Be Kind To Your Dentist — They Have Fillings Too
Start writing a post

Be Kind To Your Dentist — They Have Fillings Too

Puns aside, dentists deserve just as much appreciation as any other hero would.

357
Be Kind To Your Dentist — They Have Fillings Too

My theory that dentists are underrated stems from the negative reaction that most people have when they need to go in for a visit. Unlike everyone else I know who despises going to the dentist and absolutely dread their 6-month cleaning, I actually look forward to going through all that scraping if it means having a clean mouth afterward. I know how weird this sounds, but nothing beats the feeling of having an anti-cavity, plaque-less mouth.

The best part of being a pre-dental student is that I find myself naturally curious about the entirety of this field. Every time I go in for an appointment, I have my dentist show me the pictures he takes of my teeth with his fancy tooth camera as we inspect every crevice together as a team. I appreciate that he is aware of my interest and makes it a point to teach me something new each time. He even gets carried away sometimes and falls into an in-depth lecture on the anatomy of a tooth, where I eventually have to stop him as I struggle to keep up. But I feel like I learned something anyway.

I feel like dental health, in general, is pretty much overlooked. Now we all know those people who brush twice a day and floss every night and then follow up with a mouth wash (guilty for all of the above), but there are also those people who skip flossing on some days and just finger-brush their teeth with toothpaste and call it a day. I don't entirely blame the people who do the latter because dental hygiene isn't something everyone is entirely aware of- or rather the seriousness of it. In fact, when I was younger I didn't even realize how important it is to brush properly and every day until I shadowed an oral surgeon a few years ago. I would see all kinds of people from various age groups come into the dentist and some people had amazing teeth whereas others would be oblivious as to how unclean their teeth actually were. This is where dentists come in to save the day in order to prevent further damage or any damage at all. Hardened plaque can turn into to gum disease or cavities, both of which can lead to something even more serious if not taken care of. Trust me, don't skip floss day just as you wouldn't skip leg day.

Apart from the hygiene aspect of dentistry, let's not forget about the orthodontists who are responsible for that awkward braces phase of your middle school years. Of course, you thank them later because thanks to those clunky pieces of metal, you now have a beautiful and straight smile that you confidently flash in every high school yearbook or pictures of a night out with your friends. Fortunately, Instagram never has to see your brace face ever again.

Smiles are a big aspect of daily life whether it is for a show of gratitude to the stranger who holds the door open for you or a goofy reminder to your friends that you love them. Without dentists, the world would be a place with fewer smiles and more mouth diseases. They are the heroes who wear crowns, not capes.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70981
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132542
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments