I went to the dentist today, after a longish gap (last time was back in London). Happy news – for the first time in years I had no cavities!

I have lousy teeth, for some reason. Even though I brush morning and evening, floss frequently, rinse with a fluoride mouth wash, avoid snacking between meals, etc etc, my teeth still decay. Either it’s hereditary (my mother’s teeth are no better) or perhaps it’s due to some nutritional influence during childhood. Whatever the cause, I’ve pretty much gotten used to the need for frequent repairs.

I’m barely past 30 and I’ve got 13 or 14 fillings on my 20 premolars and molars, so occasionally I worry about what will be left of my teeth by the time I’m 50… I also dream (infrequent) nightmares about losing my teeth. I understand that it’s quite a common dream topic and has all sorts of symbolic meanings but for me the literal interpretation is pretty valid, too.