Cavities and Gingivitis

Like many people, going to the dentist is neither here nor there. It is not that I do not like the dentist but the question is why should I go every six months to hear the same thing over and over. "Your teeth look good.", "How often do you floss?", "How much coffee do you drink?", or the dreaded "You should look into braces."

After we moved to Pueblo, though Terra had dental insurance, I was without. I brush regularly, floss after a meal that requires it, drink coffee (hot coffee kills bacteria between teeth), and use mouth wash if I want a kiss from my wife. All this to say that nothing has changed for years except the additional use of mouth wash.

Last month Terra made me an appointment for the dentist since I finally got dental insurance and it has been over three years since my last appointment. When I got in the chair it was the same questions: floss, brush too hard, coffee, etc. Then things started to go a little different from previous times. The lady said that I have gingivitis and three cavities. How can you do the same thing everyday and have stuff like this happen?

The more that one avoids the dentist the more problems one will have in their mouth. The dentist can see things that we cannot. They know what to look for, how to reverse the problem, and how to educate you to keep your teeth for life.

The same principles can apply spiritually. When was the last time you went to church? I am part of that crowd that questions the church from time to time. You probably have heard all the stories from the Bible already and can fill out the pastor's outline before he can. Podcast allows you to hear from your favorites (Mars Hill's Mark Driscoll is one of my favorites- www.marshillchurch.org). You can put in a worship CD, listen to Driscoll, and check off your box for the week. This is not the reason for church any more than going to the dentist is just to hear the same old story.

Church is where a community of people who care about you personally should be allowed close enough access to look into parts of your life that you cannot see. They give encouragement, advice, and direction if necessary. It is not a weird fascination to mess with other people that draw most of us to the ministry but we know that sin ignored is worse than a cavity ignored. What once was a sensitive spot can become a breeding ground for disease which will affect beyond your teeth.

The next time you think you can skip church remember what happens when you skip a dentist appointment. You may be okay a time or two but the more distance between trips the greater the problems will be. Between appointments do not forget the daily upkeep of brushing and flossing spiritually with reading the Bible and prayer. Do this and you will get more than a free toothbrush.