Finally stopped my teeth from wiggling - here’s what worked for me

Mine acted like it was medieval torture for years...

Honestly, that line made me laugh. I can totally relate - my kid used to clamp his mouth shut at the sight of floss. I tried explaining plaque and gum health, but it just sounded like science class, not motivation. Eventually, we made a game out of it (timers and silly faces helped). It’s wild how something so basic can feel like such a battle some days. You’re definitely not alone.

That’s so real - my youngest would act like flossing was some kind of punishment too. I kept thinking, “Is it really that bad?” Meanwhile, I was the one with wobbly teeth and a mouthful of anxiety every time I brushed. It’s weird how these little routines can turn into such a struggle for everyone.

I tried charts and rewards, but honestly, most days it felt like we were just surviving the bedtime routine. Eventually, what helped was letting him see me floss (even though I was super self-conscious about it - my gums always bled). He started copying me, which was both cute and weirdly reassuring. Guess kids pick up more from what we do than what we say?

Anyway, it’s comforting to hear I’m not the only one who’s had to get creative just to keep up with basic dental stuff. It’s a slog sometimes, but I guess we’re all muddling through together.

Honestly, I think you nailed it - kids really do mimic what they see way more than what we tell them. I used to stress about my own flossing, too, but once my daughter saw me trying (even if it was awkward), she got curious. Did you notice if your gums stopped bleeding after a while? Mine finally did, but it took a few weeks.

Ha, yeah, my gums were like a crime scene at first. I figured I was doing it wrong, but apparently that’s just how it goes until they toughen up? Took me a couple weeks too. Did you get those random “floss shreds” stuck everywhere or is that just me...

Yeah, I totally get the “crime scene” vibe - my gums were super sensitive at first too. But I’m not sure it’s just a matter of toughening up. My ortho told me if you’re seeing a lot of blood for more than a week or two, it could mean you’re going too hard or maybe missing spots when brushing. And those floss shreds? Ugh, yes… but switching to waxed floss helped a ton with that for me. It’s wild how much trial and error goes into this stuff.