Chez le dentiste...

Friday my teeth were cleaned for the second time by a foreign dentist. I was referred to a big city dentist who had some NYC training. Apparently, dental care is different outside of America, so we use said dentist. The following are some things you will find at my French dentist.

The hygienists call themselves Dr. So-and-So. They still put you in the chair, recline you and shine the same light in your face. They still talk to you over the sound of dentist tools at work expecting you to hear and expecting a response even though your mouth is full of said tools. The dentist comes in and takes a peak, then bids farewell. They even do x-rays, but I had to go into another room for them, instead of staying in the chair draped with the big heavy vest-like thing.

The first time I went the lady who cleaned my teeth was very sweet. Friday, the lady was sweet, but I don't think I should have told her that I've always enjoyed having my teeth cleaned. While she commented on the results of my flossing daily and credited my good American dental education, my gums were still sore on Sunday...

The dentist is quite a character. During my first visit he told me (in English) that my "silver things in the back" (fillings from when I was in 4th grade) were "not sexy". Yes, he said sexy. I didn't know whether to blush or laugh, so I did both. Friday, he sat down, took out the mirror and said (in English), "It's people like you who make a dentist smile and be embarrassed. I'm glad you take care of your teeth, but I have four kids and it's true what is said about dentists eating off of other people's teeth." Ha ha!

I recommend him if you're ever in Paris and in need of a dentist. You'll leave smiling.