Poppy was your average fifteen-year-old, fond of all things sugary. She was always tempted to give in to her sweet tooth because she lived in a suburban area with her parents and younger brother. Poppy's sweet tooth ruled her life, whether it was a complex milkshake with whipped cream on top, a handful of gummy bears, or a donut from the local bakery. She always seemed to have an infinite supply of candy, and her friends often joked that she had a secret stockpile hidden someplace in her room.
Despite her sweet indulgences, Poppy didn't pay much attention to her oral hygiene. She only brushed her teeth in the mornings. Flossing? It rarely crossed her mind. With so many delectable treats to consume, spending more time in front of the bathroom mirror seemed pointless.
One bright Saturday morning, Poppy woke up feeling remarkably exhausted. She yawned and stretched, and a stabbing pain went through her jaw. A shiver of dread passed over her as she reached up to rub her cheek. Her typical breakfast of sweet cereal was difficult to enjoy because of the persistent ache. She quickly looked in the mirror to ensure no apparent symptoms of trouble, but everything appeared normal.
That evening, however, the pain became more pronounced. The throbbing sensation was relentless, and Poppy knew she couldn't ignore it. So, the following day, she finally confessed to her mom.
"Mom, I think I have a toothache." Her mother looked worried as soon as she said it.
With an eyebrow raised, she questioned, "Have you been brushing and flossing regularly?"
Shaking her head, Poppy said, "I brush...sometimes."
Her mother sighed. "Poppy, we need to get you to the periodontist. Toothaches can lead to bigger problems if they're not treated."
Poppy felt anxious at the sheer prospect of seeing a periodontist. But the pain was becoming unbearable, and she realized there was nothing she could do.
They arrived at the unexpectedly friendly dentist's office later that afternoon. Cartoon teeth in whimsical paintings adorned the softly colored walls, smiling down at her. But this did not make Poppy feel any less anxious.
After a few minutes, a dental hygienist took her to the examination room. The periodontist, Dr. Pagay, greeted her and carefully examined her teeth. She lifted her head and said, with a concerned face, "It seems you have a cavity and some inflammation in your gums."
Poppy's heart started beating and whispered, "Is it serious?"
She answered, "No, but we must address it." She asked, "Do you brush in the morning and before going to bed?"
After pausing, Poppy whispered, "I brush in the morning."
"And what about flossing?"
"It's not something I do," she blushed and said honestly.
The periodontist nodded thoughtfully. "Preventing such problems, however, calls for good oral hygiene. I know it's easy to forget dental care, especially when sweets are involved. We'll need to clean your teeth and fill that cavity, but more importantly, we need to talk about a better routine for your dental care."
Poppy nodded; her feelings were a combination of understanding and embarrassment.
Following the operation, which was significantly less painful than she had anticipated, Poppy and Dr. Pagay discussed a treatment plan. She advised limiting sugary foods and drinks. "You'll need to floss and brush at least twice daily. When you indulge, brush your teeth afterward or give yourself a watery mouthwash. "
With an honest tone, Poppy said, "Yes, doc, I swear I'll do better," after taking her advice.
