<p>I have been flossing since my 20’s. I remember that when DH and I landed in Japan on our honeymoon 31 years ago, I went nuts because I’d forgotten to pack floss and it was not readily available there. I literally could not sleep until we located some. I could never go to bed without flossing. Dentists have always called my home care “impeccable,” and I’ve never had any tartar or pockets in my gums. Cleanings are fast and easy.</p>
<p>The bad news - as one of 10 kids, it was easy to avoid going to the dentist as a child. I would just say that it was someone else’s turn. I never saw a dentist until I was 21. Lots of cavities, fillings, and a root canal or two. My teeth are naturally straight - good thing, no orthodontia in our family - and all the problems are in the molars. In college, my nickname was “Ultrabright.”</p>
<p>^I know. Sometime if I do not have my floss, I ended up pulling threads from some clothes, I am very desparate. I have to floss after each meal, even snack. By the time I am in bed, I do not need to floss anymore. My granddaughter got my teeth, poor child, she already has caps. It is much more heredity than anything else. But heredity is combined with luck as my D. has no single cavity so far. And she is not even flossing, she does not know how it feels when you absolutely need to floss. I pray that it continues the same for her.</p>
<p>Okay I just want to add: daily flossing AND definitely go to the dentist every six months! You can’t wait until you have pain! And no room for procrastination! Not only critical for catching stuff early (though I agree some dentists are wayyy too agrressive), but also those six month cleanings make a big difference I think. </p>
<p>Okay off my high horse. I’m sounding like someone’s mother. Sorry!</p>