... Going Electric

I remember the first time I saw an electric toothbrush. The smooth lines and sheer petal pink colour left me in awe. It was beautiful. The wonderment quickly morphed into disgust when I saw the price tag. Even with an employee discount, and a knowledge of all the dental benefits I wouldn't budge on the financials. For those that know me, I avoid being locked into subscriptions. The commitment to keep purchasing $15 brush heads was too much for me to handle; especially when I knew I could get a free manual brush every 6 months.

Unfortunately for me, at my latest dental hygiene appointment I had to accept the idea of change. You see, although I know and have taught proper brushing techniques, I am a scrubber. Even after trying my own own advice when educating clients, I still brushed too aggressively. To spare you the dental lecture and fast track the post I'll just say that scrubbing at my gums too hard had started to cause sensitivity. This sensitivity could be avoided or delayed by using an electric toothbrush. How, you ask? An electric toothbrush does the work for you with the appropriate amount of force. You just need to know where to put it.

During my drive home I assessed my options. I could either keep trying to be gentle in hopes I would see immediate change or accept my own efforts were unsuccessful and try something new. As Einstein defined insanity as trying the same thing over and over again expecting different results, I figured changing things up would be the most fruitful.

So I purchased an electric toothbrush with the best reviews and at best price I could find. I'm not going to say which one (unless a certain company would like to endorse me, haha) but here's what I've found;

• The first time I used it, it was terrible. I hated everything about it and wanted a refund. My head shook, the timer felt rushed and I missed the simplicity of my manual brush.

• It didn't take long to get used to it; maybe 3 uses. My teeth felt super clean and I was getting excited to brush my teeth (I know, super dental nerd here)

• I'm happy with the results so far. We ended up buying one motor and having separate brush heads for HubbyK and I; a small compromise for my need to be frugal. We also opted for a simpler model with less of the bells and whistles. Whether or not it's making a true difference remains to be seen at my next hygiene visit. I'll have to keep you posted!

Change can be hard; at least for me. Yet, at some point we need to be brave enough to step back and evaluate ourselves. If there are things that need to change about us and trying the same old routine isn't making a dent, then maybe a more radical approach is needed. If I was seeing God at my regular life-hygiene appointment, what would He see? What would He recommend me to do in order to keep me healthy and avoid pain?

To some, an electric tooth brush seems like a silly upgrade. For me, it has been a good reminder that too often I try and take on the load myself and expect superhero results. Instead, I should

be ready to be where He needs me to be, and let Him do the heavy lifting.

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Psalm 118:14

"The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation"