SYT: Save Your Teeth

I am scared of many things-- real and imagined. And visiting the dentist is in my top ten list of scary stuff.  But like death and taxes, visits are inevitable since losing a tooth is definitely more scarier.

When I finally got the nerve, I made a dental appointment for last Wednesday morning.  I was overdue for my annual dental appointment and the knowledge made me edgy.  Will the dentist find a cavity or two? Will I undergo a terribly painful procedure?

As I took a cab to the dental clinic, I remembered past visits.  How as a child, it was always a struggle to get me onto the dental chair.  Once in the chair, I was quick to grab the dentist’s wrist as he brought an instrument close to my mouth.  

“What’s that for?”, was always my question.

Dental pliers, old fashioned drills attached to a wheel similar to that of a sewing machine and gigantic dental syringes still sends shivers down my spine.

As I grew up, I tended not to go to the dentist until I could no longer bare a toothache.  This usually resulted in longer time on the dental chair with drills and injections and the unfortunate extraction. All these just fed into my fear.

Since I came back to Cebu, I have reacquainted myself with a very good friend who happened to be a dentist.  Once I arrived at her clinic, she first placed me at my ease with a chat about mutual friends and interests.  Seeing I was ready, I was escorted to the chair for a thorough cleaning and check-up.

Every time she hit a sensitive spot, I would twitch and she would stop or slow down. From time to time, I found I had slid down the chair and would straighten up.  Eventually, I realized everything seemed to be going well.  I took a deep breath, relaxed my clenched fists and emptied my mind of negative thoughts.

Before I knew it, the cleaning was done.  My friend declared me good and ready for lunch after painstakingly making sure I did not have any cavities.

I live another day to tell this tale.

---xoxoxox---

My friend reminded me to visit her or a dentist for regular cleaning twice a year. This ensures my teeth stay on.  Any dental problem can immediately be attended to before it becomes a major concern.  Most importantly, I can be spared scaring myself silly.

Noting how sensitive some of my teeth were, she suggested that I stay away from sweets, sour food and condiments. The acidity of sugar, salad vinaigrette and fruits tend to erode the tooth’s enamel.  If I must have my desserts, fruits and wine, I was advised to rinse with water and wait 30 minutes prior to brushing my teeth.  This will ensure I do not brush the acid deeper into my teeth.

When flossing, it is not enough that I insert the floss between my teeth. I need to gently use the floss to scrap the sides of each tooth.

I also revealed I have a hard time remembering not to brush my teeth with much pressure.  Using a toothbrush with soft bristle may not be the solution for me.  Instead, my friend recommend I get myself one of those electric toothbrushes with a two minute timer.  Must also remember to brush using a circular motion.

And most interesting was the discovery that the tiny bump I have behind my front teeth is a condition known as torus mandibularis-- a bony growth.  Nothing to worry about, assured my friend.  (It can be liken to the bunion growing on the side of a foot.) This could become troublesome though should I need dentures in the future.  This made me resolve to take good care of my teeth. 

---xoxoxox---

Taking my friend’s advice to enjoy lunch, we left her clinic to dine at a nearby restaurant.  Nothing better said  “Enjoy Life” than the restaurant’s offer of a mango icebox cake and fudgy chocolate cake to round off a delicious lunch.   

You too can enjoy life with this simple but delightful mango float recipe as shared to me by my mom’s cook.  Just remember to SYT: drink water after you have eaten your dessert then wait at least 30 minutes before your brush your teeth. 

Yaya Gemma’s Mango Float

18 pieces of graham crackers

1 graham cracker, crushed

1 ½ c Nestle cream, place in the refrigerator overnight

1 c condensed milk, placed in the refrigerator overnight

4-6 mangoes, peeled

1.      Slice your mangoes thinly.

2.     Beat your cream and pour the condensed milk slowly.  Set aside.

3.     Assembly:

-arrange a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9x9 square glass container.

-pour 1/3 of the cream mixture and make sure the crackers are covered

-arrange mango slices on top of the cream

-repeat the same until all of the cream is used up

-top with more mangoes and a crushed graham cracker or be playful and create a design with your mango slices.

Mango Coconut Tree..heehee

4.     Cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight.

5.     Before serving remove from freezer and let thaw for about 5-10 minutes.

6.     Slice and start enjoying life!

Note: You will notice, the cream-condensed milk was very fluid.  It was because the cream and milk came straight from the pantry and it was a very hot afternoon.  It did not alter the taste-- still yummy!  
To ensure that your cream is whipped to perfection, everything must be cold—your cream, your condensed milk, your bowl, your beaters. 

If interested, check out my chocolate cake with fudge icing by clicking HERE.