Sprays are hit or miss, though. Some of those mint ones almost sting my tongue and then leave it weirdly dry later...
That’s actually a super common reaction—some sprays use alcohol or strong flavoring agents, which can feel harsh, especially if your mouth’s already sensitive. Have you tried any of the alcohol-free versions? They tend to be a bit gentler, though the taste can be kind of bland.
Your point about sugar is spot on. Even “sugar-free” lozenges sometimes have sweeteners like sorbitol or xylitol, and while xylitol’s generally tooth-friendly, too much can upset your stomach. I’ve noticed some patients do better with gels (like you mentioned), but I get what you’re saying about dosing—it’s hard to know how much is enough without going overboard.
It really is a balancing act. There’s no perfect product for everyone, so it makes sense you’re second-guessing things. You’re definitely not alone in feeling like it’s all trial and error. Sometimes just swapping brands or switching up your routine can make a difference, even if it feels like a hassle.
Sometimes just swapping brands or switching up your routine can make a difference, even if it feels like a hassle.
I get that. I tried switching to an alcohol-free spray after the regular ones made my mouth feel kind of raw, but honestly, the taste was so underwhelming I barely used it. I’m still not sure if gels are better for me—I always end up using too much or not enough. It’s weird how something so basic can be this complicated.
I hear you on the mouth gels—trying to get the “right amount” feels like a guessing game, and I’m not about wasting money. I stick with whatever’s cheapest that doesn’t taste awful… but yeah, it’s weirdly tricky for something so simple.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from on the gels—they can be a pain to portion out, and the flavors are hit or miss. But I actually think the sprays are even trickier sometimes. It’s easy to overdo it and end up with a weird aftertaste or that dry mouth feeling. I usually suggest people try a few different types (gels, sprays, rinses) and see what actually makes their mouth feel fresh without being a hassle. Sometimes the pricier ones are worth it just for convenience, but yeah, it’s wild how something meant to make life easier can be so finicky.
It’s easy to overdo it and end up with a weird aftertaste or that dry mouth feeling.
That’s exactly what bugs me about the sprays. I always feel like I’m either using too much or not enough, and then my mouth feels even drier than before. Anyone else notice that some sprays actually make your tongue feel kind of numb? Gels are awkward with braces, but at least I know where they’re going. Maybe I’m just not coordinated enough for sprays...
