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Floss once or twice a day, maintain gum health, and watch your diet. You don't need mouthwash. (Anecdata - at my most recent visit, my dentist told me to come back in 18 months.)



That’s strange for your dentist to give up money like that lol.

But also, at dental cleanings they do things like polish your teeth. Do you also not require that?


As it was explained to me, flouride will work in repairing microscopic areas of decay so long as the surfaces of your teeth are ultra clean.

My dentist insists that I see the hygienist every 3 months for descaling, cleaning and basic checks.

For the cynics, the cost of this is negligible and I have not needed a filling or any other costly procedure for over a decade.


Ohhh, I misinterpreted your comment. I think other people did too.

It seemed as if you were saying that your dentist told you not to step foot in the dentist office at all for 18 months. But you just meant, the literal dentist doesn’t need to see you. Got it. I feel like this isn’t out of the ordinary now.

I always hear every 6 months for a cleaning. This new “3-month” information takes a bit away from your original statement since you are doing a bit more than what you suggested is required for maintaining healthy oral health.

Leading back to my original joke, maybe your dentist insisting that you need to get your teeth cleaned every 3 months is how they make their money lol!


'Leading back to my original joke, maybe your dentist insisting that you need to get your teeth cleaned every 3 months is how they make their money lol!'

They make their money from implants and advanced treatments costing multiple thousands, not the £100 hygienist fees.

A hygenist, plus a nurse, seeing a maximum of 8 patients a day at £100 a time isn't a business I would want to be investing in.


You're replying to a different person, now =]


Thank you! I assumed that only the person that I asked a question to would respond to me lol.


Fluoride won’t but hydroxyapatite will.


I've had my fair share of dentists who do unnecessary treatments. Really like this one.

Re the polishing, I guess not? Since I switched to an electric toothbrush a few years ago my teeth definitely stay smoother longer.




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