What floss do you recommend? Any experience with a Waterpik?

[claraleeza]

Up till now I've been using the little blue plastic threaders for flossing that my hygienist recommended to me, but I find them really fiddly and they make flossing even more time-consuming that it already is with braces. Thus, I figured I'd ask you guys if anyone has used the different types of floss available on the site (the ones with the sturdy/bendable ends) and has any recommendations.

And anyone had any experience with an electronic Waterpik flosser? Do they work? And more importantly, do they work with braces? Would one of these make flossing quicker? And Waterpik also sell a more expensive water jet cleaner. Is this to be used instead of flossing, or in addition to? Is it worth having?

Thanks!

[KriegeR]

I use Tee-Pee interdental brushes for my flossing. These are like tiny little pipe-cleaners on the end of a plastic handle. The brushes are so fine that they fit effortlessly between your teeth. Since I started using them my dentist claims my oral hygiene has increased significantly, so there must be some good in them.

They get around the problem of floss because you don't have to thread them around your braces. They can be a bit of a problem when it comes to your back teeth, but as they are made of thin wire, you can bend them over to get those hard to reach places.

The following site shows what they look like:

http://www.effectivecare.com/acatalog/E ... s_202.html

If you decide on using these, I recommend trying to get a multipack to start off with. As they come in different sizes it's difficult to judge which size will fit in between your teeth the best. I made this mistake and ended up buying one pack of each size and not using most of them, (I use 2 sizes, one for in between my teeth, and one for cleaning inside and around my brackets).

[Pirate Wench]

I am currently using those blue threaders as well. I also use the interdental brush....but there is no way they would fit BETWEEN my teeth. I use it to clean my brackets under the wire.

I think I will be buying a water pik soon. I will let you know when I buy it and how it goes.

[lionfish]

I use a combination of the interdens brushes and brushing (after every meal), and floss with Oral B Superfloss after dinner. I haven't used the waterpik (I don't believe it's available in Oz), but am happy with what I'm using now.

[nvcarissa]

I second the Crest Glide Floss. I've tried others, always come back to this. I use a prox brush for cleaning gaps and under my archwire and around brackets. Orthodontic toothbrush (bought a bunch at this site), toothpaste and mouthwash for the rest.