The struggle of squeezing floss between stubborn teeth

Man, I hear you. My teeth are packed tighter than a subway at rush hour - regular floss just shreds instantly. I switched to Glide (the satin-y kind), and it’s been a game changer. Still, there are nights I just stare at the floss and think...maybe tomorrow.

- Totally get the "maybe tomorrow" vibe. Some nights it just feels like too much work.
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regular floss just shreds instantly

Glide is basically the only thing that gets between my kid’s teeth without me turning it into a wrestling match. The regular stuff just shreds or gets stuck, and then I’m cursing under my breath while my 7-year-old is threatening to run for the hills. The plastic floss picks are hit or miss - sometimes they help, but if teeth are really close, they just bend or snap. As for those tiny brushes, my dentist keeps handing them out, but honestly, I have no idea what to do with them. Maybe they’re for people with braces? We just collect them in the bathroom drawer...

Glide really is a lifesaver for tight teeth - totally agree there. I see a lot of people wrestling with regular floss, and it’s honestly so common to snap the stuff or end up with sore fingers. My own teeth are super close together, and I’ve had more than one late-night battle where I just gave up halfway through.

Those little brushes (interdental brushes) are usually for bigger spaces or braces, yeah. For most folks with tight contacts, they’re not much help - mine just end up lost in the cabinet too. Floss picks are convenient but sometimes they just can’t handle the pressure, literally.

One thing I’ve noticed is that waxed floss (especially the tape kind) tends to slide a bit easier and doesn’t shred as fast. It’s not perfect, but way less frustrating than the unwaxed stuff. And if you ever get floss stuck, tying a knot at the end before pulling it out can sometimes help get it loose without panicking.

Honestly, the guilt-flossing at midnight is real… but hey, anything’s better than nothing.

I totally get the midnight flossing guilt - been there way too many times. I’m with you on the waxed tape, though. It’s usually cheaper in bulk and seems to last longer for me than the fancy stuff, which is a win for my wallet. I’ve tried those water flossers that everyone raves about, but honestly, I couldn’t justify the price. Has anyone managed to find an affordable one that actually works, or is it just another gadget collecting dust on the shelf?

Has anyone managed to find an affordable one that actually works, or is it just another gadget collecting dust on the shelf?

Honestly, I feel you on the water flosser thing. I keep reading they’re amazing, but I get nervous about spending a bunch and then hating it or not using it. For now, I’m sticking with the waxed tape too - at least I know it works for me, even if it takes forever. Midnight guilt is real, but at least we’re trying, right?

For now, I’m sticking with the waxed tape too - at least I know it works for me, even if it takes forever.

I get the appeal of waxed tape - it’s reliable. But have you ever tried dental picks or those little plastic flossers? I used to think they were just gimmicks, but honestly, they made a difference for my crowded teeth. Water flossers felt like overkill (and yeah, pricey), but picks are cheap and surprisingly effective. Maybe not as thorough as tape, but way less hassle. Worth a shot?

I hear you on the waxed tape marathon - sometimes I feel like I should get a medal just for finishing. I actually switched to those little floss picks a while back, mostly because I kept snapping the tape and scaring my cat. The picks aren’t perfect, but they’re way faster and my wallet’s happier too. Tape still wins for the stubborn spots, but for everyday, I’ll take the shortcut.

I get the appeal of floss picks - they’re convenient, and I’ve tried them too when I was desperate for a quick fix. But honestly, I worry they don’t reach as well below the gumline, especially in my back teeth. Maybe I’m just overly cautious, but I’d rather wrestle with the tape than risk missing something... My dentist once pointed out some buildup I missed using picks, so now I’m a little paranoid.

Getting floss between tight teeth is such a pain, I totally get where you’re coming from. Floss picks are super handy, but you’re right - they don’t always curve around the tooth or get under the gumline as well as regular string floss. Especially in those tricky back molars. I’ve seen a few folks who rely on picks and end up with plaque hiding out in places they can’t see... it really does add up over time.

If you’re struggling with tape, maybe try a waxed string floss? It slides a bit easier between tight spots than unwaxed or even some tapes. There are also those little rubber “soft picks” that can sometimes get into awkward spaces better than the plastic ones - though they’re not a total replacement for proper flossing, they can help loosen stuff before you go in with the string.

One thing I tell people: technique matters more than the tool. If you use picks, try to angle them so the floss hugs each side of the tooth, almost like making a “C” shape. Not always easy with a stiff handle, but it helps if you’re in a pinch. For stubborn gaps, sometimes gently wiggling the floss as you work it down helps avoid snapping it through and hurting your gums.

I’ve had patients who swear by water flossers too - not perfect for everyone, but they’re great at flushing out food debris from hard-to-reach spots. My own aunt switched to one after her arthritis made regular floss impossible... she’s been pretty happy with how clean her mouth feels since.

At the end of the day, whatever method gets you to actually do it every day is already a win. Missing a spot here or there happens to all of us - no need to feel paranoid about it. Just keep at it and tweak your routine until you find what works for your mouth (and your patience).

If you’re struggling with tape, maybe try a waxed string floss? It slides a bit easier between tight spots than unwaxed or even some tapes.

Yep, waxed floss has been the best budget fix for me - plus it’s usually cheaper in bulk than picks or water flossers. I used to get frustrated when the floss would shred, but the waxed kind holds up better. For anyone watching costs, I’ve found store brands work just as well as the fancy ones. I totally agree on the technique too; took me a few tries to get that “C” shape right, but it makes a difference. At this point, I just keep a roll of floss everywhere - car, bag, bathroom... makes it way less tempting to skip when my teeth are being stubborn.

- Agree, waxed floss is more durable and slides easier.
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“I just keep a roll of floss everywhere - car, bag, bathroom...”

If the tape keeps shredding at the exact same spot, I’d get that contact checked before buying more brands. A rough filling edge, chipped enamel, or another irregularity can catch floss, so switching products may not fix it.

A dentist can usually smooth or repair that pretty quickly. If it shreds in different spots, though, then something like Glide or another floss type is more likely worth trying.