... to not want to floss in the lounge?!

I don't think they're 'the latest thingy'. I've been using interdental brushes for years (at least 4) as recommended by the hygienist at my dental practice.

They're a lot cheaper on Amazon than either your dentist or chemists though!

DH has been using them for years (as recommended by the dentist and dental hospital).

Surely she was just doing her job.

Ana dental floss isn't recommended any more, apart from where the gap is so small you can't get any brushes between your teeth.

As for knowing which brushes to use, you use whichever one fits that particular gap. I have about four different sizes that I use in front of the bathroom mirror and it's no big deal and works far better than floss.

Lewlew One of the hygienists at my dental practice told me it was better to use interdental brushes than a WaterPik. I said my dentist recommended it! If you do use one I think you still need brushes as well. I don't think they clean as well as the brushes, but they're good if you have a small gap the brush will not go between.

Peaseblossom, I wasn't talking about flossing...

I'd continue seeing the dentist but not make arrangements to see the hygienist if I could do so with diplomacy. Perhaps if the hygienist is mentioned again just say, 'another time, perhaps', knowing full well that you really mean 'no'.

Get an Air Flosser, they're brilliant. Used one for a year now and don't any more trouble with my gums or teeth. I only use it when I brush and floss before going to bed.

Stella I realise that ... but it's not her job to tell me where to be when I'm poking in my teeth!

I have been using them for years with great results (so the hygienist tells me anyway), but despite all her encouragement I flatly refuse to use more than 3 colours or I would be in the bathroom for most of the morning!

I had awful gum problems for years until they started selling little brushes (teeth too close together) I used a range of sizes & the problems cleared up. It saved my teeth. My mother lost all her teeth in her early 60s through gum disease.

Using the brushes every day (in the bathroom) and they have cured my gum infection. I think the hygienist was trying to put across how easy it was and that it is so simple it can be done anywhere.

This thread has made me feel very guilty. My gums are receding (I'm literally getting long in the tooth, as my perky young hygienist put it ), and I've got some little grey and red brushes that have rarely seen the light of day. I've got them out ready for Poldark tonight - I'm sure he'll be impressed.

I've also just had an experimental go at oil pulling, which I'd never heard of, so thanks for that, those who've mentioned it. I do realise I should be doing it first thing in the morning, but I just wanted to try it out. Nothing ventured, and all that.

My dentist asked me if I flossed and I said No and then added that I'd read recently that it was a waste of time. She showed me a plastic device, a sort of triangle with a stalk, a bit like a catapult and demonstrated it on a model of a mouth. She said I have tartar/plaque between my teeth and dragging this thing between my teeth would remove it. Also that my gums might bleed at first but not to worry. My gums haven't bled so I must have done it wrongly so I've given up. My daughter sees a different dentist at the same practice and he said these plastic things aren't much good (the practice sells them) and to use brushes. My teeth seem OK at every check-up.

I hate going to the Dentist but do try to go for my check-ups. I have only visited Hygenist twice, I would refuse to go if my new Dentist suggested this, I found it more painful than a visit to the Dentist.

Used floss years ago, lost a filling, don't use anymore.

I know they're only doing their job but I don't need another Health Professional giving me "advice", stop smoking, avoid alcohol, lose weight, avoid sugar etc. I've heard it all before, I eat a healthy diet, smoke 2/3 cigarettes a day, have occasional glass of wine & struggle to lose weight due to impaired mobility

I'm with Ana. They do get to the bits missed by the toothbrush. And you can use them lots of times- usually until they get too 'bendy.' That's why you get a little cover with them for hygiene purposes. They wd work out far too expensive otherwise.