I just got back from the dentist and while there picked up some replacement gel for my teeth whitening trays that I had made a few years ago. I think the trays had set me back about $300 and the replacement gel was $60 today. I can't decide if this is really a wise use of my money.

Right off the bat I know this is an extravagance. Tooth whitening does not qualify as food, clothing or shelter, so it's definitely not a basic need. In fact it's probably pretty high up Maslow's hierarchy of needs pyramid.

Nevertheless, I'm a vain person, and I don't like looking at my yellow teeth in the mirror. I'm not obsessive, but when I think I'm starting to look bad, I'm willing to do what it takes to improve the situation (which is why I've been chubby a few times but have never given in to downright fat).

And yet I feel a little guilty. It's the holiday season and all, I should be buying coats for kids or something, not spending $60 on my freaking teeth.

What's worse is that I'm a wine drinker and it won't be too long before the teeth start shading up again---and once you start whitening them, it becomes more and more painful to stop. It's like that old episode of Just Shoot Me where the guy says he can't go back to rice after having had couscous. Maybe it's not like that, but I miss that show.

I digress.

Have you spent the cash on your teeth? Do you regret it or no? I read recently that white teeth is a prerequisite on the dating scene these days. Is this true? Do you have to be sparkling white at all times, or do you just need to not be disgusting?

Talk to me before I ramble further.