Blog Munster Dentistry

Winning the Popularity Contest

Deny it all you like, when people like you, things just seem to work better. And who doesn’t want to be liked? To go to an event where people are happy to see you makes it more enjoyable for you.

But what is it about people that makes them popular? Are they just naturally charismatic? One would think so, for very young children can turn on the charm when they want to.

That really isn’t it. Some people are naturally more gregarious than others, but the good news for you is that learning to be more popular, more likeable can be learned.

The first thing is to not judge others. Listen to their side of the story. Be sympathetic without taking sides. And whenever possible, try to hid how much you don’t like something. Look at all situations logically rather than emotionally. As soon as emotion becomes a component in a situation, all bets are off. At work, managers have to recognize that they will be unable to change the behavior of certain workers. They may be asked to, but instead of getting emotionally involved, they accept what is out of their control and move ahead accordingly.

Be genuine. Share events in your life, with a balance of good and bad. In this way, people can relate to you, know that you understand what they’re going through. Being genuine can make you vulnerable, but it also makes you very attractive to other people.

Get people to talk about themselves. This is one of the best techniques. Try it at the next gathering you attend. Rather than focusing on how uncomfortable you feel meeting all these people you’ve never met before, find a person to talk to. Start by asking them some questions about themselves, staying away from questions that can be answered with a single word. Then as they answer, really listen. Make eye contact, ask clarifying questions. Be yourself, but engaged. It was said that if you ever spoke with Jacqueline Kennedy you felt as if you were the only person in the room. That trait is the keystone to being a likable and popular person.

Photo Credit :
Most Beautiful Woman is Next Top Model of Spain from epSos .de
via Flickr

The Cleaning of the Teeth

The Cleaning of the Teeth (Part I)

She told me to open my mouth, she started the exam, and, she was in there for about 30 seconds,. Suddenly, she started crying (this is a dental story there might be some exaggeration for point). My dental hygienist said that my teeth were not very happy; in fact they were down right sad. I hadn’t been to the dentist for my recommended twice-yearly cleaning and I’m not the best flosser – in that I don’t really floss. The good news is that I don’t have periodontal disease, the bad news is if I don’t take care of my teeth now, I will.

I brush my teeth every day and use mouthwash with fluoride and, I don’t eat sweet stuff, so why can’t I just come in every five years and clean my teeth? After all, that’s what I have done for the past forty years. She looked at me and said, “Listen, I have a really full schedule, I’m booked out for months, and I can’t force you to take care of your teeth. Other people get it, you don’t yet, call me when you do.”

And that was the last time I saw my dental hygienist. Not because I haven’t “gotten it” yet. I understood almost immediately, cleaning your teeth doesn’t just make them whiter; it actually keeps your gums healthy and free from gingivitis and periodontal disease. I haven’t seen my hygienist since then because she really was booked for months and I just couldn’t get in.

The Cleaning of the Teeth (Part II)

I finally made it in to see my hygienist and my gums are so much happier now. Of course it takes a bit of work on my part, learning to floss after 40 years of not flossing is like learning a new language. I’d rather go to the dentist once a month for a monthly cleaning but personal responsibility is important. For now I will continue to keep my gums happy and therefore healthy by flossing and brushing every day. And, I will resign myself to the recommended twice-a-year cleaning. I hope my little story has impressed upon you the importance of regular cleanings. If I can do it after forty years of not doing it, then anyone can.*

*Two visits annually for a cleaning is normal. If you have periodontal disease, it will likely be recommended you visit your dentist and hygienist 3 to 4 times per year until the condition of your gums improve.

Image Used under Creative Commons license. Photo Credit: Dental floss (whole)

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Bitcoin Dentistry

There is a prevailing thought out in the world that dentists are expensive. There is also a relatively new type of currency that is starting to take traction, a bitcoin. A Bitcoin is considered a cryptocurrency. If you don’t know what a bitcoin is or what cryptocurrency is, that’s ok, hardly anyone does.

A bitcoin is just a different way to pay for something. A bitcoin’s value fluctuates, kind of like a stock. It is the rising popularity of bitcoins that begs the question; is there another way to pay for something that folks consider expensive, like dentistry?

Yes, and no. As of yet I have not found a dentist that accepts bitcoins. However, many dental offices are more than willing to help their patients come up with the best payment plan that will work for tem. Some dentists offer in-office financing, some offer financing through a third party vendor.

Like any financing, the interest rate you will end up paying depends of your credit. However, most dentists are aware our economy is still in rough shape and will be willing to work with those with bruised credit. The thing you as the patient need to decide: Is the interest rate you will be paying worth the health benefits a major dental procedure will afford you.

Obviously if you want to do some financing to get diamond incrusted teeth, maybe you should rethink that. Financing for a root canal, implant or other device that will help you enjoy eating healthier, better, and in less pain, may well be worth the finance charge.

Of course there is dental insurance, but that may be as hard to get as health insurance through Healthcare.gov. And, keep in mind anytime you can pay cash directly, you will pay less. But, also keep in mind; taking care of your teeth is not like a kitchen renovation on a kitchen that still works. Without proper dental care your health will suffer.

So, call your neighborhood dentist and make an appointment to come in and talk to them about finally getting that filling, crown, implant or root canal. The worst-case scenario is that the financing may not be available. The best-case scenario is that you can work out a payment plan with your dentist and finally have the dental care you deserve.

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