Okay, so I was thinking about Descartes and his famous line, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ It’s this whole big philosophical idea that just because you’re thinking, you exist. Pretty mind-blowing, right? But here’s the thing: I’m not sure it holds up when you’re at the dentist.

I’m sitting there, mouth wide open, drool pooling everywhere, and the dentist is poking around. I’m not exactly feeling like a proud, existential thinker. I’m feeling more like a human puddle with a shaky grip on reality.

I’m trying to make sense of it all, like, ‘If I think, I am,’ but right now, all I’m thinking is, ‘Why did I agree to this? I don’t even know if I exist right now. I might just be a figment of my own anxiety!’

And then I realize, maybe Descartes didn’t account for things like dental drills. Because when you're in that chair, trying not to flinch while the hygienist scrapes your teeth like they're cleaning out an ancient artifact, it's hard to maintain a sense of self.

So next time you’re debating your existence, just remember: If you can still feel the drill and taste the minty toothpaste, you’re definitely alive. And if you can still ponder philosophical questions while trying not to choke on your own saliva, you’re absolutely existing. Just maybe avoid thinking too hard about it during your next dental visit!