The Itch

My gums are itchy.

Yes, that’s right, my gums. I would like to pull out my teeth, take a steak knife and scratch back and forth with that knife over my gums, particularly beside my back molars.

I do not know why I get itchy gums. I have had it for years. The doctor suggested visiting the dentist, and the dentist looked at me like I had two heads.

So know one knows what causes it or what I should do to help it. You know, other than running my fingernails back and forth - and down - into my gums.

I figure it might be allergies, as itchiness is a symptom I get with seasonal allergies.

However, when ragweed is done for the year, what is the excuse then?

Dentist Torture

When it comes to the dentist, I am sort of like a dog at the veterinarian - absolutely terrified.

And I am not talking about nerves leading up to the big day. No, I am talking about nerves leading up to the big day plus sobbing in the chair, shoulders up around my bottom jaw, body shakes and hands clenched so hard, they are not only white, but also bent out of shape.

I have had nothing but bad experiences with dentists and that includes nice, professional, caring dentists.

I have bad teeth, terrible gums and apparently a really low tolerance for dental work pain. I spent many years hating my original dentist because I thought he pulled four teeth without freezing. It wasn’t until I had my second root canal done - and felt the entire procedure - that I realized that I had freezing, but it takes a long time for it to take effect. Let’s just say that by the time I left the chair, the freezing finally took.

I have had a lot of work done on my mouth including jaw surgery, bone graphs, implants and more. I swear I felt some of the implant work being done and I suffered a lot after my jaw surgery.

I had teeth rotting and falling out, I have sensitive teeth, my gums are receding and I have a weak stomach so the whole process, including brushing my teeth, makes me want to throw up and I spend a lot of time gagging.

So despite this fear, I still go to the dentist. And because my gums and teeth are so bad, I go more often than most - once every three months. Lucky me.

So dentists aren’t my favourite people.

We recently got a new dentist. We were happy with the old one, but his practice is in Whitby and I can’t ask my son to spend a hour in the car, a hour in the office and a hour back. It’s too far away.

So we go to a dentist who is 15 minutes away, which is fabulous. Unfortunately, it’s hard to explain and make people understand 34 years of dental misery. Eventually they will figure out that I am a nervous wreck and I will cry each time so don’t worry and just get the torture over with. I’ll see you in three months.