Metal Mouth Message Board

Currently I'm brushing several times a day and using the Waterpik I just got. My ortho gave me some of those G-U-M Eez-Thru things you're supposed to thread through your wires and use to pull the floss through, kinda like a needle threader. I'm having all kinds of trouble using these things and no luck at all flossing, which my ortho told me to do at least once a week cuz I'm using the Waterpik.

I just ordered some of those spam spam spam flossers which I haven't receive yet, and I'm hoping that will solve the problem. Meanwhile, I was wondering if anybody has any ideas or suggestions to pass along. Maybe all I need is the Waterpik. It's amazing what comes flyin out of my mouth when I use it.

Thanks.

I absolutely could not floss with my braces on as there simply wasn't enough space...my teeth are the only small things about me! lol...

However, I water pikked, used an electric toothbrush (carefully) and used mouthwash at least once a day and my dental hygiene has been fine all along.

Check with your dentist that's all well and hopefully that will be enough for you, too.

T xx

I used intradental brushes -- also called Christmas tree brushes -- dipped in Listerine. They come in packs. I used the ones from GUM called Proxabrush. They come in various sizes for narrow to wide gaps.

Thanks. I already use the GUM Softpicks and I've got some Proxibrush thingies that are sturdier and like industrial strength Softpicks. Looks like I'm covered. How do you know what size Proxibrushes you've got? My girlfriend gave me a handful.

http://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-c ... oCxJ3w_wcB


They're color coded.

Also see the thread http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =7&t=47600

In addition to the waterpik, I picked up Oral-B Superfloss, as well as Plackers for Braces (Orange kind). Between those three I think I can do a reasonable job cleaning between the brackets and under the wires...

I found some flossers especially made for braces. Finally, something that works. They are named after the animal that is a mammal but has a duck bill and webbed feet.

My teeth are impossible to floss now. I have to use extra wax fliss dipped in mouthwash. A couple teeth are so tight the floss cuts my finger. I hope when I get my braces this week it does not get worse.

I tried to do it yesterday and it was just impossible! I also have teeth over the top of each other a bit so it's always been outrageously hard. The dentist went through them all with a diamond coated doodad to very very finely file them down to help, and it's helped with a few teeth but not all.

I've been using my air flosser (or water flosser, whatever you choose to call them) though, and that's been helping. Seems to be good for braces!


-MM

I use the floss picks designed for braces but I get you it is hard to floss. Threaders take a ton much time. I've not tried the water pik.

I just You tubed flossing with braces...Yikes that looks a lengthy process....
Think I might also invest in a waterpik!!

You get much quicker at it with practice I do it nightly + waterpik but there have been times in the beginning when everything was tight as well as straight after an adjustment when I can only stand to do the waterpik. I don't think I'd survive braces-hood without a waterpik!

I use Super Floss due to the stiffer ends and so far it's ok. I also use those interdental Christmas tree type of things and they work well too. Both take up quite a bit if time though at night so I'm thinking of getting a Waterpic for my lazy nights. (I already foresee I'll be having some of them once the weather breaks and I resume rooftop drinking.)

Flossing was tough for me the first few days as well because I was in pain. However, I now use regular waxed floss with a threader and have am able to do it just about as quickly as I could pre-braces. There is definitely a learning curve but once you get it you're golden. Having said that, I also have a water pick which I use everyday in addition to flossing. It give me the assurance I need that I am getting everything.

Crest Glide Threader Floss is great for tight spaces and those first weeks of adapting to braces on your teeth.