I am probably being irrational but I am terrified of gum disease.
My mother (early 50's) has it quite severely. I think not going to the dentist for years, fizzy drink addiction and smoking (has now given up) didn't help even though she swears it's because it's heredity and nothing she could have done, maybe so in many cases but she didn't help herself nto going to the dentist. She has repeated gum infections and her teeth get wobbly and fall out, honestly this is my worse fear. She's also quite often poorly with respiratory infections which can be linked to gum disease too I believe.
I am an autistic adult and have health anxiety and it's put the fear in me. Especially when DM tells me all the time it's heredity and I'll probably get it too. But I do go to the dentist once a year and hygienist once a year. I brush twice daily with electric toothbrush, I floss as best as I can buy I have an abnormally small jaw so struggle to get right in the back. I own a decent electric toothbrush although I think I can wash back teeth better with a manual.
at my last hygienist app she said my brushing was great but a little more flossing but said she knew how difficult it was with my jaw.
many tips, firstly on how to prevent him disease and also how to floss with a small jaw! Last time I went she said my gums were a little inflamed In places but not gum disease.