It's been many years since I was a child. But, way back then, my parents never put any emphasis on dental care either. By the time I was a teenager, my father no longer had any teeth. And my mother wouldn't go to the dentist unless she was absolutely forced into it (which I don't recall ever having happened.)

Perhaps I was taken to the dentist once or twice if I had a toothache. But I don't recall that ever occurring. By the time I was in my late teens / early 20's my teeth all began breaking. And whenever one of my teeth broke, the miserable old dentist my parents used (when it was absolutely unavoidable) would simply go in & pull the broken tooth out.

As time passed I finally did learn to take better care of my teeth to the point where it became almost an obsession. But, of course, all of that early damage was done although I have had some restorative work done over the years as well. Anyway, I share all of this simply to let you know you're not alone in what you experienced... & there's no need to feel embarrassed. It was not your fault. What's important is that you recognize what did not happen for you as a child & you're taking steps to remedy the situation.

P.S. I'm an obsessive flosser as well as a toothbrusher & highly recommend the practice.