Dentists and Depression


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30 June 2009

Had to go to the dentist today. Toothache and swollen lymph glands in my jaw.

Going to the dentist is a fairly frequent occurrence. Whenever I'm depressed I don't take care of my teeth. No flossing, a cursory 30 second brushing, and if things get really bad, I don't brush my teeth. For a day or two. Or three. So of course my teeth and gums suffer.

So almost inevitably, about two weeks after I come out of each depression episode I have to make a trip to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, get a checkup, and fix whatever damage I managed to do to my teeth while depressed. This time I lucked out - the gum wasn't seriously infected.

In addition to the visits like those above, thanks to the fact that my jaws are permanently tense whenever I am manic, I have a strong bite. A really strong bite, the kind that tends to crack fillings and occasionally chip teeth. So I have to get those fixed frequently too.

My dentist sure loves me.


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