"What I've been doing lately is alternating between the brushes and regular floss every other day."
Interesting idea, I might actually try that. I've had braces for a while now, and honestly, flossing has always been a bit of a hassle with all the wires. Interdental brushes definitely make things easier, but yeah, they add up fast if you're using them daily. What I've found helpful is rinsing them thoroughly after each use and letting them air dry properly—it seems to keep them usable longer without getting gross.
One thing I'm curious about though: has anyone noticed a difference in gum sensitivity depending on the size of the interdental brush? I started with one size my orthodontist recommended, but recently switched to a slightly smaller one, and it feels gentler on my gums. Wondering if that's just me or if others have experienced something similar...
"I started with one size my orthodontist recommended, but recently switched to a slightly smaller one, and it feels gentler on my gums."
That's actually pretty common—going down a size can definitely help if your gums are sensitive or inflamed. Sometimes the larger brushes can irritate the tissue, especially if you're not used to them yet. I've seen lots of patients benefit from experimenting a bit with brush sizes. Have you noticed any difference in gum bleeding or swelling since switching sizes? Sometimes that can be a good indicator you're on the right track...
I've been wondering about this too...my gums felt super irritated at first, and I was convinced something was wrong. Switching sizes helped a bit, but honestly, I'm still skeptical—is it really normal or just masking a bigger issue?
Had the same issue when I switched toothbrushes—thought my gums were staging a rebellion. Downsizing helped, but honestly, I think some brands just don't vibe with certain mouths...or budgets. Might be worth experimenting a bit more?
"Downsizing helped, but honestly, I think some brands just don't vibe with certain mouths...or budgets."
Totally agree with this. Did you switch from manual to electric by any chance? I've seen a bunch of patients whose gums freaked out after making that jump. Sometimes the bristles are just too firm or the vibration is a bit intense at first, especially if you're used to something gentler. Also, technique matters more than most people realize—pressing too hard can irritate gums pretty quickly.
One thing to consider is checking if your toothpaste changed around the same time. Some pastes have ingredients that can trigger sensitivity or mild irritation in certain folks. I've had patients who thought their toothbrush was the culprit, but it turned out their toothpaste had sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can be irritating for some mouths.
Might be worth looking into that as well... Have you noticed any other changes besides the brush swap?
