I used to think mouthwash was just an extra step, but with braces I totally get the appeal. My ortho actually suggested the same—alcohol-free with fluoride—and it made a difference for me, especially after eating stuff like popcorn (which I now avoid... learned that lesson the hard way). Flossing is still a pain, but I swear by those little interdental brushes too. They’re lifesavers for stubborn bits that just won’t budge. Anyone else feel like you need a full toolkit just to keep your teeth clean these days?
Anyone else feel like you need a full toolkit just to keep your teeth clean these days?
Definitely agree with this. My kid’s got braces now and honestly, it’s like managing a science project every night. We use those little brushes, too, but sometimes even they don’t cut it—especially after anything sticky or crunchy. Have you tried a water flosser? It’s a bit messy, but it helps when they’re tired and just want to get it over with. I’ve also noticed certain foods just aren’t worth the hassle... nuts, chewy candy, even some breads. Anyone else’s kids just give up on some snacks because of the cleanup?
We use those little brushes, too, but sometimes even they don’t cut it—especially after anything sticky or crunchy.
That’s been our experience as well. The interproximal brushes are helpful, but honestly, after popcorn or granola bars, it feels like we’re mining for gold in there. Water flossers do help, though they can be a bit of a mess if you’re not careful. We’ve started cutting out things like caramel and bagels—not worth the 10-minute cleanup. It’s definitely changed our grocery list more than I expected.
It’s wild how much my snack habits have changed since getting braces. I used to be all about chewy granola bars, but now it’s like, “How badly do I want to spend 15 minutes fishing oats out of my wires?” Sometimes those little brushes just push stuff around instead of actually getting it out… which is honestly kind of maddening. Water flossers are a lifesaver, but yeah, half the time I end up spraying the mirror (and myself) more than anything else.
I still miss bagels, though. Tried to eat one last week and immediately regretted it—felt like I’d glued my teeth together. Honestly, I never thought I’d be reading ingredient lists just to avoid sticky stuff, but here we are. At least fruit is still safe… most of the time. Anyone else feel like they’re learning a whole new way to eat?
Bagels are the worst with braces, seriously. I tried tearing one into tiny pieces to make it work, but it still got stuck everywhere. I totally get what you mean about the little brushes—sometimes I feel like I’m just moving food from one bracket to another. What’s helped me is using those waxed floss threaders at night (tedious but thorough), and switching to softer snacks like yogurt or roasted chickpeas. Fruit is usually safe, but apples can be a trap if you bite straight in… learned that the hard way.
