Totally relate to that “surprise party” plaque situation—no matter how much I brushed and flossed before braces, there was always something lurking. I used to get so frustrated, thinking I was failing at brushing or something. But honestly, those pro cleanings just get into spots we can’t reach at home. I agree, a little scraping is a small price to pay if it means avoiding a root canal... Been there, too, and yeah, not fun. At least now I try not to stress if my dentist finds a little buildup—I figure that’s what they’re there for.
At least now I try not to stress if my dentist finds a little buildup—I figure that’s what they’re there for.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen a lot of folks start to rely a bit too much on those pro cleanings and kind of slack off in between. Honestly, even with braces, daily brushing and flossing (I know, it’s a pain) really does make a difference. I remember a patient who thought the hygienist could “undo” months of lazy brushing—let’s just say, it didn’t end well for their gums. Professional cleanings help, but they can’t work miracles if we don’t meet them halfway.
I totally get the urge to just let the dentist handle the buildup—honestly, I used to think the same way. But after my own experience prepping for braces, I realized how much it helps to stay on top of things at home too. I was surprised by how much easier my cleanings were once I started being a little more obsessive about brushing and especially flossing (even though threading floss around wires is a whole ordeal).
It’s easy to underestimate how quickly plaque can turn into something stubborn. I remember my hygienist telling me that even a few weeks of being “so-so” with cleaning can set you back, especially with all those nooks and crannies braces create. The pro cleanings are so helpful, but they really do their best work when we keep up our end in between visits.
That said, no shame in needing a little help now and then. A lot of us have been there, and honestly, it’s progress if you’re even thinking about it!
- For me, I went with a pro cleaning right before getting braces. Figured it was kind of like starting with a clean slate, you know?
- I totally get what you mean about flossing with braces being a pain. I tried those little floss threaders and honestly, half the time I just gave up and used a water flosser instead. Not perfect, but better than nothing.
- The buildup sneaks up fast. I thought I was being pretty good, but after a month with braces, my hygienist found way more gunk than usual. Kind of embarrassing, but she said it’s super common.
- I guess my take is: pro cleanings are awesome for a reset, but you’ve gotta keep up at home or it just gets gross again.
- Not gonna lie, sometimes I just did the bare minimum and hoped for the best... but my teeth definitely felt better when I put in the extra effort.
- If you’re prepping for braces, I’d say get a pro cleaning first, then try to keep up as best you can. Even if you miss a day here and there, it’s not the end of the world. Just don’t let it slide for weeks.
I’m with you on the water flosser—those threaders drove me nuts. I swear, half my motivation to brush better was just to avoid extra gunk at the next cleaning. Pro cleanings are a lifesaver, but yeah, it’s all about the daily grind after that.
