It’s interesting you bring up mouthwash after using the brushes—I’ve noticed the same thing. Sometimes it almost feels soothing, other times there’s a weird tingle. Maybe it’s just the combo of cleaning more thoroughly and then rinsing away whatever got loosened? I struggled with the threaders too, honestly. My ortho said some swelling is pretty much inevitable at first, but if it lingers, it could be a sign of missing spots or even brushing too hard. Took me a while to find a brush size that didn’t feel like sandpaper. Funny how something so small can make such a difference.
Yeah, finding the right brush size is such a game changer. I remember thinking my gums were just extra sensitive, but switching to a slightly smaller brush made things way less uncomfortable. I still get that weird mouthwash tingle sometimes—guess it’s just part of the deal.
I totally get what you mean about finding the right brush size—it really can make a difference. But honestly, I don’t think it’s always about the size of the brush. For me, even after switching to a smaller one, my gums still felt sore and kind of puffy for a while after getting braces. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just the constant shifting and all the extra cleaning that makes them more sensitive than usual, no matter what brush you use.
That mouthwash tingle is weird, right? I used to think it meant everything was super clean, but my orthodontist actually suggested I switch to an alcohol-free rinse because the regular stuff was just too harsh with all the new gaps and wires. It helped a bit with that burning feeling. Might be worth a shot if you haven’t tried it already.
I also noticed that when I got lazy with flossing (which is way more annoying with braces), my gums would puff up and bleed way more. Even using those little interdental brushes instead of regular floss made a difference for me—less pain, less swelling. It’s kind of a hassle but definitely helped calm things down.
Not saying the brush size isn’t important, but in my experience, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The whole routine—how gentle you are, what products you use, even how often you’re cleaning—seems to matter just as much. And honestly... some days are just rougher than others no matter what you do.
Swollen gums seem pretty common from what I’ve seen and heard, but if it gets worse or doesn’t settle down after a few weeks, maybe mention it at your next appointment? Sometimes they have tricks or can check if something else is going on. Painful gums are no joke when you’re already dealing with brackets and wires everywhere.