#avoid tooth decay

[happyteethcare]

The 10 Most Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them

Taking care of your teeth is vital not only for maintaining a healthy smile but also for overall well-being. Many dental problems can lead to pain, discomfort, and other health issues if left untreated. In this article, we will explore the ten most common dental problems and how to prevent them. By being proactive with oral hygiene and regular checkups, you can avoid costly treatments and enjoy a…

[alighted-willow]

I distill the tap water for cooking and drinking because of sensory issues and a matter of local water quality— my town recently had to replace most of our pipes due to led and heavy metals, and my house had to do the same when my nephew's routine, mandated blood tests showed acute led poisoning.

Anyhow! This information is useful and I appreciate it! I shall try getting my hands in fluoride tablets. May I ask how often one ought to be used? My current method of fluoride exposure is to let my toothpaste rest on my teeth for a few extra minutes in the morning and evening.

(And yes, I have chipped my teeth while eating before, once when accidentally biting a fork and another time when I accidentally clicked my teeth against each other. Neither are recent incidents.)

Okay listen I have another disability related thing that’s important!!

If you have any disabilities linked to tooth decay/erosion, through direct cause or secondary symptom, it is vital that you get one or both of the following items: Sensodyne toothpaste and enamel repair mouthwash

This includes health conditions such as acid reflux, diabetes, thyroid conditions, fibromyalgia, chronic pain & mental illnesses such as depression that create poor hygiene routines, sensory issue disorders like autism and ADHD, and any health condition that causes frequent vomiting / increased stomach acid, including eating disorders and migraines.

All of these disabilities will erode the enamel of your teeth, not only opening you up to cavities but making it very easy to chip your teeth from such simple things as biting the wrong way on the tines of a fork. (I’ve chipped my teeth at least 4 times this way).

The toothpaste on the left here (sensodyne pronamel) is gentle on your teeth, won’t cause painful sensations from any extreme mint flavor, and will even protect your gums if they’re sensitive from any of these conditions.

The mouthwash on the right (Crest enamel repair) will, as it says, repair your enamel — which is marvelous, because the technology to repair your enamel at all is relatively very new to society! — but it is most importantly non-alcoholic. Meaning that it works well as a once-a-day rinse without any of the burning sensations of antiseptics that typically discourage people with sensory issues from taking care of their teeth.

I know remembering to do these things every day can feel like a lot when you’re sick and exhausted, but I promise a collective three minutes out of every day is going to save you an incredible amount of pain and money in the future. If your teeth are susceptible enough to rot, you can actually die from infection. And as they say, with how little insurance actually covers dental —

Not brushing your teeth??

In THIS economy???

[whitetusk01]

Foods To Avoid With Braces: A Guide To An Orthodontic Diet

Getting braces marks an essential step towards achieving a healthy, attractive smile, but understanding which foods to avoid is crucial for successful treatment. Braces, with their brackets and wires, don't withstand certain foods well, which can damage them and potentially lead to discomfort or longer treatment times. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum and hard items such as corn on the cob or pizza crust can easily get stuck in braces or cause damage. It's important to have a clear list of foods to avoid and alternatives you can safely eat while wearing braces. For instance, ice cream can be a treat that's gentle on brackets and wires, unlike tough or sticky foods. Opting for soft foods like cooked vegetables or choosing brace-friendly options ensures you maintain good oral hygiene and prevent issues like tooth decay. By being mindful of what you eat and following guidelines for eating with braces, you can minimise the risk of damage and achieve the best results for your smile. When wearing braces, it's essential to focus on foods you can eat without risking damage to your braces. Opt for eating soft options like mashed potatoes or smoothies, which are gentle on brackets and wires. Additionally, be mindful to avoid sticky foods and drinks that could potentially cause issues with your braces. By carefully selecting foods and drinks that are safe to eat with braces, you can maintain your oral health and ensure your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly.

To read more please visit: 

The White tusk

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The White Tusk

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[letsduneit]

teeth blackening in house harkonnen

i was really intrigued by the practice of teeth blackening in harkonnen culture in dune part two, specifically because i recognized it as a historical japanese cultural practice. so here's a breakdown on what teeth blackening looked like in real world japanese culture, my thoughts on why denis villeneuve chose to bring this into harkonnen culture in particular, and the gendered implications of feyd rautha being the only male harkonnen shown with blackened teeth.

ohaguro, which translates to "black teeth," is a custom born in japan that reached peak popularity between the 10th and 19th centuries (it's first documented in writing in the tale of genji from the 11th century). this practice involved blackening teeth with a solution called kanemizu, which translates to "black water" and consists of iron shavings dissolved in vinegar and then combined with tannins to create a black liquid. the dye was re-applied daily or every other day to avoid the dulling or graying of the color.

ohaguro was originally practiced exclusively by member of the aristrocracy, mainly by married women, but also some men. ohaguro was commonly practiced when nobility came of age or when women were married. the practice only died out in the 19th century, largely as a result of western beauty ideals being enforced in japanese society through colonialism.

there are a few different reasons why ohaguro was thought to have achieved such popularity within the upper class. deep black was seen as a very beautiful color, and objects that were black were thought to be beautiful. the dye also possibly served to prevent tooth decay.

we see black as a dominant color in various aspects of harkonnen cutlure, including (but not limited) to the armor, ceremonial markings, and clothing of the upper class:

and i think this nudges us further towards this idea of black as a color of beauty, and the idea that teeth blackening was almost like a form of makeup that was seen to make someone more beautiful within upper class social circles.

considering that ohaguro originated with and remained most popular with noble women in japan, it's also very gender that feyd is the only harkonnen man we see with blackened teeth- his uncle the baron and his brother rabban aren't shown with blackened teeth. and the only others we see with blackened teeth are feyd's harpies, who are women.

tldr feyd rautha has black teeth because he's giedi prime's prettiest boy. also he's never beating the femboy allegations like this

[vxm1tcxre]

Pvrging harm reduction masterpost (from someone who’s had severe bul1m14 for 3 years, and who wishes they’d gotten this advice)

I get asked a lot and see posts asking for “tips” around pvrging.

I absolutely do not condone it. It’s a horrendously dangerous, unpleasant, and addictive behavior, and often a slippery slope to full-swing bul1m14 (and trust me, that is not something you want, for the sake of your wallet and sanity).

However, I do acknowledge that that doesn’t get in the way of the urge to do it. It certainly didn’t for me. That’s not how 3ds work. Being told how dangerous and horrible something is often is just more enticing. I know people are going to try it regardless. And frankly, I’d much rather focus on tips to stay safe over just telling you “don’t do it” like a Christian parent preaching abstinence. Harm reduction is king, especially on a platform like 3dblr.

So, here is a list of things to help you stay safe.

1. I feel like I should reiterate this again- if you at all can, don’t start. It’s not the c4ls-be-gone magic spell it might seem to be. Starting is what ended my r3str1ct1v3 phase. I thought it’d just be a last resort for when I ate too much. Fast forward to now, it’s been 3 years since my first time and I consume a good 6k+ c4ls every single day, have g4ined a ton of w3ight, feel like shit all the time, have no control around food, am constantly broke, have done things that would make people gag, and have all the risk with no reward. Ultimately, you will not l0se w3ight with pvrging. It gets harder and less effective the longer you do it. While the “you can only get rid of 50%” you often hear is a myth, being bul1m1c destroys your control, and eating maintenance in addition to whatever c4ls you didn’t manage to pvrge will inevitably lead to w3ight gain over time. It simply isn’t worth it.

2. DO NOT USE FOREIGN OBJECTS. It is legitimately so dangerous. Massive choking hazard and generally terrible for your throat. If you can’t get a response with your fingers, don’t do it. I promise, getting rid of some chicken nuggets is not worth getting a plastic fork lodged down your throat and almost dying. (Yes, I am speaking from experience)

3. Some people are simply incapable of inducing v0m1t1ng. It’s more common than is talked about and is completely normal. Frankly, if you have urges to pvrge and find that you can’t do it, consider it a sign.

4. Do not brush your teeth directly after. This is because the bristles of your toothbrush will rub the acid into your enamel, increasing the chances of decay.

5. Baking soda is magic. Swish about a teaspoon with some water in your mouth to neutralize the acid. Swallowing some (significantly less- about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp) is also an easy remedy for acid reflux. Get checked and have your teeth cleaned at the dentist’s regularly- if damage starts occurring, you can catch and mitigate it early.

6. Maintain good dental health as much as you can. Continue to brush and floss regularly. Keep in mind, however, that you can’t avoid tooth decay forever. It’s inevitable with long-term pvrging.

7. One of the biggest risks is electrolyte deficiencies. You often hear of people dying from cardiac arrest. This is because thr0wing up depletes your potassium, which helps with muscle contraction. Your heart is a muscle. If it’s unable to contract, it will fail. After pvrging, replenish your electrolytes. Coconut water, Gatorade, pedialyte, anything that contains the nutrients you just got rid of.

8. Also remember to stay normally hydrated. Even just drinking water is better than nothing. pvrging dehydrates you.

9. DO NOT FLUSH. It’s one of the most dangerous games you can play.

10. Try and eat something safe after the fact, especially if you’re having symptoms of low blood sugar (shaking, dizziness, sweating, a rapid heartbeat). This can be easier said than done but it’s crucial to getting back to normal. Something easy on your stomach with some c4rbs is ideal- toast, rice cakes, crackers, etc.

11. Avoid hot showers or baths or exercising directly after. You will lose more water through sweating. Wash your hands and face- especially around your chin and mouth, pvrge-induced acne is a real thing- and rest for a while.

12. Warm drinks or cold foods like popsicles or ice cream are very soothing on the throat. Throat coat tea and hot chocolate are quite nice. The former may be best if your stomach isn’t feeling well.

13. You will bloat like crazy whenever you eat if you pvrge long term. It’s hell on your digestive tract in general. It’s one of my biggest struggles and pet peeves. Honestly, you can only really wait for it to go away. Remember that it will with time, and do something to distract yourself from it. Some things that in my experience have made it less severe are to eat at a reasonable pace, chew your food thoroughly, and sip drinks rather than chugging them.

14. L4x4t1v3s absolutely aren’t worth it. You don’t really get rid of anything and it’s a fast track to dependency and being horrifically constipated whenever you don’t use them. Stay away. If you must, opt for natural remedies like teas, fiber-rich foods, chia seeds, etc.

15. If you take medication, wait several hours before pvrging. It obviously won’t work if you just get rid of it.

Feel free to reblog this with any advice of your own. I hope this helps some of you; stay safe out there.

[feminist-space]

"Most of what “public health” does for Americans is taken for granted. Before the Covid pandemic, most people probably didn’t think about it at all. Yet the fact that, in most places in the United States, we can count on the water we drink to be safe, that the food we buy is not contaminated with e-coli or listeria, and that we don’t have to deal with dreaded childhood diseases that ripped through our communities only a few decades ago, is a testament to the tireless work of many, unheralded, often unknown heroes. This invisible safety net has been built up over the years, always underfunded and understaffed, always not-enough, but it’s all we’ve got.

...

By now, we’ve heard Kennedy’s views on everything from fluoride in drinking water to childhood vaccines, to threats to recreate the NIH and FDA in the image of his own quackery. Let’s be clear: Kennedy’s views are not “alternative” to orthodoxy, meant to shake up the system—they are verifiably false. They are nonsense.

Let’s take his claims on fluoride as an example. RFK Jr. wrote on X in early November: “Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.” Um—no. In high doses over prolonged periods of time—as with many other substances (even water and oxygen!)—exposure to fluoride can be a problem, but not in the small concentrations we see in drinking water. Lest we forget: Fluoride has been a bugaboo of the far right since the 1950s, when fluoridation was supposed to be part of a communist plot to take over America.

And since conspiracy theories know no borders, we can also look at a natural experiment up in Calgary, Canada, for further evidence. In 2011, Calgary’s’s city council banned fluoridation, and now is set to reintroduce it next year. Why? Because since fluoridation ended, cavities in children’s teeth have become more numerous and larger, often requiring treatment under general anesthesia and/or intravenous antibiotic therapy to fight infections associated with tooth decay. As one researcher at the University of Calgary has said, the decision to ban fluoridation had a clear result: It was a source of “avoidable and potentially life-threatening disease, pain, suffering, misery and expense…especially [for] very young children and their families.”

As for vaccination, Kennedy’s views are long-standing and well-known. He has suggested that “there is no vaccine that is safe and effective,” and he still clings to the long-debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. More recently, during the Covid pandemic, he created a multimillion-dollar anti-vaccine juggernaut to dissuade people from getting vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.

There is no person right now more vital to the anti-vaccine movement than RFK Jr., and his impact has been deadly. By convincing people to forgo routine pediatric vaccinations, he has endangered the lives of thousands of kids, stoked fear in families with autistic children, and in at least once instance was partially responsible for a devastating outbreak of measles. In 2019, 83 people, mostly children, died of the preventable disease in Samoa. While Kennedy has denied that his words and actions were responsible for the outbreak, he has supported anti-vaccination efforts on the islands, written to the nation’s prime minister about the dangers of vaccines, and visited Samoa to meet with anti-vaxxers and subsequently praised them for their work. As Derek Lowe, a columnist from the United States’ leading scientific journal, Science, has said: “Kennedy’s views on science and medicine are not only wrong, they are actively harmful and destructive. He has used them to make a great deal of money, and he has lied about them to interviewers and reporters whenever he finds it convenient.”

...

RFK Jr. is the poster boy for the new Trump administration, a rich man who never has had to worry about a thing in his life, putting the lives of ordinary Americans in jeopardy because he thinks he knows better than scientists. In fact, the man who thought it was a good idea to stage a hit-and-run with a dead baby bear and a bicycle in Central Park has shown a lack of judgment across the board for a long while. But he is part of an emerging kakistocracy-in-waiting that will be run by plutocrats and zealots. Our public health system in America is fragile and shouldn’t be a plaything. Once he’s done with his games, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men may not be able to put our public health infrastructure back together again. The damage may be lasting and profound.

But we are not powerless. So much of public health happens locally—and we can protect this precious national resource by speaking up and speaking out, at our city or town council meetings, calling and writing our state representatives, our mayors and our governors. This is going to be necessary work. As my Yale colleague Timothy Snyder has said: “Defend institutions.… Institutions do not protect themselves. So choose an institution you care about and take its side.” This may be your local public health department or Planned Parenthood clinic, a mental health clinic or needle exchange program, or services for LGBTQ+ or immigrant populations in your neighborhood.

These are all part of what makes public health happen day in and day out in our communities. Deprive RFK Jr. and Donald Trump of their power; take it away from them with focus and tenacity. Chip away at their campaign to destroy public health in America. These kinds of small acts will add up and will make a difference. If these men are the disease, let us be the cure."

[shady-tavern]

Preview for "Haunted House" the November Short Story

(warnings ahead for implied/mentioned domestic and child abuse, please be sure to take care of yourselves)

*.*.*

The building looked just like the rumors said it would, haunted and decrepit. Like a prop for a horror movie. 

The tooth of time had clearly found it's favorite chew toy and while you could see attempts at repairing things here and there, it hadn't been enough to combat the building's slow decay or to chase away the strangely unsettling feeling that surrounded this place.

The only upside was that it was so cheap it was ridiculous and after getting away from your old home, leaving a terrible relationship behind, you could not afford to be picky. 

It was just for a little while, you told yourself as you dragged your suitcase up the stairs, your duffle bag so heavy it's strap across your shoulder dug in painfully. 

The stairs had chipped edges and stains you didn't even want an explanation for and the same went for the hallway, the floor there looking like it had sustained some sort of damage over the years and was in dire need of some professional cleaning and renovating.

You'd just stay here long enough until you got back on your feet so you could move on to a home that didn't look like it might carry diseases from forgotten times.

You had read plenty of rumors online about this place, on the site where you had seen the ad for available apartments. People had ripped this building to shreds in the comment section, talking about moaning and screeching at night, at feeling stalked and watched, at things vanishing and reappearing elsewhere.

They talked about bloody footprints left outside in the hallways, a neighbor gone, never to be seen again while all their belongings were left behind. Some also complained that the landlord didn't bother to fix anything unless someone hounded him relentlessly beforehand.

When you had called the man, asking if any apartments were still available, the landlord had been downright ecstatic, reassuring you that you had numerous apartments to choose from, since there were almost no residents. 

It seemed people only came here if they were down on their luck and even the desperate ones didn't stay long.

There also wasn't an elevator, because this building was really damn old and had never gotten any sort of significant overhaul. Those who couldn't take the stairs chose one of the apartments on the first floor.

You reached your apartment and dug out the key your landlord had given you upon arrival. It looked a little bit rusted around the edges, faint scratches covering the surface. It smelled strongly of wet iron despite being dry. 

Unlocking the door, you were braced for mold in the corners and for the smell of damp oldness or something worse, only to pause.

The inside looked surprisingly...fine. Nothing fancy and there were discolorations along the walls where clearly no one had bothered to give it a new coat of paint in a couple of years at the very least, but there was no mold, no rot, no water damage and it didn't smell bad. You had expected far worse, if you were being honest.

The floorboards creaked under your feet as you set down your luggage by the door, but as you cautiously explored your new home you were pleasantly surprised to find that everything worked as intended. Sure the faucet squeaked like it had never gotten oiled and the water rushing through the pipes was loud, but the light bulbs didn't flicker and the little oven and stove in the kitchen worked just fine. 

It was, all in all, not as bad as you had expected.

It didn't take long at all, however, until you felt it. A presence in the air, invisible and unseen and yet you swore someone, something, was there. You stood still, your suitcase and duffle bag just set down in the empty living room and you downright held your breath as you waited.

But nothing happened and so you slowly started to move again, cautiously and stiffly, like you were trying to avoid provoking something bigger and far, far more dangerous than anyone could ever hope to be. It felt like razor sharp teeth were holding your entire apartment between their jaws, debating if you should be crushed or not.

Before long you started to play some music over your phone, trying to combat the oppressive silence.

It worked, to a degree. The presence didn't vanish, but it seemed to...settle, for lack of a better word, like it was listening. It almost felt like having someone in the apartment with you, in another room and neither of you were speaking. Someone who, you knew down to your very core, could shred you like flimsy paper.

It wasn't quite as...bad, after a while. Unsettling and creepy, sure, but you'd rather endure this chilling presence than go back to your ex. Your life would only turn into a guaranteed hell if you did.

Since this place had a small if very old kitchen installed, you left briefly to get some groceries and you bought an air mattress on a discounter a few streets away, along with some blankets and paper plates to tide you over. You had left only with your most important possessions and savings, your life squished into your luggage until nothing else had fit inside anymore.

You ate a cold, quick dinner, eyeing the sinking sun worriedly. In the slowly spreading darkness of the approaching night the creepiness of the whole building grew, like dark paint getting poured over an untouched canvas.

At night things really did get worse. You could hear it, the scratching and moaning outside your apartment, the creaking as doors opened and then slammed closed and you swore you heard something move in the hallway right outside your bedroom door.

You curled up tight under your blankets and you played the music on your phone a little louder and slowly, as the hours passed, the apartment building seemed to settle again, the noise growing softer until you could pretend it was just an annoying neighbor banging around their cabinets and generally being noisy.

Your sleep was fitful and restless as you barely dared to doze off. You were exhausted when your alarm rang and you dragged yourself out of bed, your head aching. You blearily got ready for the job interview you had today and by the time you were good to go you had managed to wake yourself up enough that you felt as ready as you could be.

You took a calming breath and then you felt it again, a little bit of a chill in the air and that presence creeping through your apartment once more. 

You stared at yourself in the spotty mirror left behind by a previous tenant and you told yourself that you hadn't gotten away from one horror only to cower at the feet of another. However, you also weren't foolish enough to think that you could actually chase away whatever lived here. 

This thing had been here before you and it was something...otherworldly. You had no idea if it was a ghost or some kind of eldritch creature or whatever else.

"There's crackers in the cupboard if you want any," you said, putting on a brave facade as you talked to the air around you. "I'd appreciate it if we could get along, if you don't mind. I'll be off to find work now, wish me luck."

It felt like the presence had paused and you felt watched all the way out of the apartment and that sensation only vanished when you walked down the street and around a corner, disappearing from sight.

You were indeed lucky, for the interview went very well and to your relieved surprise, you were hired right away. Not many people moved into this area, however, and you were willing to bet that it had to do with the creepy apartment building that seemed to drench the entire street with it's presence, spine chilling and shiver inducing.

You were very relieved about your success when you returned to your new home, a small, celebratory dinner bought with some of your savings.

As you entered the apartment, that presence was in the air once more, almost anticipatory, lurking above and around you all at once.

"I got lucky," you told your apartment and a small, hesitant smile appeared at your face despite the prickle of unease that tickled at your neck. "You must be my good luck charm."

As you entered the kitchen you saw the empty cracker box in the trash and blinked in surprise. Huh, whatever was here it already had more manners than your rotten ex did.

"Thanks for cleaning up after yourself," you told the apartment and you started to get your dinner ready. You hesitated for a moment, before setting aside an extra serving. "For you, if you like."

By the time you finished eating, the extra food had vanished and you blinked when you saw the paper plate in the trash. You hadn't even heard anything. You cleaned up after yourself, talking to the air about your day, both to combat the unease that still clung to you, that made you feel small and squishy and like prey and because you hadn't really had anyone listen to you for a long while.

Your ex boyfriend had managed to isolate you completely from your friends and family and you were too ashamed to try and reach out to them again. A part of you was also convinced that they wouldn't want to hear from you again, that you had caused them enough grief already.

You fell quiet at that thought and you silently went into the bathroom to wash the stress of the day and night away, the stress of leaving your old life behind, only to immediately decide that there was no way you were going to take a bath without thoroughly cleaning everything.

"Be back in a bit," you told the apartment as you left, heading to the very same store that had just hired you to buy cleaning products. Returning with your small haul, you set to scrubbing every inch of the bathroom and you felt the presence hover over your shoulder all the while.

"I will not risk getting sick," you told the air as you scrubbed the bathtub. "Do you know how long it takes to get rid of foot fungus? I am absolutely not risking that."

Once you were done cleaning to your satisfaction, you were covered in sweat and exhausted and you realized that you'd have to ask the presence to leave. You did not want to bathe while feeling watched.

"Would you mind waiting outside?" you asked the air. "I want to do this in private."

There was a long, heavy second of stillness, as though something around you was thinking and then you felt the presence pull back and you only realized how tense you had been when your breath rushed out of you with relief.

"Thank you," you called with a raised voice, only to jump when you heard scratching down the outside of the bathroom door.

You scrubbed down swiftly only to realize that you hadn't brought a change of clothes.

"Uh, would you mind not looking as I get dressed?" you called out into the hallway and weirdly enough, you got the impression that something was turning away from you. Still there but not paying you any attention.

You scurried down the hall to get dressed and as soon as you called out that you were done, the feeling of something looming over your shoulder was back.

"Want to watch something on my phone with me?" you asked after a long moment of heavy silence that ended up feeling a little awkward and quiet tense.

You settled down on the air mattress and you swore the shadows around you darkened and when, from the corner of your eye, it looked like some sort of large, clawed shadow hand was creeping over the edge of your mattress, you resolutely ignored it, even as your stomach clenched uneasily.

Your exhaustion caught up to you halfway through the third movie and you woke up to moaning and scratching and doors creaking open and banging closed again.

"What's wrong?" you blearily asked the air around you, still hazy with sleep and the noise quieted for a moment, before it felt like something was leaning over you, all darkness and numerous eyes and razor sharp teeth and you didn't dare open your own eyes to look back at it.

It seemed to stare and wait until you fitfully fell asleep again and while you jerked awake a few times throughout the night, the unsettling noise was distant, like a drunk neighbor two doors down acting like a dick.

In the morning you got ready for your first shift and you told the creature, that this place absolutely belonged to more than the landlord, that you'd be gone for a while and you'd bring back dinner.

While you had hoped to find distraction at work, it seemed as though everyone knew you lived in the haunted building and everyone wanted to talk about it. It seemed you couldn't get away from the thing you shared your home with even now.

Where you had been unsettled but not completely frightened before, now you heard more stories about people turning up dead in that building. Most died in very bloody, gruesome ways.

"A man was torn to shreds just last month," an older woman told you as you bagged her purchase and she sighed, "You look after yourself, that's no way to die."

Indeed not, but it wasn't like you could go anywhere else either. Your savings wouldn't allow for anything better and you were not going to go back. In the end, that thing in your new home wasn't worse than your ex. Not yet, at least.

You bought the food you had promised to bring after your shift and you grabbed one of the cheap books set up on the side as well. The kind that your grandpa had referred to as dime novels, smiling in victory whenever he had found something for your grandma, who loved them to bits. The cheesier the better.

You really missed them.

You felt the presence settle around you the moment you set foot onto the property, the apartment building looming ahead and you returned to your dingy little flat, finding it undisturbed. Nothing had vanished and nothing had gotten broken.

You cooked another meal for yourself and whatever monster lived here and you set down the novel beside the extra serving you had plated. 

"In case you get bored," you told it and you looked away for just a moment, but the food and novel were both gone when you glanced back, the paper plate once more neatly put into the trash.

As you ate you thought that your unexpected companion was a bearable houseguest. Sure, it's night time manners were atrocious, but otherwise...it could have been worse.

Especially since you couldn't get rid of it anyway, you might as well figure out how to live with it instead.

*.*.*

If you want to read more, be sure to check out my patreon, my ko-fi or give the masterpost a whirl!

[queen-of-the-misfit-toys]

Unbroken Circle

Did someone say wedding? A short little something for Benophie Week day 4. Just complete tooth-decaying sweetness and fluff.

________________________________________

*Ping ping*

Sophie sighed, pulling the pillow over her head. She was having enough trouble sleeping without whatever was hitting the window.

*PING*

“What in the world?” She muttered, throwing back the coverlet and walking to the window.

Throwing back the sash, she looked out.

“Benedict! What are you doing? It's the middle of the night!” She whisper-shouted, desperately trying to avoid waking the rest of Aubrey Hall.

“Come down, Soph. I have a surprise for you.”

“We're not even supposed to see each other before the wedding, which is in…twelve hours!! Oh my word, Ben, if we don't go to sleep now we'll be dead on our feet. Please go to bed!”

“Nuh-uh, Sophia Maria, not until you come down here.” He chuckled. “ Come to the balcony and jump. I'll catch you.”

She realized there was no way to get out without waking someone and she knew he wouldn't give in, so she did as he asked.

“Happy Wedding Day, My Darling.” He whispered, kissing her nose as he set her on her feet.

“What is this surprise you have, Benedict? We must be quick. There will be chaos if they realize we're gone.”

“Don't worry so much, Soph. Everyone will be sound asleep at this hour and my brothers and brother-in-laws were so drunk they'll be passed out for a while yet. We have time.”

He grasped her hand and started leading her away from the house.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see soon enough.”

After a few minutes they reached a clearing by the lake. Sophie couldn't believe her eyes.

A perfect circle of candles, so many candles, surrounded by a riot of spring flowers.

“Benedict!” She gasped, “What is all this?”

“This is our wedding, Soph. Our TRUE wedding. Just you and me committing ourselves to one another before God. I know you are very nervous about the ceremony and speaking your vows in front of everyone so I figured if we do this now, this afternoon will be for everyone else. This, right here right now, is for us.”

Sophie was stunned. Completely speechless.

Benedict squeezed her hand and smiled.

“What do you say, Miss Baek? Join me in the circle?”

She nodded, letting him lead her between the candles to stand in the middle.

“Oops, forgot one thing.” He ran over to a rock and picked up some flowers. “Every bride needs a crown.” He whispered as he placed a little ring of dandelions on her head.”Do you want to go first or me, Darling?”

Sophie was overcome. She still couldn't get a word out through her tears.

He leaned in and kissed her forehead.

“It's alright, Sophie. Everything will always be alright now. I'll go first, love. Give me your hands.”

“My dad always told me, Soph, that a circle is nature's perfect shape. It symbolizes wholeness, perfection, eternity. Nothing can penetrate or break a true circle. You are my circle, Sophie. Without you, I was a lonely triangle, bouncing from hard corner to hard corner, tearing myself and others with my tips. When I met you, you started rubbing away my edges, smoothing me down, rounding me out. I will be your circle, Sophie. I will surround you and protect you, allowing you to fill your circle with whatever your heart wants. Nothing will ever penetrate my circle to hurt yours ever again. My circle is solely for you,my love, for eternity.”

Sophie reached up and stroked his cheek, wiping away his tears.

“My sweet Benedict, I wish you had given me a little hint so I could've prepared something as precious as yours,” she laughed through her tears, “but I can speak from my heart.”

“My world was black before you, Benedict. Dark and ugly and hopeless. When you held me in your arms the night we met, I experienced light for the first time because I experienced you for the first time. You are my light, Benedict Bridgerton. My sun, my stars, everything that shines and glows. I will try every minute of every day to bring even a little of the light you bring into my life into yours. You once asked me to be yours forever. I will, Benedict. I will joyously be yours forever.”

Benedict bent his head and captured her lips.

“I love you, Sophia Maria Baek Bridgerton.”

“And I love you. Happy wedding day, Mr. Bridgerton.”

[thedarkbringer]

Probably reaching but. Something about how the mouthwash says it kills 99.9 percent of germs but, as pointed out by Anya, is too sweet and sugary to do anything. And something about how Curly tells Anya he would "do anything", but when the time comes, he does nothing, because he's too lenient with Jimmy.

The mouthwash lies about being a disinfectant and getting rid of germs. Curly lies about being proactive and protecting his crew.

Dragon's Breath was probably as sweet as it was to avoid a poor aftertaste, at the detriment of basically everything it claimed to offer. Curly was as lenient with Jimmy as he was because he feared conflict, at the detriment of the person he claimed he would do anything for.

Just like how using the mouthwash would probably lead to tooth decay over time, Curly sugar-coating literally everything for the sake of not making anyone upset ended up getting all of his friends killed.

[superstar-nan]

Fight Tooth and Nail

Day 5

Summary: You contemplate your strange relationship with Springtrap and talk with Michael about what to do next.

Words: 2,982

Fun stuff: Toxic relationships, insomnia, vague mention of child murder, and angst.

First ♡ Prev ♡ Next

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You wanted to leave Fazbear’s Fright for good. You had never wanted to run from that place more, not even your first night there. You wanted to pack up and leave—no goodbye, no mystery solved—all for your own sanity. Or maybe you just didn’t want to face Michael after that. Perhaps if you were more selfish, you would have left. At the very least you would have gone to Michael’s home and straight to bed. 

But you didn’t leave. Because you loved your best friend and you didn’t want to make Michael take the bus.

Instead, you laid down in the backseat of your car; your face flushed, your brow knit, and your heart racing too fast to fall asleep.

You almost kissed Springtrap.

You almost kissed a murderer.

You almost kissed a nasty decaying rabbit robot possessed by a serial child killer who was almost definitely responsible for your best friend’s disappearance.

How could you have allowed that to happen? 

Silver eyes lidded with deep, sweet obsession.

You buried your head in your arms, curled up on your side in the back seat. Your cheeks felt warm against your skin.

The very thought of kissing him was ridiculous. Even if he didn’t hold a murderer’s blackened soul, you didn’t even know if it was physically possible. He had tattered felt and rotten teeth for lips and metal rods where his tongue should be. At the very best, it would be like kissing an old stuffed animal. An old stuffed animal that tastes like sewage.

But that didn’t matter. You didn’t want him because he was lovely, you wanted him because he was terrible. Because he was as vile and sick inside as he was out. You didn’t know why you were drawn to him because of that—you had thought it was because he played an easy villain in your black and white story, but if that was true how could you want him in that way? If he was only an object for your hatred, why did you melt at his sweet, obsessive gaze?

You couldn’t get the image of his silver eyes, laced with infatuation, out of your mind.

It was because he wanted you. He craved you. He needed you more than he needed to kill you, and that desire softened you. God, were you really that weak? Was his obsession all it took to dissolve your will?

No. It wasn’t.

You weren’t in love with him. You knew from how your heart went cold at the thought of him anything other than miserable. You wanted him—you wanted him tortured and loving and miserable and obsessed—but you didn’t love him. You were drawn to him like a moth to a flame, but you wouldn’t burn in the fire without him. Your hatred outweighed your desire.

How close was love and hate, anyway? 

Your breath felt heavy as you buried your face deeper into your arms. You wished you could stop thinking. You wanted to sleep, but sleep was avoiding you, and it was his fault. And because it was his fault, that only made you angrier, which chased sleep away even more—trapping you in this terrible, poisonous spiral. Maybe you could knock yourself out but smashing your head against the window. Maybe that would return your sanity and you’d stop lusting after rotten killer robots.

You couldn’t sleep. Minutes ticked by like hours and hours ticked by like an eternity. You laid curled in the backseat, unable to keep your mind away from the object of your hatred and desire, as the sun slowly stole any chance you had left of sleeping. It was only when light drifted into your car that dread started to pit into your stomach.

You would have to face Michael after petting his psycho dad on his lap. 

The more you thought of it, the more you wondered how much Michael really saw. The attraction was dark and the cameras were shit—he probably didn’t see much of what happened. Though, that left you with another problem, if he didn’t see what happened, what did he think happened? You were cornered by springtrap on camera, you were both on the floor for a while, and then he left you to run off unharmed—no new injury and no new scar. You didn’t kiss him, but did Michael believe that? Why else would you be allowed to live?

Why were you allowed to live? Another horrible problem to add to your piling list. The thought of Springtrap planning something awful enough to let you go without even a scratch was your limit. You didn’t have the bandwidth to even consider why he let you go, and so you wouldn’t. You knew you would regret that later, but you couldn’t force yourself even if you wanted to know what he had in store for you.

A shadow fell through the car window. You were still lying in the back seat, curled up with your face in your arms. Michael was back. You did not want to talk to him.

The car’s backseat door was opened softly, as if purposefully quiet. You didn’t move even then. 

There was a moment of tense silence. You wondered if he thought you were asleep. You hope he did.

A cold, spongy hand pet the top of your head tenderly. You were almost startled by the kind love in the gesture. Then, rough and chaffed lips kissed your crown. Your heart softened, and your troubles faded from view.

You tilted your head up, unburying your head from your arms. Michael’s void eyes widened. He must’ve thought you were asleep. He was kneeling in front of the car to match your eye level, the sunrise behind his dark hair in a corona of warmth. His mask was pulled down over his chin, but his cap and jacket were hiding him protectively. His mouth opened and closed, a silent stutter as he tried to articulate a way to explain himself. 

You couldn’t handle any harsh words or frustrated excuses, so you took his hand and kissed his palm. The strange texture of his rotten skin felt unnatural against your lips, but it didn’t unnerve you. In fact, it was oddly comforting; something becoming familiar to you. You had such trouble trying to fall asleep before, but for some reason just being around Michael made you sleepy.

Michael exhaled. He sounded tired. He sounded broken. A spark of curiosity flitted in your chest, but it was snuffed out by your own tiredness and brokenness. He used the hand you held to gently caress your face. You leaned into his hand, his thumb pressing softly against your cheek. When he pulled away, he looked genuinely taxed by it.

Michael closed the door, and you buried your face into your arms. You felt the front door open, the car jostling, and then the car humming to life. You didn’t rouse—not to put on your seatbelt, not to sit up, not to look outside—you stayed curled in the backseat with your eyes shielded from the light. Without seeing the road, you were more aware of how your body swayed to the car slowing, speeding, and turning. It was a short trip to Michael’s home, but it was made all the longer in your shame.

The car slowed to a stall, then to a stop with the jostling of keys. There was a beat of silence before the car door opened and shut. The air in the car was still. You vaguely heard the front door of Michael’s home open and close. In the sunlight, the car started to warm.

You pulled yourself up. You didn’t want to, but you knew if you stayed away from Michael for long, your mind would drift back to his vile father.

You were silent and cautious as you opened the front door. You heard the melodramatic static of Michael’s TV deeper in his home. You slipped past the door, cushioning its close behind you, and stalked into the living room. Colored light from the TV painted the edges of Michael’s silhouette, changing with each scene. You sat at the edge of the couch, holding a pillow against your chest and pulling your feet up on the cushions.

You watched the TV; whatever was playing was meaningless, which meant it was perfect. Your eyelids felt heavy. You sighed deeper into the couch.

“...I’m going to kill my dad.”

That woke you up. You whipped your head to Michael. He was still staring at the TV like it was interesting. 

“And I’m going to burn down Fazbear’s Fright,” He added.

You inhaled, quiet and purposefully subdued. What happened to Michael in those last hours you were in the car? He had always been so hesitant to tell you his intentions, and everytime you brought up killing his dad, he would change the subject. What changed? What was it that he ‘needed to make sure of’, and why did it resolve him to killing Springtrap? 

Whether the corpse would reveal his heart to you didn’t change your response, “Great.” You said, “I’ll help.”

Michael’s eyes, cold and void, dragged themselves from the TV to you. Just when you thought you were getting better at reading him, Michael was inscrutable. “...Is that what you really want?”

You hugged the pillow tighter to your body. Michael might as well have outright said he thought you were in love with Springtrap, and that filled you with poison, “More than anything.”

Michael’s cold expression didn’t change as those pitless eyes bore into you. You thought your hatred would help ease Michael’s suspicions. It didn’t. Maybe he found your passionate hatred just as unsettling as your love. You knew you did. “...Even more than finding your friend?”

Your heart broke, and Michael’s ice melted in an instant. You hugged the pillow in your arms tighter and turned toward the TV screen simply because it meant not looking at Michael. Hot, painful tears stung at your eyes and you tried to blink them away. “Of course, not.” Your voice was forceful and quiet.

Michael extended a hand, rotten fingers hovering over your shoulder for a fraction of a second, before he withdrew from you. It hurt your heart more that he decided not to comfort you. Michael let out a shaky exhale. The TV played dramatic monotony that wasn’t enough to fill the stale air, “You shouldn’t come.”

“I’m going,” You said almost instantly.

“I can’t protect you while I’m-”

“What?” You turned to him sharply, “Dodging Springtrap, trying to catch the place on fire? I doubt you’d even get to light a spark.”

Michael exhaled through his abraded nose, a frustrated and tense sound.

“Do you want to douse the place in gasoline?” You said, “Let me help.” 

Michael rubbed his hand over his mouth and jaw, a tightness in his movement. After a breath of thought, he said, “You can man the cameras.”

“What?” You almost laughed at that, “I don’t even know how to work them.”

“It’s intuitive,” He said. “And when you see Spring Bonnie, play the audio in the room away from me.”

“I can barely pick him out on the cameras!” You shook your head, “You said he was getting more aggressive and erratic, how am I supposed to keep him from you?”

“You can-” Michael paused, biting his torn, purple lip. “You can do it.”

“No, nuh-uh, you paused,” You crossed your arms. “You know I can’t do it. Let me pour the gas.”

“No,” Michael said your name, but you interrupted him.

“I’ve already circled the attraction enough to have it memorized.”

He said your name again, but you went on anyway.

“All while avoiding Springtrap, and even hurting him a few times.”

“Please-!”

“Even if he did catch me, I’d be a better distraction than-”

“NO!” 

Instinctively, you pulled away from Michael. That was louder than you had ever heard him.

“...No...” He kept his eyes downcast and you knew he hadn’t meant to yell. He pursed his shredded lips together, slowly tapping on the couch—a habit betraying his anxiety—and you saw his teeth grind together from beyond his cheeks. “Just... stay in the office.”

You swallowed, shifting the pillow around in your arms. The TV painted the two of you in muted colors, and you couldn’t let it play in the background anymore. You tentatively took the remote and turned off the TV. “...Why?” You made your voice quiet.

Without the dull light of the TV, your only light source were the golden flecks of sunlight from behind closed blinds. Void eyes were filled with pain as they briefly met yours. He cast them aside just as quickly. Rotten fingers dug into the worn fabric of the couch. His dark hair curtained his face, keeping you from seeing his expression.

You bit the inside of your cheek. You worried if you said anything it would only convince him to bottle up more.

Michael turned slightly toward you, but kept his eyes glued to the floor. “I was there, you know... Years ago, at Freddy’s...”

You held your breath.

“...I-... I didn’t see him do it. I didn’t see him kill them. But I saw them before. I didn’t know he was-” Michael swallowed. “He would wait until one was alone. He talked to them as Spring Bonnie. He would beckon them—like this,” Michael held out his hand as if he was offering it to you, before he clasped it in a fist, repulsed by the gesture. “They always took his hand. Even then, I felt like something was off. I wasn’t a child. I could’ve-”

You took his hand immediately, even as it was closed, “You couldn’t have known.”

Michael’s hand shook under your own, a wavering exhale leaving his tattered lips, “...No. But I know now.” He finally brought his midnight eyes to you, sullen with more than just rot and death. He clasped your hand in his, and the forcefulness of it surprised you. “I can’t lose you to him. I can’t lose you like how I lost them to him. Or like how I lost Charlie, or Elizabeth-” Michael stopped abruptly at the name of his sister. He took a deep breath through stalled lips. “I can’t lose you to him, too. If I could save just one...” 

Your brow furrowed with both pity and conflict, “Michael... You can’t put that on yourself. You can’t put that on me. You’re- You’re not responsible for-”

“I know,” Michael’s voice was soft, but it held so much weight. He chewed his bottom tattered lip, “I know... But, please... I need you-” His words caught in his throat and he inhaled sharply. “... I need you to be safe. Please.”

You thought you would break under the pressure of his stare. How could you refuse him? How could you ever tell him you were willing to burn if that meant Springtrap burned too? When he looked at you with so much desperation, so much agony—the agony of a decades-long burden you didn’t understand—how could you say anything other than, “Okay... I-... I’ll try.”

Michael said your name in a broken exhale, not satisfied with your superficial reassurance.

“I’ll stay in the office,” You said. “I will. Unless I see a clue or-or anything that points to my friend still being at the attraction.” You swallowed, “I can’t let them burn with the place. I won’t.”

Michael lowered his eyes and nodded, “I’ll look for them.”

Tears felt like they would burn your eyes again, so you squeezed Michael’s hand and gave him your best attempt at a smile, “While you’re dumping gasoline over the cheap decorations?”

Michael breathed out a half-laugh half-sigh, “Yes. I don’t think it will take much. The place is already a fire hazard.”

“I’ll be glad to see the place burn...” You said, and your heart thrummed at the thought of the place burning down. Of him burning down. You wanted to watch it happen. Maybe it was a good thing you would be in the security room, then you could watch it happen. Though, you would have preferred setting the spark yourself, seeing his rage and pain with your own eyes, him knowing you were the one to-

Michael squeezed your hand and you were brought back to reality. It was better you weren’t the one to light the spark. 

“Can you teach me how to use the cameras?” You said, “And tell me where Springtrap likes to hide?”

“Yeah...” Michael looked as lost as you were, searching your face as if you were the one that was inscrutable. “Yeah, I can draw you a picture actually.”

You thought back to his doodling in his security booklet and hummed, “Convenient.”

Michael scoffed, “I guess. It will be “convenient” if it saves my life.”

You laughed, before you paused, “Wait, you can die?”

Void eyes deadpanned, before an exasperated sigh left tattered lips, as if you asked something unreasonable—as if it was absurd to even ask! Michael stood up, shifting the weight on the couch, “I’m going to go draw those pictures now.”

“Don’t act like that’s not a valid question!” You threw a pillow at him while he left, which he caught and put back on the couch, “How would I know?”

“Get some sleep,” He said. “You look tired.”

“You look worse,” You said, but he was right. You were exhausted. Michael sat at his kitchen table and you thought about going to his bed to sleep, but hearing the sound of his pen scratching paper was soothing. You worried your mind would drift back to Springtrap without the white noise of Michael’s movement, and if you thought about Springtrap you wouldn’t get any sleep. So, you curled up on the couch and focused on the pen scratching on paper, and almost instantly you drifted into darkness...

[healer-of-angband]

Given how long they live for, how do elves keep their teeth from wearing down?

Throughout their lives, teeth erupt from the jaw in 20 year cycles, pushing the old teeth out from below. This is generally sufficient to prevent wear on teeth from causing significant issues, though they still do need looking after.

Although they are replaced, neem sticks should be provided, as these are chewed on to help keep the mouth clean and healthy. If prevented from doing this, hardened deposits of calcus can build up over time, and can do significant damage to the structure of the teeth and jaw. See figure A for example. 

When the first teeth emerge, they are smaller than adult teeth, and there are only 16 of them due to the small size of the jaw at this age. For the first century of life, teeth are a good indicator of age.

In those first five cycles, the number of teeth increases by four each time, until the adult number of 32 teeth is met. 

If teeth are lost prematurely, this can inhibit jaw growth, or even shrink the jaw if all adult teeth are in place. This means that the next set of teeth will not erupt directly beneath their predecessors, disrupting alignment and potential affecting the ability to chew food. The jaw should expand again over time. If this does not self solve within a century, there are two procedures that can be considered:

Metal brackets (figure B) can be cemented to the outer surface of each tooth, with a metal wire running through them. This exerts constant pressure on the teeth, pushing them into the desired alignment. This is best done early in the cycle- the wires should be removed well before the new teeth erupt to avoid complications. 

The jaw can be broken internally, and spacers put in to increase its size. This is extremely painful for an elf and will make eating and speaking extremely difficult until they are fully recovered. Close observation is needed to ensure that the jaw heals correctly, or this may cause issues for the rest of the elf's life. 

The tooth matrix can be cauterised. Done correctly, this permanently stops the tooth from growing back. I am aware that some of you do this for aesthetic reasons, preferring the softer jawline that can be achieved, but this should really only be done as a last resort due to the amount of pain it causes. The underbite produced has the potential to result in:

Poor dental hygiene

Teeth wearing down quickly

Facial pain

Speech problems

Poor face structure 

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues

As teeth are comprised largely of calcium, dietary intake should be increased in the final five years of each cycle. Bone broth is a good option for this, or else chalk powder can be sprinkled into food. Liquid diets are a good option for elves with dental issues, but chewing should be encouraged to avoid degradation of the jaw muscles.

See figure C for the effects of too little dietary calcium during tooth formation. Teeth affected in this way are often sensitive, easily broken and at risk of rotting in the mouth, which will require removal. Such dental issues can discourage eating, which only exacerbate the problem and result in more nutritional deficiencies over time. 

In extreme cases, the new teeth may fail to form at all, causing increased wear on the existing teeth. In the short term, rinsing the mouth with a 0.05% fluoride wash can strengthen the existing teeth, and resolving the lack of dietary calcium should resolve the issue in the next cycle. 

Orc Patch Notes

Altered the tooth matrix to be rootless, doing away with cyclic regeneration in favour of constant, slow growth. Teeth do now need to be either used continuously or manually filed to avoid overgrowth, but no more waiting over a decade to regenerate a missing tooth and having it mess up the jaw structure when it appears

Enamel is infused with iron compounds for additional strength, making teeth far better as natural weapons and more resistant to decay.

Images below the cut

Figure A - A harmful build up of calcus and its affect on the teeth

Figure B - brackets cemented to teeth for repositioning

Figure C - Signs of calcium deficiency while teeth are developing

[sikudastoner]

OC Tag Game

@queen--kenobi thank you for the tag! It took me a while to pick out which OC, but I ended up going with Eltyn.

1. What is something that your OC would never purchase for themselves, but would be (secretly?) delighted to receive as a gift?

A letter opener. He doesn’t bother asking for one since it’s easier to rip off the stamp but a custom letter opener? He’d love it.

2. Is your OC ticklish? Has anyone ever dared to find out?

He is ticklish. His siblings figured it out when they were younger.

3. How easy does your OC find it to apologise?

It’s not that it’s difficult for him to apologize, it’s hard to see how he was wrong in the first place. Not in a stubborn “I’m right about everything” way, you just need to talk him through why he was wrong and should apologize.

4. When did your OC first see a dead body? If they have not seen one yet, how might they react to doing so?

He likely saw the silent sisters dressing a corpse of a distant relative when he was young. He took mental notes of how they removed the insides and which herbs they stuffed the body with. Recorded it in his “diary” later. The smell and decay disgusted him the most, but didn’t emotionally feel anything.

5. Does your OC have any recurring dreams? Have they ever told anyone else about them?

He has reoccurring dreams of being beheaded. He doesn’t tell anyone because he doesn’t believe dreams have meanings. He’s just walking around thinking that everyone has guillotine dreams.

6. Is your OC stingy with their money (or other resources)? Or are they something of a spendthrift?

Neither. He doesn’t need much to keep him happy. Writing supplies, books, comfortable clothes. Maybe on the spendthrift side since growing up they kept commissioning clothes every other 6 months since he kept getting taller and taller.

7. Does your OC have a sweet tooth? Or do they prefer to avoid sweets and sugary treats?

He prefers savory foods, but doesn’t go out of his way to avoid sweets.

8. Is your OC easily provoked by insults or mockery?

He’s easily offended, but he doesn’t stand up for himself. He just walks past until whoever is provoking him leaves him be.

9. Where is somewhere your OC has visited that they never want to visit again?

Any place that has history, he’s fascinated, so there’s no place he despises. If he had to choose, Kings Landing. He can’t stand the stench.

10. Is your OC ever somewhat flirtatious?

No, flirting with him is a lost cause.

I don’t remember who was tagged but no pressure tags: @rainwingmarvel7 @rottengrowls @darkwolf76 @emilykaldwen @star-art-diaries @mermaidslabyrinth

[pastel-charm-14]

oral health

it's something we often overlook, but taking care of our teeth and gums is super important for our overall well-being. here are some simple tips to keep your smile bright and healthy:

brush twice a day: make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. use a fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes each time to remove plaque and bacteria.

floss daily: don't forget to floss! flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline, where your toothbrush can't reach.

rinse with mouthwash: using an antibacterial mouthwash can help kill germs and freshen your breath. swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing.

eat a balanced diet: what you eat can impact your oral health. try to limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. instead, opt for healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

drink plenty of water: staying hydrated is important for your oral health too. water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and it also helps stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and protects your teeth.

visit your dentist regularly: don't skip your dental check-ups! seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and exams can help catch any issues early and prevent more serious problems down the road.

avoid tobacco: smoking and using other tobacco products can wreak havoc on your oral health, increasing your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. if you smoke, consider quitting for the sake of your smile and your overall health.

remember, taking care of your teeth and gums is an investment in your long-term health and happiness. so make oral health a priority and keep smiling bright!

[enddaysengine]

Tooth Fairy (Paths Beyond)

I hate thinking about my own teeth for a variety of reasons, but there is something about teeth as a motif that I find hypnotic. This makes tooth fairies horribly iconic. Paizo took something whimsical from our childhoods, combined it with something awful from our adult years (aka oral hygiene), to make a monster no one forgets. They are brilliant.

What sets tooth fairies apart from other fey is their origin. These greedy nasties typically hail from the Universe rather than the First World, though they are still strongly connected to the latter. Not the have to come from the Universe, mind you, all they need is mortal children living somewhere connected to the First World. The presence of tooth fairies in extraplanar hubs, with their higher mortal populaces, implies the presence of First World energies somewhere nearby - a useful little bit of environmental storytelling. Of course, a sufficiently powerful druid or witch could manufacture these energies as well, either stealing teeth or children to spawn their horrendous little minions. Just be careful with your group’s lines and veils if you go the latter route. 

Of course, the other other question to consider is why tooth faeries need all those teeth. Sure, they are sadistic bastards, they use them as decorations, and some need them to transform into monarchs, but are there other reasons for tooth faeries to hoard teeth? What would happen if one of them started crunching them down like candy? Are their fairies out there who cause teeth to decay and abscess within their owner's mouths? What rituals do tooth fairies need the teeth for and why do some of them bargain for teeth instead of steal? Don't be afraid to get weird here, its fine to say the fey compelled to steal teeth, but providing an evocative and twisted rationale will make it all the more memorable. 

Tooth fairies are a constant nuisance in Shadow Absalom thanks to the infamous Tooth Gardens. Within this moldering tenement building, canines and molars spread like hideous coral reefs, eventually cracking open and disgorging the sadistic fey gestating within. This phenomenon's origins are hotly debated, it is obvious that this land is touched by the First World, but how and why remain occulted. The two most common theories are that an archfey was buried in this location during a forgotten age or that this was where Count Ranalc's exile began. Either way, this is a place best avoided by mortals, as the tooth fairies are more than happy to act as cat's paws for velstracs as long as they get to keep the victim's teeth.

Faerie rings blend easily into natural environments, unless they come from tooth faeries. A ring of mushrooms is not worthy, but they occur often enough to not raise suspicions and not all of them link to the First World. On the other hand, a ring of teeth growing on the ends of tiny stalks is immediately alarming. Tooth faeries tend these spots carefully, and can open the door between worlds in exchange for an offering of teeth.

The Riftwardens are alarmed when uneven rents begin appearing between the Universe and the First World. The source of these rifts is Mallus the Rotten, a tooth fairy sorcerer with a maw full of miniature wrackworm incisors. These allow Mallus to crack and chew his way through planar boundaries, infecting wherever he passes through with metaphysical cavities. Once these fester, Mallus' rifts connect to the Dead Vault as well, threatening fey and mortal alike with Rovagug's foul influence.

[pgirija]

Dental issues like cavities, infected tooth pulp, and broken teeth can not only cause discomfort but also affect your confidence and oral health. Thanks to modern dentistry, these problems can be effectively treated with procedures like root canals, dental fillings, and crowns. If you’re in Pune and looking for reliable dental care, you’re in the right place.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling around a tooth are signs that the pulp inside the tooth may be infected or inflamed. A root canal removes the damaged pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent future infection. With timely care, you can save your natural tooth and avoid extraction.

For safe and painless Root Canal Treatment in Pune, skilled dental professionals use advanced tools and techniques to ensure quick recovery and long-lasting relief.

High-Quality Dental Fillings for Long-Lasting Protection

Dental fillings are the first line of defense against tooth decay. When a cavity is detected early, a filling can stop further damage, restore the tooth’s shape, and bring back your natural bite. Modern materials like composite resin match your tooth color, offering both strength and aesthetics.

If you’re looking for quality and comfort, the Best Dental Filling Clinic in Pune provides customized treatment using durable, tooth-colored materials that blend perfectly with your natural teeth.

Crowns and Bridges: Restoring Function and Aesthetics

If your tooth is severely damaged or missing, crowns and bridges are ideal restorative options. A dental crown covers a damaged tooth to strengthen it, while a bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, preventing shifting and misalignment.

The Teeth Crown & Bridges Treatment in Pune is designed to restore your smile’s function and appearance using advanced prosthetics that look and feel natural. These solutions help improve chewing ability, prevent bone loss, and boost your confidence.

Don’t Delay—Your Healthy Smile Awaits

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What Causes Your Gums to Recede?

Have you noticed your gums pulling back, exposing more of your teeth than before? Gum recession is more common than you might think—and it’s a warning sign your oral health needs attention. While it might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, receding gums can lead to sensitivity, tooth decay, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Let’s explore what causes your gums to recede, the risks of ignoring it, and how professional care can help you protect your smile.

What Exactly Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession happens when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing the roots. This exposes the delicate parts of your teeth that aren’t covered by protective enamel, making them vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.

If you’re noticing longer-looking teeth or sensitivity near the gum line, it’s a good idea to consult a dentist in Dhaka to get a clear diagnosis.

The Common Causes of Gum Recession

Several factors can contribute to gum recession. Some you can control; others require medical intervention.

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

When plaque builds up along your gumline, it turns into tartar — a hard deposit that causes gum inflammation. This inflammation can slowly pull gums away from teeth. Visiting the best dentist in Dhaka regularly helps prevent plaque buildup and recession.

2. Aggressive Brushing

Using a hard-bristled brush or brushing too vigorously can wear down your gums over time. The key is gentle, effective brushing recommended by a dental clinic in Dhaka expert.

3. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

This is the leading cause of gum recession. Gum disease damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth, causing gums to pull back. Early diagnosis and treatment by a dentist in Dhaka Bangladesh can save your gums.

4. Tobacco Use

Smoking or chewing tobacco restricts blood flow to your gums, impairing healing and making gum disease worse.

5. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones, especially in women, can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to recession.

6. Teeth Grinding or Clenching

Bruxism puts excessive pressure on teeth and gums, causing damage that may result in recession. An oral and maxillofacial doctor can help diagnose and treat this condition.

7. Misaligned Teeth or Bite Issues

Crooked teeth or improper bite force gums to recede in certain spots. A consultation with the best oral and maxillofacial surgeon can evaluate if this is the case.

8. Lip or Tongue Piercings

Jewelry rubbing against gums can cause irritation and recession.

Why You Can’t Ignore Gum Recession

Gum recession isn’t just an aesthetic problem—it threatens your dental health. Exposed roots are prone to cavities, sensitivity, and infection. If untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Make an appointment at the best dental clinic near me for a thorough gum health evaluation.

How to Stop Gum Recession in Its Tracks

Regular Professional Cleanings

Seeing the best dentist in Dhanmondi every six months removes harmful plaque and tartar and keeps gums healthy.

Correct Brushing Techniques

Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle circular motions. Your dental team can guide you on the right tools and techniques.

Treat Gum Disease Early

If you have signs of gum disease, early intervention is critical. The best oral surgeon can perform deep cleaning and, if needed, surgical treatments to restore gum health.

When Surgery Is Necessary

In advanced cases, gum graft surgery can restore lost tissue and protect your teeth. Procedures performed by the best maxillofacial surgeon are minimally invasive and highly effective.

Maintain Your Smile’s Health Every Day

In addition to professional care, maintain daily habits:

Floss gently to remove plaque between teeth

Avoid tobacco products

Manage teeth grinding with a night guard if needed

Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth near exposed roots

Consider Cosmetic Solutions

If recession has caused discoloration or uneven gum lines, professional teeth whitening and cosmetic gum treatments can enhance your smile’s appearance.

Find the Right Clinic for Your Needs

Your journey to healthier gums begins with finding a reliable dental clinic Dhanmondi or Dhaka-area professional who can tailor treatments to your condition.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Gums Before It’s Too Late

Gum recession is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. The good news is that with awareness, proper oral care, and expert intervention, you can stop recession and even restore your gums. Don’t wait for discomfort or visible damage—take action today.

Your gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile and strong teeth. Protect them well.