John Y’s Musings from the Middle: Confession

Confession.

Not like St Augustine’s….but a more modern version with dental implications.

I would like to make a public confession about something I have been deliberately deceptive about for over 40 years.

I continue promising things will change, but frankly, they never have. And I feel guilt and shame…and mild pain that is helped only by Anbesol gel.

For over 40 years when asked by the dental hygienist and/or dentist “Are you flossing regularly?” I also lead them to believe I have been flossing more than I really have—and to make matters worse—add that I will do better before the next appointment. But don’t.

(Once I indicated a flossed with some limited regularity when, in fact, I hadn’t flossed even once in the last 6 months. Except with the corner of sugar packages and once with a toothpick.)

Over 40 years of cumulative deceit can weigh heavy on a man’s heart. And on his dental health. And I need to come clean.

So I can again, look myself in the eye in the mirror. And at the three remaining wisdom teeth when flossing.

If not for my teeth, I need to at least do it for my soul.