I've jumped out of planes numerous times, climbed rocks, slithered through small caves, walked (and danced) on a tightrope and done more tricks on my bicycle than I can count. In my head, I've been planning a scuba diving trip for my next adventure.
There are not many things that strike a chord of fear through me.
Until my last experience at the dentist.
I've always been diligent about going to the dentist, brushing and flossing. But the last time I went to the dentist (the first time at that dentist), I coud tell something wasn't right. Blood was gushing from my mouth. For three subsequent months after a general cleaning, my teeth constantly ached and I could only eat soft food.
I had been to the dentist twice a year for my entire life and I couldn't believe it, but one bad experience left me fearful. (What will my mother say if she reads this?)
Six months after the ordeal, we discovered I was pregnant and I stopped the new dentist search in favor of searches in baby registries and baby name books.
As with many pregnant women, my teeth and gums became sensitive. I just couldn't muster up the time and courage to make another dental appointment. With everything else going on in my body, I thought more tooth pain might just send me over the edge.
I planned to go right after the baby was born.
My daughter is now 10 months old and, after being on my to-do list for a year, I finally made an appointment.
I tried to be rational. I asked myself how I could expect my children to not fear the dentist when I couldn't go myself. I had to be the adult example. I reminded myself if I could birth a child with minimal medication, I can get my teeth cleaned. Now that I think about it, I was less nervous for childbirth.
As the hygenist cleaned my teeth, there were a few squirmy moments and a little blood, but all in all it wasn't that bad. I'm also glad to say I've finally conquered my embarrassing, irrational fear!
