Dental health

Hot tip from Grandma

~ MaryG ~ 24 Comments

What’s one habit that has improved your life the most?

I’m 61. Been married 33 years. I’m retired, after a 30+ year career in fundraising. I’m a mom and a grandma. Both of my parents are still alive and functioning.

The one habit I’ve noticed that improves quality of life for most people is …

I’m literally drawing a blank.

I’d say “walking outside,” but I’m currently dealing with heel pain and haven’t been walking much. (And neither of my parents ever go for a walk outside.)

OK, here’s one small thing: floss your teeth. That’s something I didn’t do through my twenties, until a mean dentist had a talk with me. He basically shamed me into flossing. Now I floss all the damn time.

There are all kinds of health and financial benefits to having healthy teeth and gums. I’m not going to go into them, but you can google it.

I’d say tone down all that teeth whitening and stock up on good old dental floss.

American smiler

~ MaryG ~ 4 Comments

What’s the first impression you want to give people?

Like many Americans, I’m a smiler. I was fortunate to have had braces (twice!), so my teeth are straight. I’m not embarrassed to smile. I try to smile, even if I’m about to go full “Karen” and ask to speak to the manager. It can’t hurt, right?

The exception is obviously anytime I don’t want someone to engage with me. For women especially, this can be a safety issue. No, dude, this seat is not free. Can’t you see my coat is on it? Go sit somewhere else. (No smile for you)

When I was in the Soviet Union in the late 80s, I was shocked that nobody ever smiled out on the streets. It seemed so unfriendly. But then I got a look at their teeth. I wouldn’t smile either, if I had their teeth.

If you like smiling, thank your mother (who probably made you brush your teeth) and your father (who probably paid for your braces) and your dentist.