That’s wild about your dad—my mom’s the same, barely ever flosses and still has perfect teeth. Meanwhile, I’m brushing and flossing like it’s a religion and I still worry. Do you think anxiety actually makes us more likely to notice little issues, or is it just that some people get lucky? I’m always nervous I’ll miss something and end up needing major work.
My grandma was the same way—she swore by her morning coffee and a quick brush, and somehow never had a cavity in her life. Meanwhile, I feel like I’m constantly on edge about my teeth. I floss every night, brush after meals, and still get that sinking feeling before every dentist appointment, convinced they’ll find something.
I do think anxiety plays a part. The more I worry, the more I notice every little twinge or spot that looks “off,” and it’s hard not to spiral. But genetics are definitely real, too. My dentist once told me some people just have stronger enamel or different mouth bacteria, so they’re less prone to issues no matter what they do.
I go for cleanings twice a year—sometimes three if I’m feeling paranoid. It helps me feel like I’m staying ahead of things, even if it’s mostly for peace of mind. But honestly, I’ve still needed fillings here and there... makes you wonder how much is really in our control versus just luck.
I can totally relate to that feeling before a dentist appointment—like you’re waiting for bad news even when you’ve done everything right. I’m in braces right now, so I see my orthodontist every 6-8 weeks, and my regular dentist twice a year. Honestly, it still feels like I’m playing catch-up with my teeth. My mom’s side of the family barely brushes and they all have these perfect teeth. Meanwhile, I’ve had fillings, a crown, and now braces... go figure.
I do think anxiety makes it worse. The more I focus on every little ache or spot, the more convinced I am that something’s wrong. Sometimes I’ll stare at my teeth in the mirror and convince myself there’s a new cavity forming—turns out it’s just a shadow or something harmless. It’s exhausting.
But yeah, genetics are wild. My orthodontist mentioned some people just have “sticky” bacteria that cling to their teeth more, or softer enamel from the get-go. Doesn’t matter how much you brush or floss—sometimes you’re just dealt a tougher hand.
One thing that’s helped me is asking my dentist to walk me through what they’re seeing during cleanings. Like, if they spot a weak area or something to watch, they’ll show me with the little mirror. It helps me feel less in the dark and a bit more in control.
I still get nervous before appointments, but I try to remind myself that taking care of things early is way better than letting them spiral. Even if I need a filling here and there, at least it’s being caught early.
It does make me laugh sometimes thinking about my grandpa—he used to eat caramels all day and never had a single cavity. Meanwhile, I’m over here measuring out mouthwash like it’s rocket fuel... Life’s just not fair sometimes.
That’s so real about the anxiety—sometimes I’ll get a random twinge and spiral into thinking it’s a cavity, then it’s nothing. I try to stick to every six months but honestly, if something feels off, I’ll book an extra visit just for peace of mind. Does anyone else ever feel like they’re overreacting, or is that just me?
Does anyone else ever feel like they’re overreacting, or is that just me?
Honestly, I get that feeling all the time. One weird ache and my brain’s convinced I need a root canal... turns out it’s usually nothing. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? I’d rather have a “false alarm” than miss something serious. Dentists have seen it all—trust me, you’re not overreacting.
