Good morning, Steemians! This is my response to this #freewrite challenge:

https://steemit.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/day-71-5-minute-freewrite-prompt-toothache

Poverty and Toothaches

At the end of this story, there is a government link to help you find low-cost dental treatment in the USA. Thanks!

Picture source: Pixabay

Mae West: Love conquers all things except poverty and toothaches.

I learned once again what I'd already known. Saving a few bucks on regular checkups and cleanings is no kind of frugal decision. At first, I could manage the pain by avoiding anything too hot, too cold, or too acidic. As the days passed, chewing on an aspiring or rinsing my mouth out with salt water even stopped helping. Instead of enjoying the pleasure of tasty food, I began to fear it.

Yes, I had a toothache.

My friend had retired from nursing 10 years ago, so being the closest accessible thing to a doctor or dentist, I asked her what to do. She told me that the infection could travel to my heart and squish my life out like a bug under a shoe. You see, I didn't fear the dentist; however, I feared the billing lady in the dentist's office. I had some kind of crappy dental "Insurance" that mostly covered nothing serious.

I assured my ex-nurse friend that I'd take care of it right away. She promised to call and check on me to be certain that I really did. I waited. I woke in the night unable to ignore the pain. My aspirin bottle was empty. The next morning, I called for an appointment.

Yup, the Dentist Needed to Pull the Tooth

So, you see, the tooth was a lost cause. Pulling the tooth would only cost about $100, but then I faced the prospect of having a big gap-tooth smile. The very cheapest way the dentist could solve my vanity problem was with a bridge. Even with my crappy insurance, it would be over TWO GRAND. Oh, crap.

Yeah, I know people are supposed to have an emergency fund for, well, emergencies. But see, I had just needed new tires and a car battery. I had, however, been saving money on groceries since food had not given me much pleasure for weeks. The kindly lady at the billing office told me I could split payments up with each visit, so I agreed. I had to get this tooth pulled and somehow replaced.

The Antibiotic Gave Me Spots!

I had been taking penicillin or derivatives my entire life. I never had a reaction to them, but I did this time. Yes, the medicine eased the infection to keep my teeth from hurting, but it covered me in itchy spots after taking it for a few days. At least my tooth did not hurt any longer, but now my body had a rash that was not polite to scratch in public.

I'm Poorer and Better Now

The ordeal did end. After three visits, my rash went away, and my new bridge feels better than my old tooth did! The dentist and my ex-nurse friend told me not to ever take penicillin again.

Anyway, it was a big struggle for me physically, mentally, and financially. I feel sorry for people who are worse off than me and don't have the resources to find dentists.

The Moral to This Story; Find Low-Cost Dental Care at Dental Schools

If you need help affording a dentist, you may be able to get low-cost dental treatment at a dental school. Here is a link for people in the U.S. from the Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-care/where-can-i-find-low-cost-dental-care/index.html

Please seek care before you have a #toothache!