Tragic, that dentistry did not explain *why* and *how* to patients: dental floss and brushing teeth.
Re your points 1, 2, and 3: Agree
But, re 2, a handicap gets in the way, and too long a time at failing 3, also got in the way.
I have bridge work and have struggled with keeping my gums healthy until I bought a WaterPik. Use it every night before bed. I mix hydrogen peroxide with warm water. My dentist said she’s seen a dramatic improvement with my gums since I started it.