When flossing becomes prayer: bringing patients back to earth

Had a patient today who talked about her nighttime routine like it was a sacred ritual — rinsing, flossing, brushing in almost total silence, calling it her 'liturgy of care.' I get the appeal, really, but I had to gently bring it back to the mundane: the point is just getting the plaque out, not achieving inner peace. I showed her the mirror trick — floss while watching the reflection, no candles needed. She laughed, and I think that tiny dose of reality helped more than any guilt trip.