Hell, I’d do it just because I like sharing information and helping others out. Plus it’s a big project with a sense of accomplishment.

It can also be read as a sign of which class you’re in. I’d blend decently with middle or upper middle class folks, but my “jacked up teeth” (others’ words, not mine) are a dead giveaway about my socioeconomic background. Fortunately, it’s only really visible on the bottom ones. This is also probably part of why my parents kicked that can down the road until it was my problem.

I’d get braces, except I’m only just at the point (after thousands in repairs) of even having a healthy baseline since I didn’t have access to dental care for years. It’s separate and not included in our normal health insurance, and it’s also not required, so if you’re poor, it’s a cost that often gets delayed or cut altogether. Back when I was a kid or through my early career years when I was just trying to keep myself fed and housed, it probably would have been cheaper. Then I was just plain terrified of what the results would be if I DID go to the dentist. I’m still playing catch up and can’t even get to braces if I wanted to until I get my wisdom teeth pulled, because there just isn’t room otherwise.

Tooth problems can also become more serious health problems if they get bad enough.

I got this while at MSPCA Angell a minute or two after the ER doc gave me the “you should get ready to say goodbye” talk. My partner was out grabbing us coffee, I was trying to communicate updates to the foster and adoption agency (I’d just brought her home over the weekend so was worried it might be something others were exposed to), and my goddamn phone starts BLARING with this shit. The only thing I managed to catch before I panic dismissed it to make it stop was EVACUATE, SEEK SHELTER and it scared the shit out of me, but in that moment I decided whatever it was, I officially gave zero shits, got back to sorting out what was happening with my pet, and then went back to check if I was about to be obliterated by something only to find out that it was an emergency concert closing. Pet didn’t make it. 0/10, this Fourth of July absolutely blew.