Today was my every six month trip to the dentist. It is not like I want to go that often but I did the, not go for ten years thing when I was younger and the follow-up visits for “Deep Cleaning” made me get better about going regularly. While it was only a cleaning it still feels like I am in there for therapy more than teeth. They lean you back and start asking how the family is, where the kids are at, how are they doing in school? It is always hard to answer with fingers in my mouth. As the hygienist continually changes out her tools of torture you are supposed to give your family history and how everyone is doing. They must teach them this in School because I have never had one that didn’t ask all the same questions. In between the probing questions comes the “are you doing ok” Which I think is meant for the pain but sound like it could be for life as well. As a side note, I never tell them they are hurting me. It doesn’t mean they will stop, they have to get the multiple cups of coffee stains off and they are not coming off with a strong talking to. No, they are going just stop and tell me they are sorry for the pain, which goes back to the therapy thing and then continue anyway. Perhaps it is the pain mixed with the questions about my life that makes me feel better when I walk out. Perhaps or maybe it is the mint flavored polish. Walking out running my tongue over my clean teeth knowing that they are ready to begin the coffee staining process all over again is some sort of cathartic moment!