YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

(Mildly gross dental stuff: spoiler!)

Two weeks ago I ate some kettle corn on Thursday. Monday some teeth felt loose, and my gums were sore.

I brushed and flossed, and all sorts of blood came out. I used my waterpik and more blood came out, along with the offending kettle corn kernel. It bled and bled.

And then nothing.

At age 40 I've learned to listen to the dentist and hygienist: I got an electric toothbrush and I love it. I got one of those flossing things that looks like a toothbrush. It is great.

I know I'm liable to have dental problems at any time. Such is life.

But for now, right this instant, because I effected what the experts told me, my mouth and teeth feel great.

I just wanted to share that.

Taking care of your teeth is all part of self-love. Admirable stuff, as usual. Keep up the great work, Oak!

Thanks Manuel Moe! I appreciate your encouragement.

Forrest Gump came out the year I graduated from high school, 1994. My role model is Lt. Dan (who I find much more interesting than Forrest).

Its funny how things stay with you: I remember that the first thing Lt. Dan told Forrest and Bubba was to take care of their socks. That's stayed with me for 25 years.

Socks, dental care, keeping $10 worth of quarters in the car: small, simple things that can prevent alot of trouble. You live and learn.

Also, I send you sincerest wishes for great dental health!

Two major milestones in my life were:

Finally finding a great dentist
The day he finished fixing the last of the big problems in there

I appreciate what your going through.

Dental health is clutch to self love and care. Im glad you bought the right tools to do the job comfortably. I use those floss pick things and I can actually floss between all my teeth now without gagging myself.

Clean teeth, big smiles?

Thanks Beany Boo, Manuel Moe, and Not a Cylon!

My teeth continue to feel great, and I enjoy taking care of myself.

Today at work I had an opportunity to talk with a dental research scientist. He was having a bit of a bad day, and I was able to help him and to give him a bit of encouragement. I told him, sincerely, that his efforts are important and that people like me appreciate what he is doing.

Spreading the good dental karma. Keeping the dental love flowing.