Dear Lia,

Mazel Tov on your Bat Mitzvah. I am honored that you are asking me for words of advice at this time.

Since I am a pediatric dentist I will suggest you lead your life as I have recommended you take care of your teeth. 

You could try to brush and floss after every food contact and only eat good foods, but few people could succeed at that regime. I have found it better to be realistic. As I have told you since you first came to my office, brush at least in the morning and night, avoid too many of the bad foods that can cause decay and come for a checkup every six months. If a cavity does appear it should be small and easy to restore.

Jewish adulthood is similar. Try to do good deeds and be reasonable with your expectations. By continuing to stay close to your religion, family, and friends and listening to their advice, as you are now, you will have your own personal checkups. Then if a "cavity" of life happens, you will have the support and strength to have it easily restored.

Thank you again for including me.

Sincerely,

Thomas Resnick D.D.S., M.S.

Go to the next page, or jump to one of the letters listed below.