Haha, picturing plaque colonies throwing a party is hilariously relatable... now that's stuck in my head too. Did you ever find a mouthwash that doesn't completely dry out your mouth though? I've cycled through a few brands, and some definitely feel harsher than others. My orthodontist actually recommended an alcohol-free one, and honestly, it's been a game changer for me. Less dryness and irritation, so maybe worth a shot if you haven't tried it yet.
Also curious—do you floss before or after brushing? I've seen dental pros split on this, and I still can't decide what's best. Personally, flossing first feels cleaner to me, but I've heard convincing arguments both ways. Funny how something as simple as flossing order can cause so much debate, haha. Glad you've found something consistent though; it's such a relief when dental care finally clicks into place.
Totally agree about alcohol-free mouthwash being gentler—I've seen a lot of patients benefit from switching over, especially those prone to dry mouth or sensitivity. Personally, I floss after brushing because it feels like I'm clearing out anything the brush missed, but honestly, there's no definitive consensus even among dental professionals. As long as you're flossing regularly, you're already ahead of the game... dental care can be surprisingly subjective sometimes, which definitely doesn't help my anxiety about giving patients clear-cut advice, haha.
Switched to alcohol-free mouthwash a while back too, mostly because it was cheaper at my local store haha. But honestly, my gums feel way less irritated. And yeah, I floss after brushing too—it just feels weird the other way around. Guess we all find our own rhythm eventually...
Did you notice any difference in tooth sensitivity after switching? I've been debating alcohol-free mouthwash too...mostly for budget reasons, haha. Good to hear your gums are happier—makes me think it's worth a shot.
I switched to alcohol-free mouthwash about six months ago, mostly because my dentist kept nagging me about dry mouth issues (getting older is just a joy, isn't it?). Honestly, I didn't expect much difference, but my teeth definitely feel less sensitive now. I used to cringe every time I drank cold water...now it's way more tolerable. Plus, my gums don't feel like they're on fire anymore, which is always a bonus. I'd say give it a try—worst case scenario, your wallet thanks you, haha.
