I’m right there with you on this one. I’ve tried a few eco flosses too—honestly, the silk ones just slip right past my teeth without picking up much. And with a permanent retainer, it’s a whole new level of tricky. I’ve actually had a hygienist tell me to stick with what works, because gum health can go downhill fast if you’re not getting everything out. I want to cut down on plastic too, but I’d rather avoid more fillings and dental work. Maybe someday they’ll crack the code on a good, green floss, but for now, I’m not risking it.
I totally get where you’re coming from—gum health over everything, right? I’ve had the same issue with silk floss, and honestly, it feels like I’m just sliding it around for show. The guilt about plastic waste is real, but what’s the point if my teeth suffer? Has anyone tried those water flossers as a greener alternative? I’m curious if they actually get in between wires and retainers or if it’s just another gadget collecting dust...
I’ve had a set of permanent retainers for years, and honestly, regular floss was always a pain—either shredding or getting stuck. Silk floss sounded so promising, but yeah, it just kind of glides over stuff and doesn’t do much for the gunk wedged in there. I tried a water flosser after my hygienist suggested it, mostly because my hands aren’t as steady as they used to be.
Here’s what I noticed: At first, it felt like a fancy squirt gun for my mouth—not sure if it was doing much. But after a week or two, my gums bled less and those weird tastes (you know what I mean) were gone. It does get between wires better than string floss ever did for me. The trick is to angle the tip just right and go slow, otherwise you end up spraying the bathroom mirror more than your teeth...
Is it greener? Hard to say—there’s electricity involved, but no tossing out plastic every day. For me, less gum pain and cleaner teeth won out over feeling guilty about the gadget itself. At least it doesn’t end up in the trash every month like those little floss picks used to.
Permanent retainers are such a hassle, right? I always worry I’m not cleaning well enough with the wires in there. I tried a water flosser too, but honestly, I get nervous about mold building up inside the tank or tip. Do you clean yours out every time? Also, do you notice any staining from the water flosser spray, or is that just me being paranoid? I’m glad it helps your gums though—mine still get sore sometimes, so maybe I need to give it another shot.
I tried a water flosser too, but honestly, I get nervous about mold building up inside the tank or tip.
Dude, same. I swear, every time I look at that thing, I’m like… is this secretly a science experiment in my bathroom? I try to run hot water through it after each use, but let’s be real—I definitely forget more than I remember. Haven’t noticed staining from the spray, though. Maybe it’s just blasting old coffee off my teeth and I’m too oblivious to notice. Permanent retainers are such a pain—I’ve got one and it’s basically a food trap. If only tech could invent self-cleaning wires or something.
