All the above I guess. I have poor teeth due mainly to them being very bent, despite wearing a brace in my teens for 3+ years following removal of several teeth due to overcrowding. Sadly they all went back to their original bent positions once the brace was removed. This made it difficult to clean in the spaces between them, but back then nobody mentioned the need to pay attention to the spaces, concentrating mainly on the appearance from the front.
As a result I have a mouthful of fillings, have experienced gum soreness and infections, and four other teeth virtually fell out overnight (two on the same night!). Since oral radiotherapy last year another two bit the dust, right at the front. Dismayed I learnt that all those adverts for implants/caps etc don't apply to me cos I have also lost a lot of bone density in the jaw area. The best they can do is have a removeable plate which is currently being made. The NHS don't cover the cost so its £500.
Despite good intentions I doubt if many parents even today realise that cleaning all the gaps and crevaces (sp?) is more important than cleaning the front surface, and massaging of gums equally important.
It is only a few years ago that we were told not to clean immediately after eating, and not to rinse after brushing. And to use flouride toothpaste and mouthwashes. I also have to pay for expensive toothpaste with tons of added flouride that is only available privately.
I suppose I shouldn’t have been annoyed, but…
