I get where you’re coming from—my kid’s ortho actually recommended water flossers, and I was skeptical at first about the price, too. But honestly, it’s been a game changer for us. The trick was finding a basic model on sale (nothing fancy), and it made cleaning so much less of a hassle. I know some folks say their teeth still feel gritty, but in our case, adding the water flosser to brushing really helped with that. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but it saved us a lot of time and arguments at bedtime.
We tried a water flosser too, but honestly, I’m still not convinced it’s as good as regular flossing—at least for me. My son’s ortho said it helps, but I worry about missing stuff between the wires. Do you feel like your kid’s teeth were actually cleaner, or was it just less arguing? Also, did you notice any gum issues after switching? I’m on the fence about investing in one if it’s not really necessary.
I worry about missing stuff between the wires. Do you feel like your kid’s teeth were actually cleaner, or was it just less arguing?
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. I was super skeptical, too. For me, the water flosser didn’t replace regular flossing, but it did make things way easier—especially with all those wires and brackets. My gums actually felt less sore after a couple weeks, so I think it helped with inflammation. Still, I’d say it’s more of a supplement than a total swap for string floss... at least until the braces are off.
My gums actually felt less sore after a couple weeks, so I think it helped with inflammation.
That’s kind of reassuring to hear. I always get nervous about missing food around the brackets—like, what if it just sits there and causes cavities? Did you notice less plaque at checkups, or was it more just that your mouth felt better? I keep worrying the water flosser isn’t enough, but string floss is such a pain with braces.
I keep worrying the water flosser isn’t enough, but string floss is such a pain with braces.
Honestly, I felt the same way at first. I was convinced stuff was getting stuck everywhere and the water flosser just wasn’t cutting it. But my hygienist actually said my teeth looked cleaner than before braces, which shocked me. I think being paranoid made me brush more carefully? String floss is a nightmare with wires, so I only use it maybe once a week now... haven’t had any new cavities yet.