To feel so embarrassed after trip to dentist

My personal evidence refutes that. I do brush more gently when I'm not battling a heavy electric toothbrush.

I think this can be true but if you are a bit lazy like me i do think it can make a big difference

my hygienist didn’t know I had bought an iO brush because when she kept recommending them I was like “nahhh too expensive”
but I found one on offer after an appointment and when I next went she immediately said wow…my teeth had much less plaque build up and asked what I was doing / if I’d started using electric as they were looking soooo much better

i notice myself plaque build up is way less between apps and I can stretch to 6m now between visits. It’s 💯 down to the iO

No there isn’t , unless you look at research from vested interests.

If you have decreased dexterity ie elderly , arthritis, child (although adults should be brushing children’s teeth until they are 8 ) then electric toothbrushes will do a better job. But for those with average dexterity , using the right technique , then a manual brush will do just as good a job as electric .

There’s a lot of evidence that shows manuals perform much more poorly. Maybe don’t brush so hard then?

I've always used a manual as I brushed too hard with an electric one and caused sensitivity. I've not been to a hygienist in about a decade because the dentist tells me I don't need to, since my oral health is so good. I have a checkup every year.

Nothing wrong with manual toothbrushes at all.

I loathe that Dentists make you feel shit about yourself. Like vets.

I don't stay with that kind of dentist.

Maybe it was to do with the vomiting then! I had a LOT of morning sickness!

once the teeth are formed they are inert . The body cannot take calcium in or out of them . It is an old wives tale that was disproved in the 1940s.

What does cause a problem is vomiting and acid reflux , and changing eating patterns particularly after birth grazing and sipping on drinks so number of acid attacks from sugar is increased a day .

Inhalers have no effect on teeth but if you don’t rinse out after using then the medication stays on the back of the mouth and can cause thrush .

I had the most beautifully straight, pearly white teeth before having children! I was so proud of them. After having kids, they're a total mess, 4 actually fell out during my first pregnancy!!! They just crumble away now, as if they've never been taken care of, only, I took care of them very well! Hormones play a big part unfortunately. All you can do now is focus on trying to keep them as best as you can. I feel for you, I really do.

I always remember an old boss of mine telling me “you lose a tooth with every baby”, which I always just thought was an old wives’ tale. Turns out after having my youngest two, I needed fillings in one tooth each time, one that eventually needed root canal and extraction. I didn’t have anything after my eldest but I was only 20 then so that might have had something to do with it. I’ve still only got the one filling, so don’t underestimate what preganancy can do. Combine that with not having regular checks because of Covid and it’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

I’ve also heard something about inhalers so definitely rinse when you can after using them.

For those with decreased dexterity like the elderly , those with arthritis or , possibly children (although adults should be brushing children’s teeth as well until they are at least 8) electric toothbrushes do a better job , for those with average dexterity a manual brush will do just as good a job , although it is technique sensitive https://parchmentstreet.co.uk/manual-vs-electric-which-toothbrush-is-best/

It doesn't feel like they do. I have a normal toothbrush in my work travel bag and it's nowhere near as good or as easy to use as my electric toothbrush - in fact I have just upgraded my electric toothbrush so I think my old electric toothbrush will now go in my overnight travel bag for work and I can ditch the manual ones all together. Sensory issues I get.

Actually the research shows that for most people , with average dexterity , a manual toothbrush will do just as good a job as electric.

The difference may be that with timers etc people may use electric brushes for the correct amount of time (2 minutes) more so than manual . But both will do a good job if used effectively .

As also said many people with sensory issues find electric toothbrushes too uncomfortable to use.

My dentist recommended Oral B as the best electric toothbrush but there's others that are good too.

Oh dear. I have to say I didn’t know anyone still used manual toothbrushes. They’re so rubbish.

I’ve seen this mentioned a lot on this thread but my DH who I mentioned earlier (with the perfect teeth who has a sweet tooth and brushes for no longer than 30 seconds) also uses an asthma inhaler regularly, and has done since childhood.

I think there’s something in what a PP said about differences in saliva having an impact.

They’ve found that certain bacteria in the mouth can increase risk of heart disease. This British heart foundation article is interesting.
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/research/gum-disease-heart-health

It costs a minimum of, in a private practice , £160 an hour per room just to cover the running costs . In an expensive area it’s a minimum of £200 an hour per room just to cover the running costs one room.

The average garage charges £76 an hour , just for labour. In a dental surgery you get the undivided attention of a qualified dentist, dental nurse plus the time before and afterwards to sterilise equipment , disinfect surgery, restock, set up and write up notes.

😂

Expanding floss - a recent improvement for me - much better than normal gliding floss I was previously using.

My DC have had electric tooth brushes from the word go - as advised by our then dentist.

All very well saying go elsewhere but any new patient at a private dentist will have to pay upwards of £100 just to be seen.... some near me charge £150!

Don't how they get away with that, i mean imagine being charged £100+ for a building quote or a car repair?

You certainly wouldn't be getting 3 quotes to compare :(

OP just remember, she sees 100s of patients, she wont remember you specifically and will be pleased you've taken her advice, also bear in mind, her first language isn't English.

Pregnancy can play havoc with teeth. Get some good supplements. Electric toothbrush. And good oral hygiene after using inhaler - i would rinse several times then brush. Floss or water pik
If you can afford it a hygienist visit every 6 months can really help.

My dentist told me that inhalers can have an impact on your teeth…

I went to the dentist on Monday and was given a list of things I need to do better, I don't think it's unusual for a dentist to comment if they don't think you are brushing properly or ou need fillings - you would be more annoyed if she had said the were great and they weren't. I also giving you treatment options is that, its optional. This could be a really great chance for you to turn things around.

Anyway, after my visit I for have now splashed on the electric toothbrush they have been recommending years (oral B IO4) and I have to admit it is really is very good, normal toothbrushes now feel weird to use. It's the thing I put off buying for years and now wouldn't be without one. Boots have some really great deals if you have an advantage card.

I've always used the Braun oral B. They have a round head. I've used their most basic and most expensive models and cannot tell a difference in the clean so tend to go for one of the more basic rechargeable models and use the different types of brush heads if I feel I need to.

The batteries on the rechargeables are not replaceable and they do run out of ability to hold a charge after about 2 - 3 years, which is another reason to buy the more basic model. The brush heads are quite expensive so it works out more cost effective to buy them in larger packs.

Once you've got used to cleaning with an electric toothbrush you won't go back. My teeth feel disgusting if I only do a manual clean.

Only time in my life I've ever had gingivitis is when I was pregnant. Corsodyl products, toothpaste and mouthwash, were recommended to me at the time. It plays havoc with your teeth and gums - in the old days it used to be said that you sacrifice a tooth for every child! - and I'm hoping the menopause won't have a similar effect.

I use an electric toothbrush, interdental brushes and a scale and polish every six months to keep on top of mine. I bleach them but find only a very occasional top-up is necessary.

It's happened to most of us at some time or other, OP - don't feel too bad!