I've been going to the dentist pretty regularly for cleanings, you know, every six months or so. But lately I've been wondering if it's actually making a difference for my gums or if it's just one of those things dentists tell us to keep us coming back. My gums used to bleed a bit when flossing, and yeah, that's improved some, but I still get occasional soreness and sensitivity. A friend of mine swears by deep cleanings and says it completely turned around his gum health, but another says it's mostly genetics and brushing habits that matter.
I'm kinda skeptical about the whole thing now. Is it really worth the money and hassle to get these regular cleanings, or am I better off just being super diligent at home with flossing and brushing? Curious what others have experienced—did regular professional cleanings noticeably improve your gum health, or was it more about your own daily routine?
I've been getting regular cleanings for years now, and honestly, I do think they've helped me out in the long run. My gums used to bleed quite a bit too, especially when flossing, and while brushing habits definitely matter (I mean, you can't slack off at home and expect miracles), the professional cleanings seem to catch stuff I miss. My hygienist explained once that even if you're super diligent, plaque can harden into tartar in spots you can't easily reach yourself. Once that happens, brushing alone won't get rid of it.
I did skip cleanings for about a year once (life got busy...), and I noticed my gums started feeling more sensitive again. When I finally went back, they had to do a deeper cleaning to get things back on track. It wasn't fun, but afterward my gums felt way better.
So yeah, genetics and daily care matter a lot, but from my experience at least, regular cleanings have made a noticeable difference over time. Just my two cents!
