Braces life: what's your go-to for keeping teeth clean?

I’ve always wondered if the water flosser actually does enough, or if it’s just making me feel better about not using the threaders. I tried the threaders too, but honestly, I’d get so frustrated and end up skipping days. Has anyone ever had issues with their gums getting puffy from not flossing perfectly with braces? That’s my biggest worry—like, does missing a day or two really mess things up long-term?

Honestly, I relate way too much to the frustration with threaders. I always felt like I needed three hands to use them, and half the time I’d just give up. Water flossers are a lifesaver for my sanity, but I still kind of worry if they’re enough. My gums definitely got puffy when I’d slack off for a couple days—nothing dramatic, but enough to freak me out. My ortho said missing a day here and there isn’t the end of the world, but if it turns into a habit, that’s when things get dicey. It’s such a balancing act...

Threaders are honestly the bane of my existence too—never could get the hang of them, even after years of practice. I used to tell myself I’d get faster, but nope, still a struggle. Water flossers are a game changer, though I get your concern about whether they’re enough. I’ve noticed if I go a few days without regular flossing, my gums start to act up too. It’s wild how quickly things can shift. But yeah, missing a day isn’t the end of the world... consistency matters more than perfection.

It’s reassuring to hear I’m not the only one who struggles with threaders—sometimes I’d just give up halfway through and feel guilty. I keep thinking about trying a water flosser but worry it won’t be enough… my gums are sensitive and bleed if I miss a day, which freaks me out. Maybe it’s just about finding what works and sticking to it, even if it’s not perfect every time.