Sometimes I feel like my braces are a food trap set by my dentist just to keep me humble.
That made me laugh because, honestly, it’s too real. My ortho warned me that swollen gums would happen if I didn’t stay on top of cleaning, but I didn’t realize how fast it sneaks up. Here’s what’s been working for me: 1) Rinse right after eating, even if it’s just with water. 2) Floss (I use those threader things plus a water flosser—double trouble). 3) I switched to a soft brush and that helped with irritation. Still, even being careful, my gums puff up if I get lazy. It’s wild how much difference the cleaning routine makes... way more than the actual food for me too.
Man, I swear braces turn my mouth into a snack graveyard. Those little rubber bands are like magnets for every crumb. I totally get you on the swollen gums—if I slack even one night, they puff up and get all angry. Water flossers are a game changer, though. I used to think they were just hype, but nope, they actually help. Still, there are days when I just want to rip these things off and eat popcorn in peace...
I totally get you on the swollen gums—if I slack even one night, they puff up and get all angry.
Same here. I get so anxious if I miss a night because my gums flare up almost instantly. The water flosser helps, but sometimes I still worry I’m not doing enough. I seriously miss crunchy snacks too... it’s like living in fear of popcorn kernels.
Dude, I feel this on a spiritual level. I’m obsessed with my electric toothbrush now—like, it’s the only thing that keeps my gums from going full rage mode. Tried the water flosser too but sometimes I swear it just pushes stuff around? Popcorn is a hard no for me... had one kernel stuck for days, never again.
Tried the water flosser too but sometimes I swear it just pushes stuff around? Popcorn is a hard no for me... had one kernel stuck for days, never again.
Man, I hear you on the popcorn. That stuff’s basically dental sabotage. Ever tried eating it with braces? It’s like playing Russian roulette with your molars. But about the water flosser—are you using it before or after brushing? I found if I use mine after, it kinda helps, but sometimes it just sprays gunk deeper and then I’m fishing with toothpicks for half an hour. Anyone else get that weird “squishy” feeling in their gums after? Or is that just my old teeth talking...