Salt water rinses were my go-to too, especially after those first few wire changes. I swear my gums looked like marshmallows for a week. Interdental brushes have been a lifesaver though—never thought I’d get so excited about tiny pipe cleaners. I do sometimes wonder if my water flosser is just blasting stuff around instead of actually cleaning... but at least it feels like I’m trying, right?
I do sometimes wonder if my water flosser is just blasting stuff around instead of actually cleaning... but at least it feels like I’m trying, right?
I totally get where you’re coming from—sometimes those water flossers feel more like a power wash than actual cleaning. Honestly, I get a bit anxious about whether they’re doing the trick or just moving plaque to new hiding spots. But you’re not alone in feeling like at least you’re making an effort, and that counts for a lot. It’s way better than skipping it altogether.
Swollen gums after new wires are super common, especially in the first week or two. I’ve seen people panic over “marshmallow gums” (love that description) but usually it’s just your mouth adjusting to the new pressure and hardware. As long as things are slowly improving and not getting worse—like bleeding that won’t quit or pain that gets unbearable—it tends to settle down with time and good care. Salt water rinses are low-key underrated, honestly. They help more than most people expect.
Those tiny interdental brushes are weirdly satisfying, right? I used to be skeptical but now I keep a stash everywhere… purse, car, random jacket pockets. If you’re using those plus rinses and the water flosser, you’re covering most of your bases. If anything, the only thing I’d maybe worry about is going too hard with the brushes or flosser and making your gums more irritated. Gentle is key—even though it’s tempting to scrub away at everything.
If it helps, I’ve had patients who swear by alternating between the brushes and the water flosser rather than using both every single day, just to give their gums a break. And yeah, sometimes things feel a little out of control during ortho treatment—I always get nervous about missing something important—but it sounds like you’re doing all the right things.
Hang in there. Swollen gums are almost always part of the process, but if anything starts looking real angry or painful (like hot, red, or oozing), don’t hesitate to check in with your ortho. Most of us have been through the marshmallow stage too... it’ll pass.
