Bloody teeth

I have recently taken up flossing again. It's an uncomfortable practice that I usually avoid, but as of late I have been really enjoying this new ritual of jamming some string between tooth and gum until it bleeds while examining the inner workings of my mouth  and then later, running tongue against smooth teeth, newly redefined and tasting faintly of iron.
The dull throbbing in the back of my jaw rises like sonic vibrations, which I guess set into motion the idea that indeed, everyone only gets one body to care for in this life and we do with it what we like. Also, sitting next to my recluse grandfather with two teeth was a somewhat glaring reminder of what I don't want to become... In more ways than one.

I remember flossing to be a task resigned to the week before going to the dentist as a way to say honestly that I indeed have been flossing, of course for no specific duration of time. After the visit, the floss box was pushed further and further back in the bathroom drawer as much more important stuff took president, you know, like makeup and stuff.

I find that the possibility or I guess moreso the realization that old injuries so not magically heal but rather, slowly amble alongside of you for the rest of your life to be a horrific and life altering realization. If I would have known that falling out of that tree would have made my knee pop or falling at the skating rink decrease the flexibility of my wrist, would I have still taken the chance? Would I or should I have taken the whiplash settlement before the realization of the magnitude of spinal injuries set in to the full effect of ergonomic pillows, taking it "easy" or the threat of scar tissue removing surgery?

Perhaps my teeth decaying diet of coffee and red wine has me feeling a bit guilty for my poor pearly (off) whites. But maybe it's just a looming dentist visit in the near future that I have been avoiding for, um, I think ten years that has me a bit nervous.
All I know is the I jammed a waxed, mint flavored string up between each and every tooth, smiled in the mirror and reaffirmed silently as the tv blares from the neighbor downstairs that I only have life this time around. I think I'd enjoy it more with my teeth.