Popcorn is brutal with braces, I totally get it. I tried eating it one time thinking I could just chew super carefully, and still ended up spending like half an hour fishing out husks with a proxy brush. Chips are tricky too, but for me, it’s more about those sharp edges getting wedged in places I didn’t even know existed. I wonder if it’s the starch sticking around that makes gums puff up, or if it’s just any food debris.
I used to think a water flosser was kind of overkill, but honestly, after a few weeks with braces, it’s become part of my nightly routine. Manual flossing just doesn’t cut it for me anymore—there’s always something left behind. Do you ever notice your gums feeling almost instantly better after using the water flosser? I’m still figuring out if that’s placebo or if it’s really that effective.
It’s wild how quickly gums react if you miss a spot. I thought I was being obsessive, but maybe that’s just what braces require...
Popcorn is seriously the worst offender—I’ve sworn it off until these braces come off. I totally relate to the water flosser thing. I thought it was just a fancy gadget, but now if I skip it, my gums feel sore almost right away. I do think it’s more than placebo, honestly. When I use it, my gums just feel less puffy and irritated, especially after eating stuff like chips or bread. Do you notice it makes a difference with certain foods more than others? For me, anything starchy seems to linger way longer than I’d expect.
For me, anything starchy seems to linger way longer than I’d expect.
Totally get what you mean about starchy foods. Bread especially drives me nuts—feels like it’s glued itself around every bracket, no matter how much I brush. I used to think water flossers were just hype but now I’m borderline addicted. It’s wild how much cleaner my mouth feels after, especially after eating stuff like crackers or chips. Popcorn is just evil at this point... I miss it though.
Haha, popcorn is the true villain here, no doubt. I swear, it’s like the kernels have a personal vendetta against braces. I used to think brushing was enough, but after one too many “surprise” leftovers wedged in there, I caved and got a water flosser too. Total game changer. Still, I miss biting into a crunchy baguette without worrying about spending half an hour fishing out crumbs... but hey, small sacrifices for straight teeth, right?
I swear, it’s like the kernels have a personal vendetta against braces.
Totally feel you on the popcorn front... I used to think I could get away with just brushing too, but those sneaky kernels always win. Water flosser is a lifesaver though, right? Missing crunchy stuff is rough, but honestly, it gets easier. Swollen gums are pretty common at first—mine looked puffy for weeks. Did salt water rinses help you at all?
