Ye Toothe Faire

Cheesehead and Reverend Mother are both suffering dental woes this week. In honor of them we celebrate Ye Toothe Faire:

1. Are you a regular patron of dentists' offices? Or, do you go
a) faithfully, as long as you have insurance, or
b) every few years or so, whether you need it or not, or
c) dentist? what is this "dentist" thing you speak of?

Growing up we went as a family every 6 months. I loved Dr. D. and would have continued that practice forever but then in high school I had braces and went for tightening once a month (we lived far away from the dentist) so the pain was intense. Ever since they came off dentist = torture. Also, what is dental insurance, exactly? I've never had any. So, my answer is really

d) whenever I am in so much pain I can't stand it anymore.

2. Whatever became of your wisdom teeth?
They were removed in my mid-twenties because of D) above. :-) The silly things also pushed all my torturously straightened teeth crooked again!

3. Favorite thing to eat that's BAAAAAD for your teeth.
Peeps (ok, so I still have a basket full of Easter candy on the dining room table).
Also apples - I have to cut them up in little pieces because biting into them might break off the "temporary" front tooth that's been in my mouth for 20 years.

4. Ever had oral surgery? Commiserate with me.
Does having teeth pulled count? 4 to make room for braces, 4 wisdom teeth, and 4 because they hurt so much I couldn't stand it any more. (see D) above)

5. "I'd rather have a root canal than _________________."
I'd rather have a tooth pulled than a root canal!

Bonus: Does your dentist recommend Trident?
Dentist? What is this dentist thing whereof you speak?