Daily writing prompt

What’s one habit that has improved your life the most?

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Oral health is the one habit that improved my life. Growing up in the late forties and early fifties I have had a mouthful of cavities. I even had cavities in my baby teeth and wisdom teeth. During that time, they filled cavities with a composition that contained Mercury. Sometime later they realized that putting a Mercury compound in your mouth may not be that healthy. My gums always bled and many time felt uncomfortable.

After I returned from a tour in the army my life became more stabilized, I started to think about my filthy mouth. Quit smoking and started going to the dentist as a normal routine. I was introduced to soft pics, floss, and a Perio-aid. They replaced all my mercury fillings with a safer composite material. I cannot remember the last time I had a cavity. I know it has been over twenty-five years. The dentist now compliments me for my home care and tells me to keep it up.

I am sure fluoride had something to do with it. However, I am seeing that fluoride may not be that healthy and some are encouraging the discontinuation of reducing the use of fluoride.

Finally, oral health improved my lifestyle a lot, leading to increased confidence in social interactions and a greater willingness to engage in activities I once avoided due to hesitations about my smile; this positive change has also encouraged me to adopt a more disciplined routine of regular dental check-ups and better daily hygiene practices, ultimately contributing to my overall well-being and enhancing my quality of life.

Stopping smoking prolonged my life, Oral health Improved my life.