have perfect teeth

So I have to admit that I am still not keeping up with all my promises to myself about brushing and flossing as often as I need to. I did, however, take a major step toward achieving this goal: I put out my last cigarette yesterday. In six months, I will consider myself a non-smoker officially and will celebrate by getting my teeth professionally whitened! :)

I want my teeth whitened. I want my overbite corrected. I want my midline deviation corrected. I want maxillofacial surgery (if that’s what it takes) to correct the alignment of my jaw. Not to mention that a check-up and cleaning are overdue. And… all these things cost money that I do not have at present.

So, I figure the most pro-active attitude I can adopt is to focus on what I can do to start improving the appearance of my teeth while I save up for the larger process.

My goal today is to floss (because, let’s be honest, I skip it most of the time). Here are some other steps I want to take (and know that I can take!) to start feeling less self-conscious about my smile.

1) Do NOT allow myself to start my day or hit the sack without brushing. EVER again.

2) Start brushing and flossing after lunch too.

3) Buy some mouthwash. Start using it. (Okay, I feel gross admitting that needs to be done, but maybe that’s the kick in the ass I need to take care of my mouth finally!)

4) Pick up an at-home whitening treatment when I get my paycheck.

Of course, quitting smoking and giving up my addiction to soda pop are also requirements to reach this goal… I feel I often put off caring for my teeth because I feel so daunted by the need to quit cigarettes, change my diet, and save up the huge amount of money that it will take to repair my smile. I get so discouraged and overwhelmed that I end up adopting a “why bother?” attitude. I need to end that cycle now.

This week I will follow through with each of the commitments I made above because I know that I can fix my teeth if I tackle this one step at a time!