I have always visited my dentist every 6 months and had the usual scrape and polish at the end of each periodic visit.

In my ignorance I ignored his advice when some ten years ago he suggested I visit the hygienist. I thought it an attempt to extract more money out of me and I continued to brush my teeth as I had always done morning and night without fail.

About five years ago one of my front teeth suddenly became wobbly and within 3 weeks so did most of the others.

I was found to have gum disease which necessitated expensive and painful periodontal treatment followed by very expensive orthodontal work (because the wobbly teeth had gone out of alignment).

I now see the hygienist every three months and, of course, have to do my own extensive brushing/flossing (not just the normal once-over with a toothbrush for a minute or so) at least twice every single day.

If your dentist says you need to see a hygienist it is probably for a very good reason and the chances are that problems are already there but you are (as I was) not aware of them.

I could have bought a small car with the cash I've spent in the last 5 years on my teeth.

But what price is a smile?

Christine


BTW Low-level infections caused by poor dental hygiene can be the cause of heart problems. I don't know much about this but someone else can probably enlighten me.