I totally get the struggle with feeling like you need both, especially if you’ve got dental work like veneers or bridges. I’m honestly nervous every time I try something new for my teeth—like, what if it just makes things worse? But I did bite the bullet and tried a water flosser after my hygienist kept pushing it. It’s a pain to clean (I’m with you there), but I have to admit my gums bled less after a couple weeks. Still, string floss just feels more thorough in tight spots. Mixing both does seem like the safest bet if you’re anxious about missing anything... even if it means more cleaning chores.
I'm with you on the hassle factor of the water flosser. Mine sits on the counter and I keep thinking, “Is it really worth dragging this out every night?” But after a couple months, my hygienist actually commented on how much less plaque I had around my bridge—so I guess it’s doing something right. I still use string floss for the super tight spots, especially between my crowns. It’s a bit more work, but honestly, splitting up the job seems to keep things in better shape overall. The cleaning part is annoying, but I figure it beats another expensive dental bill down the road...
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about the water flosser just sitting there. Mine honestly collects more dust than I’d like to admit. But hearing your hygienist noticed a difference makes me wonder if I should try harder with it. I’m always paranoid about missing stuff around my bridge too, since I’ve already had one scare with gum inflammation. String floss is still my go-to for the tight spots, but it’s such a pain sometimes—literally. Still, the thought of another dental bill freaks me out more than the hassle, so I guess I’ll keep at it...
Totally feel you on the paranoia about bridges—I have a kiddo with one and I swear, cleaning around it is like defusing a bomb some nights. We tried the water flosser too, but honestly, it just turned into a fancy dust collector. What finally worked for us was those cheap little floss threaders and patience (or bribery, depending on the day). Not glamorous, but way less scary than another surprise from the dentist.
cleaning around it is like defusing a bomb some nights
That’s the most accurate description I’ve heard yet. Those floss threaders are lifesavers, but wow, it can feel like threading a needle in the dark. I tried the water flosser too—sounded promising, but mine just made a mess and annoyed my cat. Patience (and sometimes a little Netflix bribe) gets us through.
