I hear you—skipping a few days here and there really does catch up with you. I learned that the hard way in my 60s. Honestly, it’s not just about the cost either... dental pain is no joke at my age. I try to keep a soft brush by the TV remote so I don’t forget. It’s not perfect, but it helps.
That’s a clever spot for the brush—mine’s currently next to my crossword puzzle, but I still manage to “forget” it sometimes. Does anyone else find that the older you get, the more you have to trick yourself into doing the basics? I used to think missing a night here and there was no big deal, but after a nasty abscess last winter, I’m not taking chances. Tooth pain is a whole new level of misery, especially when you can’t chew your toast.
I do wonder though, is twice a day really enough? My hygienist keeps saying “after every meal,” but I’m lucky if I remember after breakfast. Anyone actually manage three times a day, or is that just dentist talk? Also, soft brushes are a game changer—hard ones just feel like sandpaper now.
I do wonder though, is twice a day really enough? My hygienist keeps saying “after every meal,” but I’m lucky if I remember after breakfast.
Honestly, I get where your hygienist is coming from, but “after every meal” always felt a bit unrealistic to me, especially for most folks at home. Twice a day with good technique and a soft brush usually does the trick unless you’re dealing with specific issues like dry mouth or gum disease. I’ve seen people brush three times but still struggle because they rush it or skip flossing. It’s not just about the number—it’s how well you’re doing it. And yeah, hard brushes... my gums still remember those days.
It’s not just about the number—it’s how well you’re doing it.
That hits home. I used to brush after every meal like my dentist suggested, but honestly, it felt like a full-time job. Now I'm on the twice-a-day train, and as long as I actually take my time (and don’t skip flossing), my checkups have been way less dramatic. My hygienist even stopped giving me the “you missed a spot” speech. So yeah, technique over quantity... and no more toothbrushes that double as sandpaper.
Totally get what you mean about it feeling like a full-time job. I see so many folks who think more is better, but honestly, if you’re rushing through it, it’s not doing much good. I’ve had patients who brush three times a day but still end up with plaque because they’re just going through the motions. Curious—has anyone tried using an electric toothbrush? I’ve seen them make a huge difference for folks with dexterity issues, especially in elder care. Sometimes it’s less about frequency and more about making it easier to do it right.
