I'm totally with you on the waxed floss—it's reliable and straightforward, especially when you're not in the mood for a full-on routine. But honestly, those interdental brushes were a game-changer for me. At first glance, yeah, they look like tiny torture devices...but once you get past the initial hesitation, they're surprisingly gentle and effective. I find them especially useful around my back molars, where flossing gets tricky.
One thing I'd add though: technique is everything. Took me a bit of trial and error to realize that gently twisting the brush as I insert it makes it way easier and less intimidating. Also, sizing matters—too big and it's uncomfortable; too small and you're not really cleaning anything. Once you find your Goldilocks size, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.
Still haven't fully conquered the splash zone myself, though your leaning-over-the-sink method sounds promising. Might give that a shot tonight...my bathroom mirror would thank me.
I've been experimenting with interdental brushes too, and yeah, sizing is definitely key. Took me three tries to find the right fit. Curious though—do you reuse yours, or toss after each session? I've heard mixed opinions on how often you should replace them, and the packaging isn't exactly clear...would love to hear what others are doing about this.
I've actually been reusing mine for a bit—budget reasons, haha. Usually, I'll rinse them really well after each use and keep going until the bristles look sad or bent outta shape. My dentist didn't seem too concerned when I mentioned it, just said to make sure they're clean and dry between uses. So far, no issues...and my wallet's happier too. But yeah, sizing is a journey—I still have a drawer full of rejects from my early experiments.
"Usually, I'll rinse them really well after each use and keep going until the bristles look sad or bent outta shape."
Haha, same here—I stretch mine out too. Honestly, as long as they're clean and not frayed beyond recognition, you're probably good. I found that gently reshaping the bristles after rinsing helps them last a bit longer. And yeah, sizing...been there, done that drawer of shame!
Honestly, as long as they're clean and not frayed beyond recognition, you're probably good.
Haha, glad I'm not the only one stretching out toothbrushes. I used to be super paranoid about germs and bristle wear when I first got braces—like, I'd toss brushes way too early just because they looked slightly off. But honestly, after a while, I realized as long as they're rinsed thoroughly and air-dried, it's probably fine. Still, I can't help but cringe a little when mine start looking "sad or bent outta shape"... old habits die hard, I guess.
