Still, some days I get lazy and skip the floss... but I always regret it when my gums feel off the next day.
Same here—skipping floss is like rolling the dice with my braces. Last time I skipped, I found a rogue popcorn kernel wedged in there two days later... lesson learned. Water flosser is great, but nothing beats the old string for stubborn stuff.
I hear you on the popcorn thing—been there, and it’s always the worst with braces. Honestly, I use my water flosser every night, but if I skip string floss for even a day, my gums let me know. Water flosser’s awesome for most stuff, but string gets what the jet just can’t.
Popcorn and braces are just a bad combo—been there, too many times. I totally get what you mean about the water flosser not quite getting everything. I rely on mine a lot, but if I slack on the string floss for even a day or two, my gums get puffy and sore. It’s annoying how much of a difference that little step makes, but you’re right, it’s worth sticking with both. At least the water flosser makes the whole process less of a chore, though.
Honestly, I keep thinking the water flosser is gonna be enough on its own, but every time I try skipping the string floss, my gums remind me that’s just not the case. It’s wild how much difference that little bit of extra work makes. I’m with you—it’s annoying, but worth it.
I picked up one of those cheaper water flossers online, and while it helps a lot (especially with popcorn hulls stuck in brackets), it doesn’t get everything. String floss is a pain with braces, but I use those threader things—they’re cheap and last forever. Not fun, but less expensive than dealing with gum problems later.
I do wish there was a magic gadget that did it all... but for now, I guess it’s just about finding what works and sticking to it. At least we’re saving on dental bills by keeping up with both.
