Haha, I wish I'd read this sooner. When I first got braces, I was so paranoid about breaking brackets that I avoided flossing altogether for like a week (gross, I know...). Eventually, guilt kicked in and I cautiously tried regular floss—took forever and gave me anxiety every single time. Now I'm using those tiny interdental brushes; they're gentle enough that my anxiety stays manageable and nothing's snapped yet. Fingers crossed it stays that way...
I totally get the anxiety part—my daughter just got braces a couple months ago, and I swear I'm more nervous about them than she is. At first, we tried regular flossing too, but it was such a nightmare. She'd get frustrated, I'd get anxious watching her struggle... total mess. We switched to a water flosser after a friend recommended it, and honestly, it's been a lifesaver. It took a few tries to get used to (water everywhere the first time, lol), but now it's way less stressful. Still, every time she eats something crunchy or chewy, I hold my breath a little, hoping nothing pops off. Glad those interdental brushes are working for you—might have to keep those in mind as a backup option if our water flosser ever decides to quit on us...
We went through the same thing with the water flosser—first time was like a mini flood in the bathroom, lol. But after a while, it got easier. I'm curious though, has anyone noticed if the water flosser alone is enough to keep gums healthy, or do you still need to occasionally use regular floss or brushes to really get in there? Our orthodontist seemed a bit skeptical about relying solely on water flossing...
I've been wondering the same thing. My ortho also seemed hesitant about relying just on the water flosser. She said it helps a lot, especially around brackets, but recommended I still use regular floss or interdental brushes once in a while to really get in between tight spaces. Honestly, I get a bit anxious about missing spots and developing gum issues, so I alternate between both methods. It eases my mind a bit, even though it's more time-consuming. You're right though, it does get easier after a few tries... no more bathroom floods here either, thankfully.
"Honestly, I get a bit anxious about missing spots and developing gum issues, so I alternate between both methods."
Haha, same here... I swear braces turned me into a dental hygiene ninja overnight. I mostly stick to the water flosser (less hassle), but every few days I'll bust out the interdental brushes just to be safe. Better safe than sorry, right?
