Like a Bad Toothache!

I guess going to the dentist makes its mark, since we use so many expressions from the experience. This week means the six-month deadline for my kids and I’ve already dragged Son #4 in for his checkup. The kid’s the best brusher I have, but he carries the record for most cavities.

Now I’m the first to admit I overuse the saying “Like pulling teeth”--most frequently when I’m staring at a blank computer screen trying to finish a first draft. Sometimes when the words aren’t flowing, and I have a deadline, I wish I was at the dentist.

Then there’s “like a bad toothache.” Okay, I’ve actually had a toothache so bad I literally thought I’d died and gone to Hell. For some reason, there seems to be a waiting list for people who need root canals. I don’t get this. Isn’t that like an emergency situation? Everyone seems to think a couple painkillers will tide you over until you can get the work done, but for anyone who’s ever endured this…Nuh-uh.

So now, my youngest child will be returning to the dentist next week to have a tooth with a cavity in it pulled. It’s wedged in by a big mean permanent tooth. When I got the news I was immediately concerned, because let’s face it, with all of the idioms and horror stories, it could be a traumatic experience that might scar him for life.

I talked to him about it on the way home, hoping in some small way I could ease his fears. In true “Never Say Die, I’m An Eight Year Old” fashion, he shrugged it off with, “I’ll need that tooth back so I can put it on under my pillow.”

Cha-ching.

I pray that he never needs a root canal. Or has to pay for one!