I totally get the dental Olympics vibe—braces made flossing feel like an extreme sport for me. Antibiotics always felt like a quick fix, but honestly, when I finally got consistent with flossing (even if awkward), my gums calmed down a lot. It’s weird how much difference that little habit makes, even if it takes forever to actually see it.
I swear, flossing with braces was like trying to thread a needle in a hurricane. But you’re right—once I actually stuck with it (and stopped cheaping out on the dollar store floss), my gums chilled out too. Way cheaper than another round of antibiotics, honestly.
- Totally relate to the flossing struggle with braces—felt impossible half the time.
- Upgrading from that super cheap floss made a difference for me too.
- Gums got less angry, and I didn’t need another dentist visit for meds.
- Weird how something so basic actually worked better than antibiotics for me... patience paid off.
- Glad you stuck with it—definitely worth the hassle.
- Flossing with braces = nightmare, totally get it.
- Upgrading floss made a difference for me too, but honestly, I still skip some nights. Gums definitely happier though.
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“Weird how something so basic actually worked better than antibiotics for me... patience paid off.”
Same here—kind of wild. I was prescribed antibiotics twice for swollen gums, but just sticking to flossing and using a water flosser did more in the long run. Didn’t expect that.
- Not sure why dentists go straight to meds sometimes. Maybe because it’s faster? Or they think people won’t keep up with the routine stuff?
- Anyone else feel like they get a prescription before being told to try better flossing or brushing first?
- Curious if anyone’s dentist actually showed them how to floss with braces. Mine just handed me a pamphlet and sent me on my way. Maybe that’s part of the problem?
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I gotta stick up for my fellow tooth nerds a bit. It’s not always about being quick to write a prescription—sometimes those gums are so inflamed or infected that waiting for flossing to work just isn’t gonna cut it. If someone’s got a raging infection, antibiotics can be a real lifesaver (literally… nobody wants an abscess going wild).
That said, I totally agree there’s a gap when it comes to showing HOW to actually clean around braces or tricky spots. A pamphlet? That’s like giving someone IKEA instructions and no tools. I’ve seen people try to use regular floss with braces and it’s like watching a cat try to solve a Rubik’s cube—frustrating for everyone.
If you ever get the chance, ask for a demo next time. Most of us are happy to show you in the chair (and maybe even throw in some awkward jokes about plaque while we’re at it). But yeah, I wish it was standard everywhere. Some habits just need a little hands-on help before they stick.
