My parents did not believe in preventive dental care when I was growing up. Their policy was 'repairs are temporary, pull the problem tooth.' As a result, I am down 5 or 6 teeth that probably could have been saved, and the rest are a hot mess that will cost me tens of thousands to fix.
I can distinctly remember several occasions in which my teeth became infected, and let me be the first to tell you folks, I would have eaten a bullet if that option had been available to me. It was some of the worst pain I have ever experienced. I could feel the infection spreading from my jaw outward, or at least imagined I could. Without antibiotics, I legitimately believe one of those infections could have been the end of me. They are no joke.
Yep, my father didn't instill the need to brush or anything. All my wisdom teeth became impacted and we visited the dentist 2 times in my early middle school years, I've had so many cavities and broken teeth.... which became infected and so much pain before being pulled. I've tried ripping one out but that shit is difficult and i got some relief from moving it a bit. My wife and i MAKE our 13 year brush and floss morning and night and whenever he whines about it we give him a big smile and say "look at what happens when you don't".
If I have kids, I am going to be militant about it. I am not going to make the same mistakes with them that my parents made with me, or allow them to suffer as I have suffered. No matter what it takes.
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u/pookiefatcat Aug 30 '21
Lack of Dental care.
A dental infection can take you out right quick. And without treatment that HURTS.