I totally get the “tooth police” thing—it’s like herding cats at our house too (sometimes literally, if the cat wanders in). We tried electric for my oldest, but she just ended up playing with the settings and barely got any brushing done. Manual’s worked better for us because I can actually see what’s going on and step in if she starts zoning out.
I’m supposed to floss every day with braces, and honestly, it’s a struggle even for me—can’t imagine asking a little kid to do it. Has anyone had any luck with those pre-threaded flossers or water flossers for kids? I’m tempted, but not sure it’d actually make things easier or just add another gadget to the chaos.
Manual’s been the winner in my house too. I tried an electric brush once—thought I’d get all fancy—but ended up with toothpaste splatter on my glasses and half a clean tooth. As for flossing, those pre-threaded flossers are the only way I can get between my back teeth these days. Haven’t tried the water ones, but honestly, I’d probably just end up soaking the bathroom. Anyone else have that problem, or am I just clumsy?
Haven’t tried the water ones, but honestly, I’d probably just end up soaking the bathroom. Anyone else have that problem, or am I just clumsy?
You’re definitely not alone with the water flosser chaos. My first time using one, I managed to spray the ceiling, my shirt, and even the mirror—didn’t realize it was pointed the wrong way until it was too late. It’s like those things have a mind of their own. I still use mine sometimes, but only if I’m feeling patient (and wearing an old t-shirt).
We’ve had a similar “battle of the brushes” here. The kids were all about the electric ones at first—probably because they lit up and made a fun buzzing sound. But after a week or two, they complained it felt “weird” and went back to manual. I get it. Sometimes simple is better, especially for little hands. Plus, I swear manual brushes are easier to rinse out and keep clean.
With flossing, I’m right there with you on the pre-threaded flossers. My dentist keeps trying to sell me on regular string floss, but honestly, those little picks are the only way I can reach my back molars without feeling like I’m wrestling an octopus. Tried the water flosser with my oldest—she thought it was hilarious, but we both ended up soaked. Maybe there’s a secret trick to it? If so, I haven’t figured it out yet.
If it helps, my hygienist said as long as you’re getting between your teeth somehow, you’re doing fine. Doesn’t have to be fancy. For us, sticking with what actually gets done every night has been more important than using the “best” tool. Some nights that means a quick scrub with a manual brush and a flosser pick while half asleep. Not perfect, but better than nothing.
Anyway, glad to know we’re not the only ones keeping the bathroom supply stores in business with all these gadgets...
Manual all the way for me, especially with braces. Electric ones always felt like they were trying to shake my teeth loose, and somehow I’d end up with toothpaste splatter everywhere. Manual just gives me more control, even if it’s not as “high-tech.”
Manual just gives me more control, even if it’s not as “high-tech.”
Totally get the control thing, especially with braces—some electric brushes can feel like a jackhammer on metal. But have you tried one of the newer electrics with pressure sensors? They’re less “tooth-rattling,” and some kids actually brush longer with them because they think it’s fun. Curious if you’ve found any manual brushes that don’t fray after a week? That’s always been my gripe...
