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GETTING FLOSS BETWEEN SUPER-CROWDED TEETH WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND
Here’s my step-by-step on how I finally got the hang of flossing my super tight teeth (seriously, it used to feel like trying to thread a needle in the dark):
1. Pick a waxed floss - unwaxed always shreds for me, and then I’m left picking bits out for hours.
2. Cut a decently long piece, so you’ve got enough to grip without it slipping.
3. Gently wiggle the floss back and forth as you work it down between your teeth - don’t just push straight down or you’ll end up snapping it into your gums (ouch).
4. Once it’s in, curve it around each tooth like a C and slide up and down. No sawing motions, just gentle slides.
5. When pulling out, same gentle wiggle so you don’t pop your fillings or whatever.
I still get nervous I’ll hurt my gums or break a crown or something, but this method’s been working okay for me. Anyone got a better trick? Or maybe some magic floss brand I haven’t tried?
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6 replies
Your method sounds spot-on to me. I always worry about snapping floss and messing up my gums, too - especially around crowns. Waxed floss is a lifesaver, but honestly, sometimes even that feels risky. I’ve tried those super-thin “tape” flosses, but they still make me nervous. You’re not alone with the anxiety... it’s a real thing!
Waxed floss is a lifesaver, but honestly, sometimes even that feels risky.
I hear you. I swear, every time I try to get floss between my tightest teeth, I hold my breath like I'm defusing a bomb. Last time, the floss snapped and I almost jumped out of my chair - felt like I'd just lost a crown. Those tape flosses slide in easier, but I still worry they'll catch on something important (paranoia, maybe?). At this point, I almost wish my teeth weren’t so close... never thought I'd say that.
Have you tried those super-thin, shred-resistant flosses? I get the anxiety about snapping floss - seen plenty of patients freak out over that. But honestly, sometimes waxed floss is actually too thick for really tight contacts. I’m curious, do you ever use those little plastic floss threaders or even soft picks? They’re not for everyone, but I’ve seen them work for people who just can’t get regular floss through without a minor panic attack. And about tape floss - are you sure it’s catching, or is it just the feeling? Sometimes the sensation is worse than the risk.
I hear you on the waxed floss sometimes being too thick - I've snapped a few trying to wedge them in and had that panic moment. I actually switched to those super-thin Glide ones, and while they’re not perfect, they don’t shred as much. Tried soft picks but honestly, can’t get them through unless I force it, which feels sketchy. The C-shape trick does help though, especially if I go slow. Still not my favorite part of the day, but it’s less stressful now.
I get that panic too when the floss snaps - especially if it gets stuck and I’m left fishing around, worrying I’ll make things worse. The Glide ones are a bit easier for me, but I still end up wincing every time. Has anyone else had trouble with bleeding gums after? I worry I’m doing damage, but my dentist always says to keep at it. The C-shape helps a bit, but I feel like I’m all thumbs some days. Ever tried those little floss holders? I find them fiddly, but maybe it’s just me being nervous about losing grip.
Yeah, I totally get the fear of the floss snapping - been there more times than I’d like. I actually switched to those little plastic floss picks because regular floss was just too much of a wrestling match with my crowded teeth. They’re a bit awkward at first, but I’ve found them way less stressful than wrapping floss around my fingers and hoping for the best. My gums bled a lot in the beginning too, but after a couple weeks it settled down. Still not my favorite part of the day, but at least I’m not panicking about getting stuck anymore.