I totally get the nerves. I actually tried swapping the order once and freaked out thinking I’d done it “wrong.” But honestly, my tongue felt cleaner after scraping post-brush. Maybe it’s just personal preference? I guess as long as it doesn’t hurt, it’s probably fine.
I get where you’re coming from. When I first got my braces, I was so worried about doing everything “by the book” that changing up the order felt weird. But honestly, I started scraping after brushing just because it felt like less gunk was left on my tongue. It helped with that gross morning breath, too. My ortho never said it mattered much, just that I don’t go too hard and irritate my tongue or gums. Guess it’s one of those things where if it works for you and doesn’t cause issues, you’re good. Funny how something simple like a tongue cleaner can make a difference... especially when you’ve got all that hardware in your mouth.
Funny how something simple like a tongue cleaner can make a difference... especially when you’ve got all that hardware in your mouth.
Totally agree—when I had my partials put in, I felt like even my taste buds were confused for a bit. Step by step, little changes like using the tongue scraper really helped me feel cleaner and less self-conscious. It’s amazing how those small tweaks add up over time. You’re right, if it works for you and doesn’t cause irritation, stick with it. Sometimes we just have to trust our own mouths, not just the “rules.”
That’s honestly spot on—having a mouthful of appliances or partials really does turn the whole oral hygiene routine into a science experiment. I remember when I first got my braces, I had this weird sensation like my tongue was constantly in the way, and everything tasted metallic for weeks. The tongue cleaner was a total game changer, though. It’s funny how something so simple can make you feel human again.
I will say, not every “rule” works for everyone. My dentist was all about soft brushes and gentle motions, but with all that hardware, sometimes you just need to improvise a little. As long as it’s not causing irritation or trauma to the tissue, I say trust your instincts... within reason. Just don’t go at it like you’re scrubbing a frying pan.
And yeah, those little changes—tongue cleaner, water flosser, even just rinsing after every snack—add up way more than people expect. Taste buds eventually get back in line too, thank goodness.
Man, I totally get what you mean about improvising—sometimes you just have to figure out what works for your own mouth. When I first got my partial, all the “rules” felt impossible to keep up with. My dentist was big on those tiny brushes, but honestly, the tongue cleaner and a water flosser did way more for me. I still remember the weird taste lingering for weeks, too... thought I’d never enjoy coffee again. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who had to experiment a bit. It’s all about finding that balance, right?
