I get what you mean about string floss being the only thing that really gets in there, but honestly, I’ve had a different experience. I started using a water flosser after my last wires went in and, to my surprise, it actually dislodged stuff I didn’t even know was stuck. I still use string floss for the stubborn bits, but sometimes I wonder if the water flosser is doing more overall, just because I’m way more likely to actually use it every night. Maybe it’s not quite as precise, but consistency seems to matter just as much for me... anyone else feel like that?
I’ve actually been stressing about this exact thing since I got my braces last month. I’m one of those people who’s always worried I’m not cleaning well enough, and the whole flossing-with-braces thing just feels impossible. I picked up a water flosser because I figured it might make things easier, but honestly, I can’t tell if it’s really working or not. Sometimes it feels like it blasts everything out, but then I’ll use string floss (with those annoying little threaders) and still find stuff stuck in there. That definitely freaks me out a bit—like, what if I’m missing stuff and end up with cavities later?
I totally get what you’re saying about consistency though. I’m way more likely to use the water flosser just because it takes less time and isn’t as fiddly. But now I’m wondering, is it actually enough? Has anyone ever had their dentist say they could tell you were only using water and not string floss? Or maybe the opposite—has anyone gotten good checkups just using water flossers?
Sometimes I feel like my gums are a little sore after using the water flosser on high, which makes me nervous that I’m overdoing it or doing something wrong. Does that happen to anyone else? Or is that just part of getting used to it?
I keep thinking maybe I should just stick to both every night, but honestly, some nights I’m so tired I just skip the string floss and hope for the best... Is that super risky?
I totally relate to feeling overwhelmed by all the cleaning steps with braces. I started using a water flosser too, and my dentist said it’s a good supplement but not a full replacement for string floss—especially around brackets. My gums got sore at first when I cranked up the pressure, so I dialed it back and that helped a lot. On tired nights, I just do what I can and try not to stress. Consistency matters, but missing string floss once in a while probably isn’t the end of the world... at least, that’s what I tell myself!
String floss is such a pain with braces, but honestly, I do notice a difference when I skip it for a few days. The water flosser feels way easier (and kind of fun, if you don’t blast your gums off), but it just doesn’t get all the gunk wedged around my brackets and under the wires. My orthodontist said something similar—water flossers are great for rinsing out food bits, but they don’t really scrape off the plaque like string does.
I’ve had those nights too where I just can’t be bothered to thread floss through every single gap. It’s exhausting sometimes. But missing here and there hasn’t caused any disasters for me either... my gums are still healthy and no cavities so far. It’s more about doing your best most days rather than being perfect every single night.
If you’re sore from the water pressure, definitely keep it on low. I learned that the hard way—felt like my gums were in boot camp after cranking it up once. Just gotta find what works and not beat yourself up over an off day.
It’s more about doing your best most days rather than being perfect every single night.
That right there is the key, honestly. My kid has braces and string flossing is a whole production—sometimes we just use the water flosser and call it good. As long as you’re not skipping for weeks, you’re doing fine. Perfection’s overrated anyway.
