I worked at a dental college for 8 years and, although, I don’t exactly look back on that era with fondness, I did learn a few things about oral health that have and will benefit me as the aging process continues to chug along.
I’ll share some tips:
Floss every day.
I learned this participating in several research studies. The co-sponsor went around checking all the employee’s teeth, looking for ‘gum bleeders’. I was continually chosen. And while I loved receiving the $200 check after the study, I wasn’t crazy about my inevitable future with periodontal disease.
When I asked the research director to recommend a periodontist, she said, “You don’t need a periodontist – just floss more often.
So three months after flossing 3 times, I was longer a candidate for the studies. Who knew?
Think about it – isn’t dental floss a lot cheaper and less painful than a series of periodontal visits for gingivitis?
Just say no to bonding.
If you suffer from sensitive teeth and gums because of receding gum lines, start buying Sensodyne toothpaste.
My former dentist hounded me every six months to allow him to bond my teeth to protect from sensitivity and further damage from loss of enamel because of my teeth grinding over the years.
When I discussed this problem with one of the dental faculty he said, “You don’t need bonding unless it’s for cosmetic purposes. Use Sensodyne and use a lighter hand when brushing around sensitive/low enamel places.
No, I’m not a Sensody
ne rep – but unless you have unsightly receding gums or enamel damage on teeth that show when you smile, don’t spend the extra money for bonding.
Sensodyne is cheaper and my teeth are rarely sensitive to hot and cool beverages anymore.
Get a professional cleaning every 6 months.
I never used to keep up with my cleaning appointments because I was afraid of what they were going to tell me.
But since I’ve learned how to take care of my teeth properly and to say no to costly preventative procedures, I almost (I said, almost) enjoy going to have my teeth cleaned.
Even though, I’m a loyal brusher/flosser now, I’m also a big coffee/smoothie/wine drinker and my teeth become stained after a few months. Having a professional hygienist is the only way I’ve found to remove that unsightly staining, so I don’t mind paying the extra bucks.
Keep smiling boomer babes, now you’ll have a few dollars more for those shoes you’ve been dying to buy.
Thanks, I will definitely let you know. The nurse said that she was going to do a little on the lips. I sure don't want the trout pout.
Thanks for your advice. I'm getting more excited than nervous now.
Roadrunner - absolutely nothing drastic about it. When you first get the botox (forehead and eyes) you will see a change that will level off in a few days or one week. It looks completely natural. You CANNOT frown no matter how hard you try! Be very 
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