The guilt thing is real, though. Dental guilt is weirdly strong.
You’re not alone there—dental guilt is a thing for a lot of folks. I’ve seen people beat themselves up over missing a night or two, but honestly, life happens. With braces, it’s even trickier, and you’re right that “daily is ideal” is more of a goal than a hard rule for most people. Genetics really do play a role, too... I’ve had patients who barely floss and have zero issues, and others who are super diligent but still get cavities. I’d say you’re on the right track—do your best, don’t stress the slip-ups, and just keep an eye on how your gums feel.
“do your best, don’t stress the slip-ups, and just keep an eye on how your gums feel.”
That’s reassuring to hear. I always get anxious if I miss a night, even though my dentist said my teeth look fine. Still, I can’t help but worry about cavities showing up anyway. Genetics or not, the guilt is real...
I get where you’re coming from with the guilt. I used to be super strict about flossing every single night, and if I skipped, I’d feel like I was basically inviting a cavity to set up shop. But here’s the thing—my partner is way more relaxed about it (sometimes goes days without flossing, which kinda horrifies me), and somehow their dentist always says their gums look perfect. Meanwhile, I’ve had two fillings in the last few years, even though I’m the one who’s all anxious about missing a night.
I started wondering if maybe it’s not just about being perfect with flossing every single day. Like, maybe it’s also about how you’re brushing, or what you’re eating, or just plain genetics. My mom has never had a cavity in her life and she barely flosses... Meanwhile, my brother and I both have had issues even though we try harder.
I’m not saying flossing isn’t important—I still do it most nights—but missing here and there probably isn’t the end of the world if you’re generally taking care of your teeth. The guilt can be worse than the actual risk sometimes. My hygienist even told me that if your gums aren’t bleeding or sore, and your checkups are good, then you’re probably doing enough.
Honestly, stressing out over being perfect just made me dread bedtime more. Now if I skip a night because I’m exhausted or sick or whatever, I try not to beat myself up. It’s a routine, not a test you have to ace every day.
Anyone else notice that sometimes anxiety about dental stuff makes it feel way bigger than it really is?
I totally relate to the anxiety around dental routines—it can really spiral if you let it. I used to think missing a night of flossing was basically dental doom, but then my dentist told me that consistency over time is more important than perfection. Genetics definitely seem to play a role too. My friend barely does anything besides brush and never gets cavities, while I feel like I’m always getting “watch spots” even though I’m way more diligent. Guess it’s not all about flossing every single night... though I still try to keep up with it, just in case!
Genetics definitely seem to play a role too. My friend barely does anything besides brush and never gets cavities, while I feel like I’m always getting “watch spots” even though I’m way more diligent.
This hits home for me. I swear, I could write a novel about my oral hygiene routine, but my teeth still get those annoying “areas to watch.” Meanwhile, my brother skips flossing half the time and somehow has a perfect checkup every year. It’s just not fair. I still get anxious if I skip a night—my brain immediately jumps to “welp, there goes another filling.” But yeah, maybe it’s about the long game and not one missed floss here or there... still, old habits die hard.
