"My mouth has been saved!"

...and I didn't know before my visit that it needed saving! My visit was concerning some possible work that I may have done at some point to correct my overbite, and I was being seen by several specialists but, after looking at x-rays, it was apparent that I have more problems than I realised. I brush my teeth morning and night, thoroughly for over two minutes, have a dental check up locally twice a year, and have my teeth cleaned after, either by the dentist, or I see the hygienist. But I have never been told anything more helpful than to just keep up what I'm doing well, and to apply the same method in the harder to reach areas that need more attention. I had no idea that my gums were so poor, and that my bones were even suffering and would get worse. Hearing this news was humiliating, and there were tears, but then the gum specialist took the time to explain my condition to me, including the causes, the consequences, and what I can do now to bring my gums to health. They told me things I have never heard before, and I feel I have been let down my whole life, but now I have the tools I need to reverse the damage to my gums. I am so incredibly grateful.