I took the above selfie (ussie?) at a stunning wedding my husband and I went to last fall in Vermont. (Hi JL/STM!) I thought it was a good photo for this post because we're both flashing big smiles, not because we're trying to show off our teeth, but because we were happy to get to celebrate such a wonderful event in such a stunning place.
But once I knew what this post was going to be about, I did focus on our teeth because they look white enough. And we can both still eat corn on the cob, so that's a plus.
I heard someone saying on a podcast that dentists say, "You don't have to brush your teeth, only the ones you want to keep." Of course, this got me thinking. There isn't a law anywhere that says we have to brush our teeth, and people can not-brush their teeth for years before noticing any consequences. However, at some point, the not-brushing will result in problems of the oral variety-- gum disease, increased sensitivity, tooth loss -- and a variety of other health problems.
Sometimes, it's hard to stick to actions that take time in the present and don't show rewards until later, but we do them because the consequences of not doing them, even if those consequences are way in the future, are worth the hassle now.
Plus, there's the whole bad breath problem, one that can't be ignored.
Anyway, what minor inconveniences do you put up with today because you know that future you will be grateful for? Please share your ideas in the comments.