No, this isn't about toilets, but something happened to a toilet at my house that teaches a valuable lesson

FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS

We had a toilet that wouldn't stop running, and it bothered me that I was wasting water. So I called a plumber to fix it.

After waiting 2 weeks for him to come, when he did, he "messed around" a little, then told me the toilet was cracked and it would cost $500 to replace it.

A little voice deep within me said, "This doesn't feel right; there's got to be another solution."

I have learned NEVER to ignore the little voice or feeling inside me- it is called INSTINCT, and it is never wrong!

So I told the plumber, "I've got a friend in the business. If I really do need a whole new toilet, I will get it from him at wholesale. But if you think perhaps it can be mended as it is, and since you're already here, go ahead and try."

Since something is better than nothing, the plumber went ahead and replaced the water flow controls inside the toilet cost: $125) and went on his way. The toilet has worked fine ever since. Never was cracked!

LOOK FOR SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Every day I see someone who has gums that bleed when they brush their teeth, or someone who is worried about bad breath. Many of these men and women have been told to see a periodontist, a gum specialist, to treat them for gum disease. Usually, they are told they need surgery.

Perhaps this has happened to you. And if so, maybe a little voice inside you has said, "This doesn't feel right. There's got to be another solution."

UNDERSTAND THIS: SURGEONS "SURGE"

It isn't that the specialist is trying to take advantage of you, its just that we all believe in what we know. If you go to a radiologist, he wants to treat you with X-rays; if you go to an oncologist, she wants to treat you with drugs. And if you go to a surgeon, surgeons are taught to cut, to "surge", so that's what they recommend.

DON'T TREAT THE SYMPTOM- ELIMINATE THE CAUSE

Regular readers of my column know that I think the major cause of sore, bleeding, puffy, smelly gums is mechanical. "Stuff" gets down below the gum line and takes up the space that healthy gums need. Two things can't be in the same place at the same time, so if you have food, tartar, germs or junk in a space normally occupied by gum or bone, in that war, the gums and bone lose every time!

But the thing to do here is not to cut away the gums. Instead, get rid of the food, tartar and germs. Simple solutions...

Once you already have junk under the gums, you can water pic, rinse with Listerene, Peridex, drink Echinacea, Goldenseal or whatever, but you aren't going to be able to get it out. You are going to need some professional help. But don't start with surgery. I think that is usually overkill!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?

Want a Second Opinion? Does the idea of natural therapy, relying more on herbs and homeopathy than drugs interest you?

If the idea of simple treatment and the concept that "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" appeals to you, you've found a home! If you would like help with any dental problem, don't be bashful. No need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. I want to help you, so please call our office for an appointment now.

I'd love to be your dentist!