Whoa there wiseguy...

Can we talk about dental issues in the back country for a minute? I've been reading all the preparation books, backpacking forums, blogs and magazines I can get my hands on, but I haven't seen any mention of the need to fix your teeth before starting a long hike. Contrarily, the number one reason I've heard people end their PCT hike early is due to emergency dental work. It makes sense with diets consisting of tubs of Nutella and melted candy bar burritos. I mean, the sonic-care-ultra-light-solar-hygienic-system hasn't hit the market yet (take note, ADZPCTKO gear contestants).

So, my preparation continues. I just finished my third and LAST dental visit before the big departure: 5 cavities filled, a crown replaced and a decaying wisdom tooth extracted. Mom would be proud. Oh, and with that wisdom tooth gone, I just saved myself 1.4 grams (or 0.05 ounces). Yeah, I'm taking this ultra light weight thing to a whole new level.

P.S. Did you know you can ask your dentist for the tooth back after an extraction?