Those floss threaders are lifesavers, but wow, it can feel like threading a needle in the dark.
Is it just me, or does anyone else get super anxious about possibly snapping the threader and having to dig around for it? I swear, I spend more time worrying about losing the little blue thing than actually cleaning my teeth. Seriously, how do people keep track of those? I’ve already lost two in the sink drain.
About the water flosser—does it really get everything out? I keep seeing ads for them, but I’m scared I’ll end up spraying the mirror (and myself) instead of actually cleaning anything. Plus, they’re not exactly cheap. Is it worth saving up for one, or is regular flossing with those threaders just as good? I’m all about saving money, but not if it means more dentist visits later.
You mentioned patience and Netflix bribes. Do you just sit there in front of the TV and floss? I feel like if I try to multitask, I’ll either stab my gums or miss half my teeth. Is there a trick to not making your mouth sore? Some nights my gums feel like they’ve been through a battle.
I’m still figuring out what works best. My dentist gave me this long list of “must-have” gadgets, but honestly, my budget’s already stretched. Are there any cheap hacks you’ve tried that actually work? Or is it just about sticking with the basics and hoping for the best?
Sorry for all the questions. I just want to avoid another lecture at my next appointment... and maybe keep my cat from running for cover every time I open the floss.
Losing those little blue threaders is basically a rite of passage, right? I swear, I dropped one behind the toilet once and just stared at it like... nope, that's gone forever. And the anxiety about snapping them? Been there. Sometimes I feel like I'm defusing a bomb, not flossing my teeth. My trick is to keep a backup stash in a cheap travel soap case under the sink, but even then they seem to vanish.
I’ve wondered about water flossers too. My cousin swears by hers, but she also has a much nicer bathroom than me and less stuff to knock over. The idea of spraying water everywhere sounds like something I'd do on accident—my mirror already has enough toothpaste splatters. Plus, those things are pricey for what they do. I tried a cheaper off-brand one from an online deal, but honestly... it felt more like a squirt gun than dental care. Maybe if you have braces or implants they’re worth it, but for me, regular floss (and patience) wins out.
As for Netflix flossing—yep, guilty. But I learned pretty quick that if I get too invested in whatever show I'm watching, I'll either jab myself or just forget which teeth I've done. Now I just put on something I've seen before or some background music so I'm not too distracted. If your gums are sore after flossing, maybe try going gentler? Took me ages to realize you don’t have to saw through your mouth like you’re cutting down a tree.
My dentist also gave me that “must-have” list and my wallet cried a little. Honestly, the basics work fine for me: cheap waxed floss (store brand), those blue threaders when needed, and dollar store mouthwash if I’m feeling fancy. The only “hack” that’s stuck is using warm water instead of cold before flossing—it actually makes it less painful somehow.
At this point my cat runs for cover whenever he hears the floss container click open too... guess he’s not a fan of dental hygiene either.
Sometimes I feel like I'm defusing a bomb, not flossing my teeth.
That’s such a mood—I swear, every time I try to thread floss under my permanent retainer, it’s like performing surgery with mittens on. I’ve lost count of how many threaders have just vanished into the void under the sink or behind the trash can. I keep thinking I should tie a neon string to them or something, but then I’d probably just lose both.
I get what you mean about water flossers. A friend lent me hers to try and, honestly, it was chaos. Maybe it’s user error, but I managed to spray my shirt, the mirror, and somehow even the ceiling. My bathroom is tiny so there’s nowhere for the water to go except everywhere. Didn’t feel like my teeth got any cleaner than with regular floss either—plus, those replacement tips aren’t exactly cheap.
Netflix flossing is real. I used to do it while watching new episodes of whatever show, but then I’d zone out and either skip teeth or poke my gums. Now I just listen to podcasts or music—less distracting but still makes the whole thing less boring.
I actually had a dentist push all these “must-have” gadgets on me too... felt a little like an upsell tbh. Ended up sticking with basic waxed floss (store brand for life), and yeah, mouthwash if it’s on sale. Your warm water trick is genius though—never thought of that. I usually just grit my teeth (pun intended) and deal with it cold, but next time I’ll give it a shot.
Can totally relate about pets being weirded out by dental stuff. My dog acts like the world’s ending if he hears my electric toothbrush start up.
At the end of the day, as long as you’re getting in there and doing something, you’re ahead of most people. Doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—just something you’ll actually stick with.
every time I try to thread floss under my permanent retainer, it’s like performing surgery with mittens on.
That’s honestly the perfect way to describe it. I’ve seen so many people struggle with those little floss threaders—they’re like socks in the laundry, always disappearing. Have you ever tried those pre-threaded flossers made for braces/retainers? Some folks swear by them, but I feel like they’re a bit bulky. Curious if you’ve found any tricks for making that part less of a hassle?
Threading floss under my retainer stressed me out so much at first—I’d drop the threader like five times before even getting it under the wire. I tried those pre-threaded things, but honestly, they felt awkward and too thick for my teeth. What finally helped was using waxed floss with a regular threader, but tying a little knot at the end so I could grip it better. It’s still a pain, but at least I don’t feel like I’m performing a magic trick every night.
