Day 8 - Secondary Benefits

I noticed as it may be obvious that my teeth have not been bleeding as much these last several days.  I go to the dentist pretty regularly, if nothing else so I will not have to see him more often.  However, throughout my childhood and adulthood, I've had this off and on problem with bleeding gums or gingivitis, a common form of gum disease.

It may not be well known, but I learned African Americans and Mexican Americans have a disproportionate higher rate of gingivitis than other groups.  I would guess this has to do with socio-economic status, access to dental services, and, of course, diet.

Since I have been excluding sweets from my diet, my gums have not bled as severely in the last couple of days. As of today, there is no bleeding at all.  Of course, flossing and good dental hygiene help.  I do wonder how cutting back the sweets has made a difference.  It may seem obvious, but this is not something that I hear about regularly.

I grew up with family where it was very common to expect that you were going to lose many, if not all, of your teeth.  I presume pulling teeth was the cheaper option to have a bad cavity removed instead of getting a filling or repairing it.  I grew up watching young men and women with missing teeth.  In pictures, you'd see them getting older and have more missing teeth in their mouth.  These are some of the same people with other major health concerns such as heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Growing up into young adulthood, I did not connect their health problems and dental issues.  Dental issues, I guess, was not a health issue per se.

I have two crowns on teeth I lost to poor dental hygiene and resulted in me being far more diligent about brushing and flossing because I hate the dentist.  They're nice and all.  My kids love the African American dentist they have now located in my part town - the sunny Eastside (Austin's hood).

I expect my kids will have a different experience than my older family and I experienced.  They do far better managing their teeth than I did at their age.  I also believe the connection between good dental hygiene is linked to the other positive health messages I communicate to them.

I plan on keeping the rest of my teeth.  I have a dental appointment coming up also.  I'll be a bit nervous.  But, hey, I'm not a kid and going to the dentist is not going to hurt any more.  It's a whole lot easier and cheaper taking care of my health.

Tomorrow is the First Day

It's the day before I start my personal mission to cut sweets from my diet, at least during the month of February, which is of course, Black History Month.  Although I feel strongly about my commitment to honor those who struggled and died for my freedom, I am cautious about moving forward.

The good thing is that I have a plan of action.  I know staying hydrated is very important for me.  Many times when I am eating sweets I am actually thirsty.  Instead of water, I find myself drinking punch or my favorite, zero calorie, Powerade or fruit flavored sparkling water.  The problem with both of these options is that they're somewhat of a set up.  While I am satisfied partially from liquid, the artificial sweetener leaves me wanting more. Meaning, I am still conditioned to have something sweet tasting when I am really, most likely, dehydrated.  So, later in the day and night, I'm still not drinking enough water to keep me hydrated.

The other real problem is the sweets and junk food from brownies to baked corn and potato chips, candies like Twizzler, Snickers, M&Ms, and Laffy Taffy.  I use to pretend eating the low sodium, baked, or multigrain chips somehow made a real difference.  It was not likely if I was eating the whole bag, by myself!  Another favorite is the no trans fat candy.

I've been a "victim" of the smart marketing ploys so many of us are persuaded by time and time again.  You have to give it to them.  Even when we know it is crap, they package it up, put on some bells and whistles, tell you how cool, fantastic, and hip you could be, and lo and behold, you are caught up.  You are not delusional.  You and I know the truth.  However, habits are hard to break.

I watched my mother die from diabetes nearly six years ago, on Christmas Eve. She could not break her "habit" of eating junk food.  She really was a victim.  She is also like millions of Black and Latino/as (disproportionately more than White Americans) across this country slowing dying from a diet that kills us softly.  The time, money, emotions, and all else lost behind our health is staggering.  I do not want to continue this legacy for my children and loved ones.  It's time to make a difference.

So, I have my water, calculated the number of cups I need for the day, track them on my smart phone, talk to friends and family announcing my journey, and go forth cautiously optimistic about what I will discover.  I hope you may find this journey a meaningful one for you. Tomorrow is the first day.

Blessings and Be well.