Haha, mint and coffee really is a disaster combo...been there, regretted that. Cinnamon sounds interesting though—might give it a shot. Good call on the travel-sized bottle tip, saved me from a few questionable purchases too. Citrus mouthwash sounds kinda weird to me, but hey, if you ever try it, report back. You've got more courage than I do...
Citrus mouthwash isn't actually as weird as it sounds...have you ever tried toothpaste with orange or lemon flavor? It's surprisingly refreshing, especially if you're tired of mint overload. Cinnamon is a solid choice too, but heads up—it can be pretty intense if you're sensitive. Have you experimented with alcohol-free mouthwashes yet? They're gentler on your gums and don't give you that burning sensation. Might be worth checking out if regular ones feel harsh to you.
Totally agree about citrus mouthwash being underrated. Have you tried the grapefruit one yet? My kid absolutely hated mint toothpaste (said it was "spicy," haha), but grapefruit flavor was a total game-changer for us. Cinnamon was a no-go though—way too strong for her sensitive gums, even the alcohol-free versions felt intense.
Speaking of alcohol-free mouthwashes, we've switched completely over to them now. Regular ones always left my mouth feeling dry afterward, and my dentist mentioned they're actually better for your oral microbiome. Have you noticed any difference in how your mouth feels after switching? I've found it's way more comfortable, especially first thing in the morning when everything seems extra sensitive.
Totally with you on the alcohol-free mouthwash thing. Regular ones always made my mouth feel weirdly tight and dry afterward, especially since I got braces—everything seems extra sensitive now. My orthodontist actually recommended switching to alcohol-free because apparently it helps prevent irritation around brackets and wires. Honestly, I was skeptical at first (I tend to worry about changing routines), but it's made a noticeable difference. Mornings are way less uncomfortable now, and I don't get that burning sensation anymore.
Haven't tried grapefruit yet, but citrus flavors in general have been surprisingly gentle for me too. Mint always felt harsh, and cinnamon...yeah, no thanks. Tried it once and regretted it immediately—felt like my gums were on fire for hours afterward. Glad I'm not the only one who found cinnamon intense! Might give grapefruit a shot next time I'm shopping though...sounds promising.
Does grapefruit flavor actually taste like real grapefruit, or is it more artificial? I'm curious because some citrus mouthwashes I've tried had a weird candy-like aftertaste...not exactly refreshing. Also, does alcohol-free mouthwash help noticeably with sensitivity around braces? Considering switching myself.