Yeah, totally agree about the mouthwash—alcohol-based ones always made my gums feel kinda raw and sensitive. Switching to alcohol-free was a game changer for me too. I've also noticed floss can make a difference; waxed floss seems gentler on my gums compared to unwaxed. Weirdly enough, flavored floss sometimes irritates me too...maybe it's the added flavoring or something? Either way, definitely worth experimenting with different brands and types to find what works best.
Same here with flavored floss...I tried this cinnamon one once because I thought "hey, why not spice things up?" Big mistake. My gums were NOT happy about it, felt like I'd rubbed hot candy between my teeth. Waxed floss is definitely gentler for me too, but I've also found those soft picks (the little rubbery ones) are a lifesaver when my gums get extra sensitive. Bonus: they're weirdly satisfying to use—like tiny massages for your gums, haha.
I totally get the cinnamon floss thing...tried peppermint once thinking it'd feel fresh, but nope, my gums got irritated pretty quickly. I've been cautiously testing out alternatives lately—those rubbery soft picks you mentioned sound interesting. Do you find they're gentle enough if your gums are already sore? I'm a bit nervous about trying new stuff, especially when things are already sensitive, so any reassurance would help ease my mind a little...
I've recommended those soft picks to a bunch of people who had similar gum sensitivity issues, and most found them pretty gentle. They're definitely softer than traditional floss, especially if your gums are already irritated. Just make sure you're not pressing too hard—gentle is key. Maybe start once a day and see how it feels? If things stay sore or get worse, probably best to chat with your dentist to rule out anything else going on...
Those soft picks can be a lifesaver for sensitive gums, especially if regular floss feels like torture. I've seen plenty of people benefit from them, but you're right—gentle is definitely the way to go. Sometimes folks get a bit too enthusiastic and end up irritating things more. Starting slow and steady is smart advice. And yeah, if things don't settle down soon, checking in with your dentist is always a good move...better safe than sorry.
