[Closed] finally figured out the best floss-mouthwash routine

"Does grapefruit flavor actually taste like real grapefruit, or is it more artificial?"

Honestly, I've never found a grapefruit mouthwash that tasted anything like the real fruit...always seems overly sweet and kinda fake. Also, alcohol-free definitely feels gentler, but not sure it actually helps with brace sensitivity. Might be placebo?

Haha, grapefruit mouthwash? Didn't even realize that was a thing. Honestly, does any fruit-flavored dental product taste like the actual fruit? Strawberry toothpaste tastes more like candy than berries to me. But hey, placebo or not, if alcohol-free feels better on your braces, I'd just roll with it. Comfort counts for something, right?

"Honestly, does any fruit-flavored dental product taste like the actual fruit?"

Haha, exactly my thought. Reminds me of when I tried that watermelon fluoride varnish at a dental conference - tasted more like bubblegum gone wrong. But yeah, alcohol-free is definitely gentler, especially with braces... comfort matters more than flavor accuracy anyway.

Haha, that watermelon fluoride varnish is definitely memorable - I had a similar experience with a mango-flavored polishing paste once. It tasted more like artificial candy than anything resembling mango. But you're right, comfort really does matter more in the long run, especially when you're dealing with braces or sensitive gums.

Actually, speaking of comfort, I've found that the order you use floss and mouthwash can make a noticeable difference. A lot of people instinctively floss first and then rinse afterward, but switching it around can sometimes be beneficial. If you rinse first (preferably with an alcohol-free mouthwash), it loosens up plaque and debris between teeth, making flossing afterward easier and more effective. Then, after flossing, a quick rinse with water helps clear everything away without leaving a strong aftertaste behind.

Also, if you're dealing with braces or tight spaces between teeth, waxed floss or dental tape can be a lifesaver - it's smoother and less likely to shred or get stuck. And don't underestimate interdental brushes; they're great for reaching places floss might miss.

"comfort matters more than flavor accuracy anyway."

Absolutely agree on this one. Flavor accuracy is nice in theory, but realistically, dental products are never going to taste exactly like fresh fruit. The main goal is just finding something tolerable enough that you're encouraged to keep up a consistent routine.

At the end of the day, it's consistency that matters most - finding a routine that's comfortable enough to stick with regularly is what really makes the difference for your oral health.

Glad I'm not the only one who had a run-in with the mango polishing paste. Honestly, it tasted like someone melted down a cheap mango candy and added toothpaste - pretty questionable, haha.

Interesting point about rinsing first; never really thought about that. I usually floss first out of pure habit, but now I'm tempted to try switching it up tonight. And you're spot on about waxed floss. I used to dread flossing because regular floss always shredded between my tight teeth. Waxed floss was a total game changer for me - smooth sailing ever since.

Also, those interdental brushes are underrated gems. I discovered them when I had braces, and they've stuck around ever since. They're great for those awkward spots that floss alone just can't handle.

But yeah, flavor aside, comfort really does matter most. When dental care feels like less of a chore, it's so much easier to stay consistent. Glad you found a routine that's working well for you!

Haha, glad someone else mentioned that mango paste. My daughter made the funniest face when she tried it - like I'd betrayed her trust forever. 😂

Quick question though: are interdental brushes safe for younger kids? My daughter is 8, and flossing is still a bit of a battle. Waxed floss helped a lot, but I'm wondering if those little brushes might be easier for her to handle herself. Or are they mostly just for adults and teens with braces?

Also, curious about the rinsing-first thing. Does it actually make a noticeable difference, or is it more of a personal preference? I tend to worry about enamel and all that stuff (maybe too much?), so I'm cautious about changing routines without knowing more.

Comfort definitely matters - I just want to make sure I'm not accidentally skipping something important...

"Quick question though: are interdental brushes safe for younger kids? My daughter is 8, and flossing is still a bit of a battle."

Interdental brushes can actually be great for kids around your daughter's age, especially if flossing is turning into a wrestling match every night. My youngest was about 7 or 8 when we started using them - she hated flossing with a passion, but weirdly enough, she thought the little brushes were fun. I guess they felt more like a tiny toothbrush than "boring string," as she called it. 😂 Just make sure you're picking the smallest size available (usually they're color-coded, pink or orange tend to be the smallest), and supervise her at first to make sure she's gentle and not forcing them between tight teeth.

As far as rinsing first goes... honestly, I've tried both ways over the years and haven't noticed any huge difference myself. My dentist once mentioned that rinsing before brushing can help loosen plaque and food bits, making brushing more effective - but he also said it's not something to stress over if your current routine works fine. If you're worried about enamel wear, just stick with an alcohol-free rinse that's gentler on teeth anyway.

And speaking of mango toothpaste... my nephew had a similar reaction when we tried watermelon-flavored paste. He looked at me like I'd tricked him into tasting soap or something. Kids' reactions are priceless sometimes.

Bottom line: comfort and consistency matter most. If interdental brushes make things easier for your daughter (and you!), I'd say give them a shot.

I'm not totally convinced interdental brushes are the best idea for younger kids, tbh. My son tried them around the same age, and even the smallest ones seemed kinda rough on his gums. Maybe he was just heavy-handed, idk...but it made me nervous enough to switch back to floss picks. Those were easier for him to handle and less stressful for me to watch. Just my two cents, but I'd be cautious and maybe check with your dentist first.

"Maybe he was just heavy-handed, idk...but it made me nervous enough to switch back to floss picks."

I completely understand your concern here. When I first got braces, my orthodontist recommended interdental brushes, and even as a teen, I found them pretty uncomfortable at first. It took some practice to get the pressure right and avoid irritating my gums. Floss picks do seem gentler for younger kids. Have you noticed if your son's gum sensitivity improved after switching methods, or was it more about ease of use overall?

Floss picks do seem gentler for younger kids. Have you noticed if your son's gum sensitivity improved after switching methods, or was it more about ease of use overall?

I get the hesitation around interdental brushes...my dentist pushed them a while back, but honestly, they felt rough on my gums too. Floss picks are gentler, sure, but I found regular waxed floss even softer. Took some getting used to, but less irritation overall. Might be worth trying if sensitivity's still an issue.

"I found regular waxed floss even softer. Took some getting used to, but less irritation overall."

Yeah, totally agree about the waxed floss - definitely gentler than interdental brushes. My dentist recommended those brushes too, but they felt scratchy and uncomfortable. Waxed floss was easier on my gums once I got the hang of it. Curious if anyone's tried water flossers? I've heard they're gentle, but not sure if they're as effective...

Waxed floss was a game changer for my kid too. We tried those interdental brushes first, but they were just too pokey and uncomfortable - lots of complaining at bedtime, lol. Switching to waxed floss made things way smoother. Haven't personally tried water flossers yet, but a friend swears by hers. She says it's gentle enough that even her sensitive gums don't mind it, though she still uses regular floss occasionally just to be sure. Might be worth a shot...

"Switching to waxed floss made things way smoother."

Totally get that. My daughter hated the interdental brushes too - kept saying they felt scratchy and weird. Waxed floss definitely helped ease bedtime drama for us as well. I'm curious about that water flosser your friend mentioned though...does anyone know if they're effective enough to use regularly, or are they more of an add-on to traditional flossing? We're considering giving it a try, but not sure if it's worth the investment yet.

We actually got a water flosser last year after my dentist recommended it. Honestly, it's pretty good at getting stuff out from tricky spots, especially if you have braces or tight teeth. But I wouldn't ditch regular floss completely - at least that's what my dentist said. We use ours mostly as an extra step, and it does make your mouth feel super clean afterward. If bedtime drama is your main issue though, it might be worth it just for the novelty factor alone...kids love gadgets, right?

We got one too, mostly because my dentist kept mentioning it and I was feeling guilty, lol. Honestly, I was skeptical at first - like, is this just another gadget that'll end up shoved under the sink? But it's actually pretty satisfying to use, especially when you see all the stuff it manages to blast out (gross but oddly rewarding). Still, totally agree with your dentist about regular floss. I tried skipping it for a bit and my teeth just didn't feel as clean.

And you're right about kids loving gadgets...my nephew stayed over one weekend and suddenly bedtime brushing was like a theme park attraction. He legit asked if he could take it home with him. So yeah, if bedtime drama is your main headache, might be worth it just for the peace and quiet alone.

Haha, your nephew sounds exactly like my niece - she was fascinated by mine too. Honestly, anything that makes kids excited about dental hygiene is a win in my book. Did you find it tricky to get used to at first? I remember the first few times I used mine, water ended up everywhere except my mouth...total mess. But once you get the hang of it, it's pretty great.

Totally agree about regular floss though. I have braces right now, and my orthodontist insists on regular flossing even with the water flosser. Apparently, the water flosser alone doesn't quite get everything out from around brackets and wires. Have you tried those floss threaders or interdental brushes? They're a bit fiddly at first, but they really help me feel like I've gotten everything clean.

Anyway, glad it's working out for you and your nephew - peaceful bedtime routines are priceless, lol.

Haha, I totally relate to the water-everywhere-but-mouth scenario...my bathroom mirror took a real beating the first week. Those floss threaders were lifesavers when I had braces - fiddly, yeah, but worth it once you get the knack. Hang in there, braces days fly by quicker than you'd think.

Yeah, floss threaders do work, but honestly, have you tried a water flosser? I was skeptical at first, but it made things way easier for me - less fiddling around and fewer mirror splashes once I got used to it. Curious if anyone else found them helpful too...

We got a water flosser for my son after he got braces, and honestly, it's been a lifesaver. He hated floss threaders - too much hassle and frustration. With the water flosser, he's actually flossing regularly without me nagging him (huge win there...). Did you find it tricky to get the hang of at first, though? Took us a few messy tries before we figured out the right pressure setting.

"Did you find it tricky to get the hang of at first, though? Took us a few messy tries before we figured out the right pressure setting."

Haha, yeah, our bathroom mirror got a free shower the first couple times we used ours. Pro tip: start on low pressure or you'll learn the hard way like we did...