth a lot. It's good to remember that when we doubt the price we pay to get it. What is more valuable than an experience? Whether remembered or not, they shape us, and through them, we grow.

Like ripples in a pond.