Small Victories

More than a year ago, my dentist in NY told me that my gums were receding and that I needed to have surgery to keep things from getting worse—where "getting worse" meant "possibly losing some of my teeth."

I was already living in LA and hadn't found a dentist out here yet, so I started looking in a hurry.

After a false start, I finally ended up seeing a periodontist this past fall. I had a thorough cleaning, got fitted for a night guard (sexy!), and learned how to floss the right way. (I had been flossing regularly, but apparently my technique sucked.) I also learned how to massage my gums (not as enjoyable as it sounds).

As for gum surgery, the periodontist said he thought I might need it, but he wanted to get to know me and my gums better before making the call. We decided to wait and see how things looked after three months of the new dental-hygiene regime.

I've been diligent about flossing (correctly) and wearing the night guard (although I confess that I haven't earned my gum-masseuse stripes).

Happily, my gums and I were rewarded with a good report at today's follow-up visit: no reason for surgery, at least for now. HUGE relief!

And a bonus: my cleaning went much more quickly and easily this time around.

I go back in three months for another cleaning and check-up.

I'll stay on that schedule for the foreseeable future, and I'll try to stave off the gum surgery as long as I can. . . .

Excuse me while I go floss!

(Shouldn't you do the same?)