"Dental care really does seem super individual. Sometimes I wonder if we're just stumbling around until we find something that clicks for us personally."
Couldn't agree more. It really is trial and error until you find that sweet spot. I've been around the block with dental routines (trust me, decades of experimenting here) and alcohol-free mouthwash was a game-changer for me too. Not only gentler, but it also seemed to help with dry mouth issues I was having—something I didn't even realize was partly caused by the harsher stuff.
As for flossing, those silicone picks are pretty comfy, but personally, I've found waxed floss still cleans a bit better for me. I alternate between the two, depending on how sensitive my gums feel that day. My dentist actually mentioned that rotating different flossing methods can be beneficial because each type cleans slightly differently. Might be worth trying out if you're still unsure about long-term effectiveness.
Honestly, dental care is one of those things where comfort matters a lot. If your kid complains less and it's easier to keep the habit going... that's already a big win in my book.
Totally get what you're saying about comfort, but I wouldn't discount those silicone picks too quickly. Waxed floss always felt a bit harsh on my gums, especially as I've gotten older. Switching fully to silicone picks actually improved my gum health noticeably—my dentist was surprised too. Guess it just goes to show how personal this stuff really is... everyone's mouth seems to have its own quirks.
I see your point about silicone picks being gentler, but I'm still a bit hesitant. I've always had sensitive gums, and recently my dentist recommended trying unwaxed floss instead. Surprisingly, it's been way less irritating for me than waxed floss ever was—maybe because there's less friction or something? Anyway, I guess it really does depend on each person's mouth. Might give silicone picks a cautious try though... your experience sounds encouraging.
"Surprisingly, it's been way less irritating for me than waxed floss ever was—maybe because there's less friction or something?"
That's interesting, because for me unwaxed floss actually felt harsher at first—I think my gums were just used to the waxed kind sliding easier. Took a bit of adjustment but now I prefer it too. Silicone picks are pretty gentle overall, but if sensitivity is your main concern, maybe try alternating them with unwaxed floss at first? That way you can ease into it and see how your gums respond without fully committing right away...
Interesting, I actually found silicone picks a bit awkward at first—felt like they didn't clean as thoroughly as floss. But maybe that's just me being used to the traditional stuff. Did you notice any difference in plaque buildup or overall freshness when switching between floss types and picks? Curious if anyone else saw noticeable improvements or setbacks after changing things up...
