I went to the dentist yesterday to have a filling done, and she gave me the choice of having an anaesthetic injected, or "grin and bear it".

I always think I'm a bit of a baby about pain. But I was dying for a cup of tea, and I knew if I had an injection then I wouldn't be able to have a hot drink for ages! So I said, "Oh just go for it, I'll be british about it!"

So she did... and I crossed my eyes at the ceiling and just mentally repeated he magic words: "CUP OF TEA.... CUP OF TEA!"

She also did me a scale and polish and inspected my gums, which are prone to bleeding. She said my teeth are in great condition but my gums are already receding - not a good thing at my age! I'm a bit gutted as I always thought it was smoking which worsened gums and stained your teeth, but since giving up 2 years ago, my gums are knackered and my teeth are more yellow!

Apparently gum disease is hereditary so I suppose it makes sense since Mum has had terrible trouble with hers. But the dentist reckons if we keep on top of it then I should be able to go through life with all me own gnashers!

So it's extra strength mouthwash and no sugar for me from now on...