To ask whether you floss your teeth?

[Honeymint]

I just wanted to try a poll really.

Choose
YABU if you floss less than three times a week
YANBU if you floss more than three times a week

I used to floss (almost) every day but it was the first thing to go when I got pregnant as it made me feel so sick.
I mentioned this to a group of friends and none of them floss but they all seem to have perfect teeth anyway.
So I was wondering how common it actually is.

Do you guys floss your teeth? How often etc.

Yep, most days, with (horribly eco unfriendly) tape/ribbon picks. If you've ever flossed and smelt the food remnants that pop out, you'll be an instant floss convert.
Flossing is essential for clean breath and good mouth and gum hygiene and health.

Yup

Gum disease is reversible up to a point, but once you score a 3 or a 4 it's irreversible.

That's not true. But the cure is worse than daily flossing.

I floss about 5 times a week, aim for daily but sometimes I'm too tired and just brush my teeth before bed without flossing. I've had terrible gum disease in the past so try to maintain it. If I'm being thorough it takes me 20 minutes to clean my teeth - brushing with Sonicare, brush my awkward wisdom teeth with a tiny brush, flossing, tepe sticks, Waterpik (once with the general attachment then a few areas for gum pockets).

I try to do it... but I often struggle to brush my teeth, let alone floss.

My NHS dentist told me on a check up that I had periodontitis, but then just told me to come back in 6 months. No treatment offered at all. I am convinced it is because I am on UC.

@milkyaqua

Gum disease is reversible up to a point, but once you score a 3 or a 4 it's irreversible.

That's not true. But the cure is worse than daily flossing.

@milkyaqua - what is true and what is the cure which is worse?

I'd be interested in what is reversible and what isn't? I was a 3 in some areas (back of my mouth) at my most recent visit and a 1 or 2 in others. Not really sure what that exaclty means as dentist was in a rush.

yes i do and use mouthwash at night.

I use to only floss irregularlh, but had a bit of gum recession which was painful with eating and drinking. Started flossing daily and the pain has gone. I notice if I skip even one day there’s a noticeable sticky residue. Quite religious about it now

The cure for more serious gum disease is root planing, where the hygienist numbs your gums then uses various tools to clean tartar from under the gum line. It sounds unpleasant but when I had it it was actually fine. I would really recommend going for it if they suggest you need it.

@milkyaqua

I've read that once you are at a 3 or a 4, it is irreversible. It can be managed, but you will always have some element of gum disease? And gums don't grow back?

@ThreeRingCircus

I'd be interested in what is reversible and what isn't? I was a 3 in some areas (back of my mouth) at my most recent visit and a 1 or 2 in others. Not really sure what that exaclty means as dentist was in a rush.

I'd say a score of 3 means that you could probably do with a hygienist appointment for a scale and polish, though I'm not an expert.

www.marketplacedentistry.co.uk/solutions/dental-health/gums/

www.gentledentalcaregroup.co.uk/blog/gum-disease-explained

Thanks @SaggyBlinders I've booked in with the hygienist

If I dont floss my teeth feel pretty grotty.

needs to find a dentist for a scale and polish

Twice a day

Nearly every day. Desperately trying to prevent any dental issues because I can't get an NHS dentist where I live! 😬

Does anyone know of a sturdier alternative to the Tepe easypicks? I find they can get bent and then don't work, I can use more than one just flossing the set of teeth

[quote SaggyBlinders]@milkyaqua

I've read that once you are at a 3 or a 4, it is irreversible. It can be managed, but you will always have some element of gum disease? And gums don't grow back?[/quote]
I think you are confusing the pockets with gum recession.

@milkyaqua

I didn't mention gum pockets or recession. Either way, once you have pockets or recession you can't fully reverse it, because gums don't grow back?

Yes twice a day - don't even think about it.

Every night.

[quote SaggyBlinders]@milkyaqua

I didn't mention gum pockets or recession. Either way, once you have pockets or recession you can't fully reverse it, because gums don't grow back?[/quote]
Well, 3 or 4 are measurements of gum pockets. You cannot reverse recession, but gum pockets can be restored or reversed well above 3 or 4, with diligent effort on the part of the patient and appropriate help from a dental hygienist, or in bad cases a periodontist.

Or, to be clear:

2, 3, 4...8! are measurements of gum pockets.

Recession can occur through harsh brushing, natural tooth placement, etc, but also when gum disease (that creates gum pockets) is left unaddressed.

My mum spent £23,000 on her teeth just before lockdown, a combination of a rogue dentist, being born in WW2, and she thinks not brushing her teeth well or flossing.

Even though I brush well every morning and night I get a ridiculous amount of tartar on my teeth in the morning, my dentist has said I really must do it every day without fail if I want to not be having the sort of work my mums had to have on her teeth. So as much as I hate it I do it. I hate tee pee but am now using the orange bendy ones as a friend who is a dental nurse told me it’s better to use them than not use anything and I hate the wire in the brush ones, I’ve also tried all sorts of other ones and not found anything better.

Also I found out recently taking vitamin D can help with reducing tartar build up, only been doing taking it a few weeks and I do think it helps.

Never.