January 19, 2009: Kramer: “You’re a rabid anti-dentite! Oh, it starts with a few jokes and some slurs. “Hey, denty!” Next thing you know you’re saying they should have their own schools.” JERRY: “They do have their own schools.”

Ok, I know I haven’t put an entry into the blog for some time. Simple explanation: writing about my cancer treatment makes me think of my cancer treatment. But since a lot of you kind people are concerned about what is going on, here’s an update.

Since my last chemo, which was 2 days before Christmas, I’ve had two root canals done. Evidently, treatment may destroy your teeth. Now, all the books tell you to go easy on your oral care because of the tenderness and mouth sores that patients get. One even advised foregoing flossing because it can make gums bleed excessively. But to any other cancer patients out there—don’t listen to them. My dentist notes that chemo dehydrates the body, which reduces your ability to cleanse your own mouth. That, coupled with a compromised immune system, sets up a perfect storm for bacteria to set up shop and just decimate teeth, unabated.

So, three visits later to an endodontist, and two to my regular dentist, and about four grand later, of which the insurance covered half, I can almost chew on that side. Well, I always wanted to be British—now I have the teeth for it.