DentalRepublik

Combination of both ;). Your gums are less likely to bleed if they are not inflamed due to gingivitis when we poke you

From the evidence available (most likely paid by the manufacturers) it certainly appears to work in reducing the number of microbes in your mouth and hence help reduce plaque and calculus which can lead to periodontal disease.

If you are to use a mouth rinse (fluoridated mouth rinse is recommended) make sure you continue to brush twice a day for 2 mins (electric brush is ideal) and use the mouth rinse at another time of day to brushing such as lunch time. The reason for this is because your toothpaste has fluoride in it which you want to leave on your teeth, as fluoride is known to strengthen the enamel on the teeth. Using a mouth rinse even if fluoridated will wash away the higher concentration of fluoride found in toothpaste so it won't have the intended beneficial effects.

Almost all the dental profession think it is a good thing. Fluoride has been proven to reduce decay and is recommended by the World Health Organisation.

I understand the counterpoints to it such as mass medication and risk of fluorosis but I personally believe that the reduction in decay for the most vulnerable in society is worth it.

I'll leave a link here which raises some good points. There are three research points in the section titled "bottom line" which may help to convince the general public going forward.

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/fluoridated-drinking-water/

This is one of the things we aim to prevent. Eg you can upload the x-rays for review by one of our dentists in 24 hours.

Deep cleaning also known as Root surface Debridement is required in cases of plaque and calculus under the gum line when there are pockets between the teeth and the gums. This allows bacteria in plaque and calculus to accumulate. If this is allowed to continue the bacteria can cause destruction of the bone leading to the teeth becoming wobbly.

However the provision of deep cleaning when not necessary is relatively harmless (though it may lead to recession and sensitivity) so may be recommended by unscrupulous dentists seeking an additional fee which your insurance seemed to think was the case.

I was the same until dental school. You don't know what you don't know.