Yeah, I totally get what you mean about water flossers not quite cutting it for those tight spots. I geeked out over mine when I first got it—felt like I was using some futuristic dental gadget. But after a while, I realized it just wasn’t getting between my molars the way string floss does. I actually ran a little “experiment” on myself (because why not?)—used the water flosser first, then went in with string floss, and sure enough, still pulled out some gunk the water missed. Kind of gross, but also kind of satisfying?
It’s a bit of a process to double up, yeah, but I figure if I’m already investing in all these gadgets, I might as well use them right. My dentist actually showed me how to “hug” the tooth with the floss, which was a game changer. Still not my favorite part of the day, but my last checkup was cavity-free, so I guess it’s working. Technology’s cool and all, but sometimes you just can’t beat the classics.
That “hug the tooth” trick is honestly underrated—most people just snap the floss up and down and call it a day, but curving it around really does make a difference. I’ve seen so many folks come in swearing by their water flosser, but when we check between those back teeth, there’s still plaque hanging out. It’s kind of wild how much stuff can hide out back there, even if you’re diligent.
I get the appeal of all the gadgets—I mean, who doesn’t want their dental routine to feel like a sci-fi movie? But at the end of the day, it’s usually that old-school string that gets the job done. I’m curious though: do you find your gums get irritated if you double up with both water and string floss? Some people swear they get sensitive or bleed more if they overdo it, but others seem fine. Maybe it depends on how aggressively you go at it... I’ve had patients who basically attack their gums with floss and wonder why they’re sore.
It’s funny, too—people talk about how much of a pain flossing is, but I’ve noticed those who stick with it for a while almost get hooked on that clean feeling. Like, it’s gross at first (who wants to see what was hiding in there?), but then it’s weirdly satisfying to know you’re getting all the gunk out.
One thing I always wonder: Have you ever tried any of those newer “floss picks” or silicone soft picks? I keep seeing ads for them, and some patients say they’re easier to use than regular floss, especially for folks with braces or tight contacts. But I’ve got mixed feelings—sometimes they work great, other times not so much. Would be interesting to hear what actually works for people in real life versus what the packaging claims.
And yeah, tech is cool and all, but sometimes nothing beats a bit of old-fashioned elbow grease... or, well, finger dexterity in this case.
Have you ever tried any of those newer “floss picks” or silicone soft picks?
I’ve got braces right now, and honestly those silicone soft picks are a lifesaver for me. String floss just shreds or gets stuck half the time. But I do wonder if they actually clean as well? Sometimes it feels like I’m just poking stuff around instead of actually removing it. Anyone else feel like that, or is it just me being paranoid?
I get what you mean about feeling like you’re just moving stuff around with those silicone picks. I’ve had braces twice (don’t ask…), and I tried pretty much every gadget out there because I was so nervous about getting cavities between my teeth. The silicone ones are definitely gentler, but I always felt a little uneasy, like maybe they weren’t getting everything out. Sometimes I’d use one and then go in with a regular floss threader afterward, and—ugh—still find stuff hiding in there. That made me pretty paranoid, honestly.
One thing I noticed is that the silicone picks are great for when you’re out and about or just need a quick clean after eating, but at night I’d still go back to the old-school floss, even if it was a pain. I had to use those super stiff threader things and it took forever, but at least I felt like I was actually scraping the gunk out instead of just pushing it around. Maybe I’m just a little obsessive, but after getting a couple of those sneaky in-between cavities (the ones you don’t see until it’s too late), I got really careful.
I asked my orthodontist about it and she said the silicone picks are better than nothing, especially if you’re struggling with regular floss, but they’re not quite as thorough. She suggested mixing it up—use the silicone ones during the day and try to do a “deep clean” at night with floss or even a water flosser. I tried a water flosser too, but it was so messy I felt like I was hosing down my whole bathroom.
Honestly, I still get anxious about missing something. Dental stuff is just one of those things that’s always in the back of my mind. Maybe it’s just a “once bitten, twice shy” thing after dealing with surprise cavities. But yeah, you’re definitely not alone in feeling like the picks aren’t quite enough. I wish there was a magic tool that made it all easy and foolproof, but I haven’t found it yet.
I tried a water flosser too, but it was so messy I felt like I was hosing down my whole bathroom.
This made me laugh because I’ve totally been there—pretty sure my mirror still has splash marks from my first week with one. And yeah, the anxiety about missing stuff is real. I always feel like if I skip a night flossing, I’ll wake up with a new cavity. I wish the silicone picks worked as well as they feel, but I’m with you... nothing beats that “squeaky clean” feeling from string floss, even if it’s a hassle.
