Totally agree, regular floss is definitely awkward at first. I remember my first few attempts—I swear I looked like a toddler trying to tie shoelaces for the first time, lol. Picks seemed like a genius shortcut, but I learned the hard way that dentists aren't big fans, mostly because you can't really curve them around your teeth properly. Once you get the hang of regular floss (and trust me, you will), it actually feels weird NOT to floss. Can't believe I'm saying this, but it's true—your mouth starts craving that clean feeling.
Also, quick tip: if you're struggling with slippery floss, try one that's waxed or tape-style floss. Way easier to grip and maneuver, especially if your teeth are tight together like mine. Mouthwash-wise, my dentist said alcohol-free is best...less drying and gentler on gums. Plus, no burning sensation, which is always a win in my book. Anyway, keep at it—sounds like you're already on the right track.
"Once you get the hang of regular floss (and trust me, you will), it actually feels weird NOT to floss."
Haha, this is so true. I always tell my patients it's like building any habit—awkward at first, but soon enough your mouth just doesn't feel right without it. Good call on the waxed floss too, makes life way easier.
Haha, waxed floss is a lifesaver. I remember when I first started flossing regularly, my gums were like "what are you doing to us??" But now if I skip even one night, it feels like I'm missing something important...like leaving the house without my phone.
"But now if I skip even one night, it feels like I'm missing something important...like leaving the house without my phone."
Haha, totally relate to this. It's funny how quickly flossing becomes second nature once you stick with it. The gums definitely protest at first, but it's worth pushing through that initial discomfort. Now it's just part of the nightly routine—feels weird going to bed without it. Glad you found your rhythm!
Haha, I get that feeling too. Funny thing is, even though I tell patients all day how important flossing is, I was embarrassingly inconsistent myself for years. Then one day at a dental conference, another hygienist casually mentioned how skipping flossing even occasionally made her anxious—like she was tempting fate or something. That stuck with me, and I started flossing religiously out of sheer paranoia (I know, ironic). Now if I skip a night, I'm lying awake at 2 AM picturing plaque colonies throwing a party between my teeth... ridiculous, but true.
But seriously, it's great you've found your groove. Just be careful not to overdo the mouthwash—some brands can dry your mouth out if you use them too often. Learned that one the hard way when my tongue felt like sandpaper for a week. Moderation is key, as always.
