I have a new thing to add to the list of things I would change if I could....
I would have brushed and flossed my teeth like my mom always told me to when I was growing up. Now, as an adult, I rarely brush my teeth since I never got into the habit of it when I was younger. Let me tell you, THANK HEAVENS for insurance! I think I have probably wracked up about 30k in dental bills just getting my teeth done this time. I had 13 cavities and one they almost (and might still have to) had to do a root canal on because it was so bad. It hurts when they do the needles (at least to me it does, but I am a big baby) and when you have VERY sensitive teeth like me (also from not taking care of my teeth properly) it hurts when they drill (they use a water drill and it has COLD friggin water, hence the pain).
Anyways, so when you get told to brush your teeth....DO IT! It is SOOOO not worth the pain, discomfort, time, and money to have to deal with it when you are older and your teeth are like...rotting out of your mouth.