Most anyone who knows me, knows that I have an engine that runs at a high RPM. I’m constantly doing and going and thinking and moving. Trying to get better and be better and do better. I fall asleep reading about teeth or business or becoming a better fisherman or father. Even on vacation, I find myself browsing dental journals, fitness magazines, and tooth related blogs.

Every waking minute of every hour of every day is a chance to improve. To get better.

Over the years, I have tried to deny the fact that I just don’t slow down.

Now I have a son.

He is just like me. He is always moving. He won’t sit still. He’s always thinking and asking questions and trying to figure things out. He wants to do everything now and be the best right away.

I wonder where he gets it from.

It should be obvious that I am the last person to be writing about balance and moderation in life. There is a catch, though. I knowhow I should be. I’m just not that guy. The guy I know I should be.

In an ideal world, we could all go through life keeping our lows from getting too low and our highs from getting too high. We would discuss, rather than argue. We’d always see the other person’s point-of-view. We’d work hard, then clock-out and be present at home. We’d relax a little. We’d put our smartphones down more often. We’d eat what we like, just not too much. We’d find a balance between work and family and chill. We’d all get more time outdoors and exercising. We’d have balance and moderation.

So what does this have to do with teeth?

Achieving beautiful, straight, white teeth surrounded by pink healthy gums should often be tempered by balance and moderation. When we have dental problems, taking care of one’s teeth can be frustrating. Flossing may hurt. Each dental visit may reveal more and more treatment recommended. Teeth may abscess or break and hurt. It is quite easy to get overwhelmed by the fear or pain or time or money it takes to rehabilitate oral health.

In these instances, moderation can be comforting. Start with small things that you can control. Preventive care and diet. Floss a little. Cut back on sodas and sticky foods. Brush more. Try to keep cavities from getting worse. Then, consult with your dental team and start moving forward a little at a time. Strike a balance between life and dentistry. Fit your teeth into your time, your life, and your budget.

With patience you can get back to smiling and eating what you want to eat again.