I get where you’re coming from—sometimes it feels like no matter how careful you are, something still goes sideways. I’m in braces right now and it’s like, the more I obsess over cleaning, the more paranoid I get about missing a spot. My ortho said even perfect hygiene can’t always overcome genetics or old dental work breaking down. It’s frustrating, but I try to remind myself that maintenance is just part of the deal. Switching to a water flosser helped me a ton, honestly. It’s not a magic fix, but it made my routine less stressful. Still dread those checkups though…
“the more I obsess over cleaning, the more paranoid I get about missing a spot.”
That’s so real—it’s like no matter how many tools or tricks you try, there’s still that nagging worry. I switched to those little proxy brushes too, which helped with the tight spots my water flosser misses. Genetics really do play a bigger role than I expected, though. Even my hygienist admitted some people just get unlucky with old fillings or enamel issues. Honestly, I try not to beat myself up about it anymore... easier said than done some days.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I used to drive myself nuts over every tiny stain or spot, convinced I was missing something that would haunt me at my next checkup. But honestly, there’s only so much you can do, right? My dentist once told me even Olympic-level brushers can’t outsmart their DNA. Now, if I need a redo, I try to see it as just maintenance—like changing the oil in my car. Doesn’t mean I failed or anything... just part of the ride.
I can relate to the anxiety about redos—honestly, even knowing all the “right” things to do doesn’t make it easier when I’m the one in the chair. I remember needing a filling replaced that I’d been obsessively caring for, and it still failed after a couple years. That was tough to accept. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things just don’t last forever. Genetics and just plain luck play a bigger role than most people realize. It’s frustrating, but I try to remind myself it’s not a personal failure... maintenance is just part of keeping things going.
Ugh, I feel this so much. I floss like a maniac and still had to get a crown redone last year. I kept thinking, “Did I eat too many Skittles as a kid or what?” Honestly, I almost took it personally, but my dentist just shrugged and said, “Sometimes teeth just do their own thing.” I try to laugh about it now—guess it’s just another excuse to watch Netflix with a numb face for an afternoon.
