Not flossing

[kelly88]

How bad is it?

I am so upset. I fell off my bike at the weekend and now have a cast which covers all my fingers of my left hand. It's on for at least two weeks. Flossing is literally impossible. I'm so worried about it. How bad is not flossing for those two weeks going to be? Reassure me, please? I have a Waterpik and will use that. Is that going to be good enough though? I stress so much over flossing!

[EWUgal15]

I've seen a lot of arguments both for and against using a Waterpik as a substitute for flossing. I think that you'll be ok using just the Waterpik for two weeks, as long as you do a really good clean along the gum line. You could also look into orthodontic flossers that you could use one handed with your right hand. Might be trickier if you're left handed though

[kelly88]

I've been thinking of trying those ones on the plastic holders (if that makes sense ) but how easy is it to get them behind the wires? I think you can get orthodontic ones, right? Is that what you mean?

[EWUgal15]

These things: http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/placke ... 69-product
I've also seen another brand (it gets marked as spam) but they are more expensive and you don't get as many.

I have a ton of them are they are great for my molars, but I find it hard to get them under my wire everywhere else. Admittedly, I haven't tried using them with rectangular wires. Definitely worth a shot though!

[metalliKa]

Argh! I'm very accident prone as well! I collided with another boarder while boogie boarding this weekend. Had to make an emergency visit to the ortho because I bent my wire in the lower left back arch. It was painful as I couldn't chew anything on that side. Luckily, my teeth are still in place! Hope you feel better soon!

Yes, try the plackers orthopik. It has a flat end so you can easily slide it between your brackets under the archwire.

[djspeece]

I use the GUM brand "Go between" brushes dipped in Listerine instead of flossing, with good results. I also use them to clean under the arch wire for each tooth.

[EWUgal15]

I use the GUM brand "Go between" brushes dipped in Listerine instead of flossing, with good results. I also use them to clean under the arch wire for each tooth.

I've done this too. Seems to work pretty well, especially if you can get the brush between your teeth.

[leelou905]

Er I'll be honest... I just waterpik and only occasionally floss... Which is probably something like once a week

[jfriend33]

butler gum gobetweens were my saving grace at first for cleaning things up with my tpa/button. I had to use the smallest size. Then I discovered Plackers with their nifty angle and fell in love. Much longer lasting.

I would not advise anyone just start using these interdental brushes, especially as substitution for flossing. Proxabrushes too. Do not force these in between your teeth. Unless you have ample space with little force.... please be careful.

Man. I never even considered how horrible that would be. I am meticulous with my oral hygiene I would make someone floss for me!

Another thing you may want to consider is, schedule in an extra cleaning. I go every 3 months or more just because I am ocd. Go find an accredited dental hygiene school and pay em $30 to clean your teeth an extra time. Its fun and it is a great learning experience for them! Just don't get your teeth xray'ed more often than they need to be!