I bet you're curious about my two big events today, huh?Well, the "date" was cool. Again, I offered to pay, but was turned down. Instead, I got a three-course meal and probably three extra pounds ;-) for free! This time, there is such a thing as a free lunch, booyah!
And I got to practice my French for about three hours. It's starting to get better, I'm totally comfortable cracking jokes left and right now. Actually, this guy I think likes to talk more than anyone I know, Lisa, so I got to practice my listening skills a bit. We're going out again Thursday because supposedly that's a big bar night for "working people" in Juan-les-Pins. I guess that means I'm going to be meeting quite a few more French people in the next few days. That'll bring my total for the month to well over 12. Let's see how many I actually keep in touch with and start to hang out with...
And regarding the dentist, I am quite proud of myself.
After only about 30 euros, I've gone and seen the dentist, learned some alternative techniques to help alleviate my pain, as well as a bag full of prescribed goodies that I picked up from the pharmacie.
Ok, at first it doesn't seem worth it that I dropped 21 euros for my consultation at the dentist, only to have him tell me I need a special toothpaste and mouth wash for sensitive teeth. However, he also put some product on the problem area and told me specifically how I should brush my teeth to stop the gums from receding any further -- so that's helpful. Then again, the dentist told me that once I receive my social security card, I should be fully reimbursed for the visit -- SCORE!
He also gave me the name of a very specific toothpaste that's just for this problem, however, I could have easily figured that out at the pharmacie. But he also told me that after one month if this is still a problem, I'll have to come back so he can put a tooth-colored substance on the area (a patch if you will) to protect my tooth's roots from further deterioration.
Oh but the best part about all this was I was 100% able to convey what I wanted in French. Using dental jargon! That's pretty exciting. So it goes without saying that I completely understood everything he had to say to me.
Actually no, the best part wasn't that. When he first saw me, he said, "Wow, your teeth are so straight! And do you whiten them often?"
No, actually that's just U.S. dentistry for you.
I'll finish this post off with his final recommendation to me.
"Even if this does work out and you don't need the patch or surgery, I want to give you some further advice. You should go to the dentist regularly because even if you don't think you have any problems, you still need to check in from time to time."
...Duh! I guess he must be used to telling every patient that here, because most people I've spoken with don't go to the dentist every six months, yikes!
1 comment:
Every six months? Ha! It's more like every six YEARS!! (yeah, i know, cheap shot *S*). Seriously though, last time I went in for a cleaning, my dentist told me I was good for the next two years. And my bf's dentist told him that flossing was bad and that he shouldn't do it! Crazy French dentists.
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