The blessings of aging

Some have said I’m a “glass half empty” person. But I’m not so sure.

Brushing my teeth this morning I remembered a conversation I had a few years ago while in the dentist’s chair. Looking up at Dr Tan I said, “I don’t seem to be getting as many cavities as I used to. Is it because I’m looking after my teeth better?”

“No,” he said. “It’s because most of your teeth are now fillings rather than teeth, so there’s not much left for the bacteria to work on!”

And he was right. Since then I can’t recall a single cavity. Sure, I’ve had some teeth removed, and I’ve had some teeth that have broken, with barely a small stump now protruding above the gum.

Do I regret that? Do I miss the pearly whites I used to have? No, not a bit. Instead I’m grateful that these days I don’t have to spend as much time brushing my teeth as I used to. You see, less teeth equals less time with the toothbrush.

Because I’m a “glass half full” person, each morning I’m thankful I have more time to rub liniment on my arthritis.