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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Dental Hygiene

44 replies

YellowTulips · 13/03/2015 22:20

So been to the dentist today and had my regular session also with the hygienist. All basically ok but....

Was asked how often I use inter dental brushes and answered honestly once a week.

Was told I should use them daily (or floss). AIBU to think this is a bit OTT? Does anyone really do this every day?

OP posts:

Suzannewithaplan · 14/03/2015 10:41

What about those of us with jaws too small for our teeth?
I had teeth removed and orthodontic treatment as a child but my teeth are still very tight, I get get tape between them but it takes some effort and if I have to force it I sometimes hurt my gums with the tape.
That's why I prefer a waterpik?

PourquoiTuGachesTaVie · 14/03/2015 15:00

I do floss! < see

My dentist has never said anything about calculus but my front teeth are quite overcrowded (i even had one removed as a teen to give them more space) so I assume that's why the brushes don't fit if most other people can use them without problems.

RoadRunnersMate · 14/03/2015 16:08

I use a waterpik almost everyday .I have overcrowded front teeth and want to get then sorted.
I never flossed before as I found it too difficult and my gums bled and now have irreversible gum disease so use the waterpik to help with it and stop it getting worse.

I have lovely teeth though

MaidOfStars · 14/03/2015 16:30

I use both TePe brushes and floss every time I brush. They do different things.

seaoflove · 14/03/2015 16:37

There's no way I can get an interdental brush between all of my teeth. My teeth were very overcrowded and took years of orthodontics to get them in the order they are today. Floss is a struggle as well tbh. I know I should do more, but it's just difficult.

Original poster

YellowTulips · 14/03/2015 21:45

Thanks all.

Never heard of a waterpik - have to google that one

Have bought more ID brushes to up my game as it were!

OP posts:

DaisyRaine90 · 14/03/2015 22:54

I floss every day now. Sometimes it's at bedtime, though others it's in the morning if I'm really tired when I'll just brush and get to sleep. I didn't used to, but had to go to the hygienist 3 months in a row post pregnancy and am so glad to be back to normal now x

RandomNPC · 14/03/2015 23:58

You've all made me suitably guilty since I first read this thread yesterday, and I've upped my game. Mouthwash, flossing the lot.

MrsRyanGosling15 · 15/03/2015 00:04

Ok, I may feel a bit silly here, but what is an Id brush? I've never heard of this. I just use a regular toothbrush. Does everyone have this type of toothbrush?

Trumpity · 15/03/2015 00:12

Mrs Ryan, Google interdental brushes. They're like mini bottle brushes for between teeth.

Some people can't use even the smallest size, so floss / tape can be better in tight gaps.

And yes ... Every day! (I'm a hygienist!)

MummyBtothree · 15/03/2015 17:44

yes! floss between your teeth and sniff it. That will give you your reason for flossing. It gets rid of plaque and rotting food thats hidden. If you dont thats what your breath smells like.

Itscurtainsforyou · 15/03/2015 18:04

I'm glad to have found this thread!

I've been going to the dentist regularly for years, apart from getting a build up of plaque between visits, I never had a problem.

Dentist practice changed hands and new dentist said I had gum disease and needed professional cleaning every 3 months, plus using ID brushes and floss everyday.

I was a bit as no one had ever mentioned it before (& I'll be honest, I thought it might be a new incentive or money making thing) but now I see that others are following the same routine so I feel more reassured (although obviously still a bit about having gum disease though).

ShebaQueen · 15/03/2015 18:15

My teeth are good but my gums bleed sometimes when I brush, especially in one particular place which I believe is a sign of gum disease. I floss and use mouthwash daily (not sure if the mouthwash helps or not - anyone know for sure?). Having read this thread I'm now looking at interdental brushes.

Stinkersmum · 16/03/2015 12:37

ShebaQueen definitely invest in some interdental brushes.

DaisyRaine90 · 17/03/2015 23:58

ShebaQueen be careful you are not over rushing in that particular area as that can also cause bleeding/ soreness. I believed it was a sign of gum disease so focused on that area a lot when brushing and the gum has receded a little from my over rushing D'oh! So yes, floss, and ID brush but be careful to treat all your mouth the same, not overdo it and make yourself sore.

ShebaQueen · 18/03/2015 20:58

Thanks Daisy, you might be right, I definitely spend more time on that area. Have bought the interdental brushes today and will start tonight with my new regime.

TheCowThatLaughs · 18/03/2015 21:06

I floss every day and my mouth doesn't feel clean if I miss doing it. Someone on here ages ago attributed what they called the "cowpat" smell of some people's breath to a lack of flossing, and that really motivates me to do it regularly. My gums used to bleed but they don't now. I hate running out if floss and can't imagine ever not using it.

TheHermitCrab · 18/03/2015 22:46

I use interdental brushes and a floss head on my electric toothbrush everyday.

But I truely believe there's more to genetics and teeth than dentist say! I'm 27 and already have a tooth out, multiple fillings and root canals and I'm nursing my 6th abscess in 2 years!

I have a private dentist have all my check and each time get told to do more... it's like...how much more!

My OH hasn't seen a dentist in 10 years and has perfect teeth, he doesn't floss, use interdental brushes or mouth wash and eats shit!

But no... daily isn't over the top, interdental brushes get to what you can't with a brush, so once a week seems not much better than not bothering at all, as for the other 6 days you are letting bits of food attack your teeth.

Says the girl with a tooth missing and others on the way... sigh

DaisyRaine90 · 06/04/2015 09:17

Genetics play a big part, also the straighter your teeth are the less decay you get and the less you need to floss/ interdental brush. My teeth are overcrowded, and since pregnancy and breastfeeding I've been having problems with them- which is quite common and why you get a years free dental post baby. I really hope my daughter hasn't inherited the family 'big teeth, small mouth' lol!

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