On Talking About Toothpaste in Non-Toothpaste Groups on TBD

[Gary Freedman]

I got a message from George V. Richards yesterday about wanting to keep his group "All Drift All The Time" light. He doesn't want toothpaste comments on his site. He thinks it's inappropriate to talk about toothpaste there. And we all know about the sites where they talk about toothpaste and related issues all the time.

But I'm a nonconformist and a free-speech advocate. So, what the heck, if I want to talk about toothpaste, I'll talk about toothpaste! Here goes.

I do it twice a day. Yeah, I contend with the white, sticky stuff two times a day. I brush my teeth once in the morning after breakfast, and again in the evening after dinner. Is twice a day too often? My dentist thinks it's about average. But I hate toothpaste; it's a sticky, white mess.

I guess if I posted this in his group, George would delete me. C'est la vie.

[Alendar]

We can argue about light things beautifully, but not when the chips hit the fan. Then all pleasant discourse becomes a lost art. Granted the joy in debating silly things is undeniable. But why not debate health care with similar frivolity? Would the battle be lost, but for the want of a good TBD crack?

[Gary Freedman]

OK. I can't keep up the charade any longer. The fact is I switched to gel a long time ago. I was just stirring up trouble on TBD as I usually do!

[Judi]

Gary, I understand the conundrum. I'm a proponent of fluoride use, so I feel the need to have it in each of my toothpaste escapades (2-3 times/day); however, I have to have the cinnamon flavor. It's a must! I even have a small tube of it in my purse and therefore have it on hand "just in case". I think people who have to have the generic mints are socialists, boring, and inane. Oh, and my floss (yes, I use it on occasion) must also be of the cinnamon variety. Now, that doesn't mean I can't use peppermint or spearmint (oh, that's gum, isn't it?), but I will have my cinnamon. Mint lovers are a dime-a-dozen and they tend to run in packs. Those of us who just prefer cinnamon are special and we know it!

[Peaches]

I smoke, so I brush all day long and wash my hands constantly. I like to use pure baking soda or a gel. I use to use an electric toothbrush, but it burned out from overuse. Now I am back to manual - boring. I do use a water pik about which is a great massage for the gums and a good cleaning between the teeth. I also carry with me a couple of travel picks that I use after dining out and a small container of mouthwash. Now if that isn't personal I don't know what is.

I am also just as picky about my feet if you ever want to know more. LOL

[Gary Freedman]

Have you ever used an electric toothbrush? Or do you prefer doing it manually? Or is that too personal a question?

[Orianb]

You rebel.