"Has anyone tried water flossers though? Been debating if they're worth the countertop space..."
I've had one for about six months now, and honestly, it's been kinda mixed. It's definitely gentler on my gums than traditional floss, but I still feel like it doesn't get everything out as thoroughly as those interdental brushes do. Plus, the countertop clutter is real... If your gums are already happy with the brushes, might not be worth the hassle. Just my two cents.
I've been on the fence about trying one too, actually. My dentist swears by them, but I'm always a bit skeptical since I already have limited bathroom space. Hearing your experience makes me think maybe I should stick with my little interdental brushes for now—they're fiddly but at least they don't take up much room. Gum troubles are seriously frustrating though, so if something's working for you already, I'd probably just stick to it...
I totally get where you're coming from with the bathroom space issue—I swear, mine's smaller than a broom closet. A few years ago, my dentist was really pushing me to try a water flosser too, and I kept putting it off because honestly, the thought of squeezing another gadget onto my tiny sink made me cringe. Plus, I was pretty attached to those little interdental brushes myself; fiddly, yes, but they did the job, or at least that's what I told myself.
Eventually though, my gums just weren't getting better no matter how diligent I was. It got to the point where every dentist visit felt like a guilt trip ("Have you been flossing regularly?" Ugh). So I caved and bought one of those compact water flossers on sale—not the big bulky ones but a smaller handheld version. I'll admit it took some getting used to—water spraying everywhere until I figured out the right angle—but after a couple weeks, I actually noticed a difference in how my gums felt. Less irritation, less bleeding...it genuinely surprised me.
That said, if your current routine is working pretty well for you, sticking to it totally makes sense. Switching things up isn't always better—especially if you're already short on space and patience (believe me, I've been there). Gum issues can be so frustrating because progress feels SO slow. But honestly, consistency seems way more important than fancy gadgets in the long run. I'd say keep doing what you're comfortable with for now and maybe revisit the idea down the road if things change. You're definitely not alone in this struggle!
I had a similar issue with my gums—tried everything from interdental brushes to flossing obsessively, but nothing really improved long-term. My dentist suggested a water flosser too, and honestly, I was skeptical. Eventually, I picked up one of those smaller cordless models. It was awkward at first (water everywhere, lol), but after about a month, my gums were noticeably healthier. Still not convinced it's a must-have for everyone, but it definitely made a difference for me.
I get where you're coming from about the water flosser... I was super hesitant too. Honestly, anything involving spraying water into my mouth made me anxious at first. I kept imagining I'd accidentally choke or something (ridiculous, I know, but anxiety doesn't care about logic!). Anyway, after reading a ton of reviews and watching way too many YouTube videos, I finally decided to give it a shot.
If anyone else is feeling cautious like me, here's what helped: start on the lowest setting. Seriously, don't rush to crank it up. Lean over the sink, close your lips around it as best you can, and keep your head tilted slightly downward—that way you avoid turning your bathroom into a splash zone. It took me a good two weeks before I felt comfortable enough to turn it up a notch.
After about a month or so, I noticed my gums weren't bleeding anymore when brushing, and they felt less sensitive overall. Still not sure if it's for everyone (like you said), but if regular flossing isn't cutting it, this might be worth trying. Just go slow and be patient with yourself.
