Giving kids some control over their routine really does make a difference. My youngest was stubborn about flossing, and honestly, I used to dread the nightly battle. We tried a water flosser out of desperation, and it was like flipping a switch—he actually looks forward to it now. I still have my doubts that it gets everything, especially after popcorn or caramel, so I’ll grab the string for those nights too.
His dentist said his gums look healthier, which surprised me a bit. I guess consistency matters more than the exact tool sometimes. It’s funny how much smoother things go when you let them have a say... makes you wonder why we fight so hard for “the right way” when the best way is whatever keeps them doing it.
I totally get where you’re coming from—anything that gets kids to actually floss is a win in my book. That said, I’d still be a little cautious about relying only on the water jet, especially for sticky stuff like caramel or those sneaky popcorn husks. I’ve seen a few kiddos come in with “clean” mouths but still have plaque hiding out between teeth. The water flosser definitely helps, but string floss does get into those tight spots better. Maybe a mix of both, like you’re doing, is the sweet spot... keeps things positive without skipping the benefits of old-school floss.
Totally agree with the mix-and-match approach. I’ve got braces right now and honestly, string floss is a nightmare—like, it takes forever and I always end up poking my gums. The water flosser is way easier and less painful, but I do notice it doesn’t always get the stubborn bits out (popcorn hulls are my nemesis). I try to do both, but if I’m being real, the water jet wins on lazy days.
The water flosser is way easier and less painful, but I do notice it doesn’t always get the stubborn bits out (popcorn hulls are my nemesis).
Yeah, popcorn gets me every time too. I went with a pretty cheap water flosser off Amazon and honestly, it’s not perfect but it beats wrestling with string and those little plastic threaders. My gums are a lot happier, even if I have to go in with a toothpick sometimes. For the price, it’s been worth it just for the convenience.
I’ve been using a water flosser for a few months and, honestly, I’m still a little nervous about whether it’s really doing enough. I like that it doesn’t hurt my gums the way string floss sometimes does (especially around some crowns and that one bridge), but I always worry I’m missing plaque between the teeth. Has anyone had their dentist check after switching? Did they say it was just as good as string floss? I keep hearing mixed things, and my hygienist kind of raised her eyebrows when I mentioned it… makes me second guess if I should trust the gadget.
Also, does anyone else get nervous about the pressure setting? I’m always afraid I’ll turn it up too high and mess something up, especially with all my dental work. I’d love to know if anyone’s dentist actually recommended a water flosser or if it’s more of a “use it if you want, but don’t skip the string” situation.
