Pretty Teeth

I finally succumbed and went to the dentist today for my 6 month checkup (3 months late). I hate the dentist. Don’t get me wrong I love our dentist I just don’t particularly like my mouth getting pricked and prodded. Also the fact that I had many cavities as a child has traumatized me. To let you know before I go further it was a successful check up – no cavities. This is the 6th consecutive visit with no cavities – a record. (Actually I made a record after my 2nd consecutive visit with no cavities). But anyway, I will get to my point. I got 2 compliments today from the dentist. One I will take full heartily the other I must give complete credit to genetics. My dentists told me I had “pretty teeth” never heard that one before – but hey he is dentist. I felt very good about that in fact I blushed and said a very bashful, “oh thank you.” Then he said, “Your bone structure is magnificent” my response, “My bone structure?” He explained, “Yes, the structure of your teeth.” I couldn’t resist I had to tell him, “Well, as I do appreciate good bone structure now this bone structure was not pretty on an 8 year old. In fact, I didn’t grow into these teeth until I was about 15.” Yes, I had huge teeth as a child. To make you better understand let me tell you a story. When I was 8 I went with my mom to pick up my Uncle Joe (my mom’s youngest brother – who at the time was about 30). It was the beginning of October, and I discussed with my mom that I wanted to be a farm girl for Halloween. In the car ride with my Uncle Joe my mom said, “I wonder how we are going to black out your teeth, you know to make it look like you are missing some.” With a laugh my uncle said, “What? Her teeth are already big enough.” That was the first time I ever thought I had big teeth. After I got home I spent a good couple of hours in the bathroom examining my horse teeth.

Now, I feel I need to add a disclaimer. I wasn’t the least bit hurt about my uncle’s comment. I loved my Uncle Joe (I still do), and now I just laugh. I know he wasn’t doing it to hurt me, he was just a young bachelor who probably didn’t think before he spoke – and I’ve never been guilty of that ; )