(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best dental floss & picks

Aww shit, my time to shine! I've been super interested in this topic too. Unfortunately I haven't found a great plethora of stuff, but I'll share what I know.

First of all, the biggest thing that I've learned is that people are exceedingly dispassionate about their oral care. There are some neat toothpastes/rinses out there, but finding a floss that isn't mint, or a toothbrush that doesn't have what I like to call the 'sport shoe aesthetic', is pretty hard.

My biggest tip is to look for stuff that is marketed to kids. Once I started doing that, I found all kinds of quirky stuff I wanted to try. A search on Amazon or eBay for kids toothpaste or mouthwash gave me some great western options. For asian products, a search on KoreaDepart for 'tooth' or 'mouth' yielded the best results for me.

Here's some products I've found, not all of them will be AB though.

Toothpaste:

• Marvis. They have 7 flavors and you can get a sampler pack to try all of them, which I did. Jasmine is definitely the standout flavor, although I also enjoyed the Cinnamon and Liquorice a lot. Ginger I thought would be interested but I didn't taste much ginger in it.
  
• A'pieu I Love Teeth. 3 flavors, I have the Applemint one but I haven't tried it yet.
  
• Rucipello. 3 flavors, I've not tried any but I was interested in the tropical ocean flavor.
  
• Supersmile. 5 flavors, was most curious about the Mandarin one.
  
• Aekyong 2080 Line Friends. 3 flavors.
  
• Tom's of Maine has some cool flavors.
  
• Hello Oral Care, more kids flavors.
  
• Theodent Chocolate Chip that I thought looked amazing.
  
• Aekyung 2080 Cheong-En Tea.
  
• LG has a bunch of salt/bamboo flavors.
  
• Himalaya Herbals ayurvedic toothpaste.
  
  Mouthwash:
  
  
• Rucipello, same flavors as the toothpaste. The vials are only 100 mL though, so not sure is it worth the money.
  
• ACT has a pretty good range of flavors.
  
• Tropicana Coconut Oil Pulling Mouthwash. Oil pulling is a thing, so there are lots of other natural type brands that have something like this.
  
• Diamond Whites Black Edition, similar to above but with charcoal. Again, lots of natural brands carry something like this.
  
• Eau de Bouche ginger mouthwash that I found just now.
  
• Propolinse Propolis mouthwash.
  
• Propolinse Sakura mouthwash.
  
• Auromere Ayurvedic mouthwash.
  
• Happy Mouth Lemonade kids mouthwash.
  
• Nature's Gate Raspberry mouthwash.
  
  Other:
  
  The above is what I've had the best time finding, other stuff is a little harder to come by.
  
  Flavored floss is a pretty hard find, I have a cranberry flavored one from Radius but I can't recommend it because it doesn't taste like much, and it will shred in your mouth if you have tight teeth. There are water flossers, or those little stick flossers, but I'm not super keen on those. There's this cupcake floss that I thought about trying.
  
  For whitening products, I found the most selection with Crest Whitestrips. There are other ways to do it, such as whitening gels with trays etc., I just like the options you have with Crest. I'm looking at grabbing the Gentle Routine kit, since I already have sensitive teeth and the sensitivity from whitening strips was always my biggest hurdle. Opalescence has some flavors of whitening gel, but it looks hardcore so I don't know much about it. This site looks like it sells to dentists, so exercise some caution here.
  
  For toothbrushes, I was never able to find a non-electric non-drugstore toothbrush that I liked all that much. I've been looking at electric options, and there are plenty of guides and products out there. Also, I stumbled across this monstrosity that runs for $4200! Haha it had the aesthetic I wanted for a toothbrush, but was a tiny bit out of my price range.
  
  Hope that helps! I've not tried a lot of mouth products, but hopefully this gives you some products to spark your interest and try yourself :)

1. Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Mini Toothbrush, Peppermint - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXAIN90/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_srDoDbQNF1M5N
   
   Great for on the go and at my desk for a quick “brush” but there aren’t many in a pack so I try to use no more than 1 of these per day. I got mine at Target but probably would get a better deal on Amazon.
   
   
2. Plackers Orthopick Flosser for Braces - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AKJ3W7I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HsDoDbRJTQV6P
   
   Samples of these came in my “kit” from my ortho and I ordered a stock on amazon. I use these at nigh and use my waterpik in the morning.
   
   
3. Plackers Grind No More Dental Night Guard for Teeth Grinding- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003GDKH9C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xtDoDbMBQ84EH
   
   I let my dentist and ortho know I use these (I prefer them to any other mouth guard I’ve tried) and they ok’d them with braces since they aren’t the heat & mold kind. I use them for a little longer than the box recommends (3 days) but toss them when they get gross.
   
   
4. GUM Orthodontic Wax, Mint with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQ9FF1J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iuDoDbAEJZPTT
   
   I keep seeing people saying they can’t keep wax on. I love this wax (I got 2 kinds, no flavor and mint) because it’s perforated and easy to size out. Just roll in your fingers before applying otherwise it’s not going to stick. The mint is nice and fresh! I am using this a lot while my cheeks are getting used to poking metal but always remove before eating or brushing!
   
   
5. Preserve Mint Tea Tree Flavored Toothpicks- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077J1K6ZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yvDoDbZ4D9Y
   
   Do not use these too aggressively, you don’t want to damage your braces! But after a meal these have been a lifesaver for me. I gently (and hopefully discretely) get food unstuck. I got minty ones and keep a pack in jackets, backpack, car... I’m serious when I say lifesaver!
   
   
6. Trident Sugar Free Chewing Gum- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1W4Y48/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AwDoDb2NFAKMM
   
   This is a bigger debate than getting wax to stick! My ortho did tell me that sugar free gum is allowed but not too much and don’t keep chewing it if it dissolves. Consult your ortho if you’re not sure. I was surprised to find that almost all gum is sugar free. Not all but most. I was searching all over for “SUGAR FREE” specifically and it was right at the register! I might get the 15 pack on Amazon though.
   
   
7. Slim Brush Interdental Cleaners- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009MHV3VW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cyDoDb81CT899
   
   Honestly I don’t use these that often but once and a while it’s nice to clean every nook and cranny. I have to force myself to floss every day so this isn’t something I use often. They are more gentle than toothpicks but food gets caught in the tiny bristles and it turns into a mess. I picked up a small pack at Target.

Ooh, I love this idea! I really want to try the Quimica now. I have two items:

1. Sonicare - these toothbrushes get your teeth so clean, it's amazing. After I brush my teeth my mouth is so refreshed it's one of the best feelings. I actually had a dentist appointment for a cleaning a few weeks ago, it was the first time I had gone in a year and a half (whoops) and she said my teeth and gums looked great. They're kind of expensive especially when compared to regular toothbrushes, but they probably cost half the price it takes to fix a cavity. This is the one I have it's only 60 dollars right now and I know they have package deals sometimes at Costco. Basically using one of these toothbrushes combined with flossing (I like these- I am more inclined to floss if I can look at r/MUA at the same time ;)) has made a huge difference in my oral hygiene, and has honestly improved my quality of life.
   
   WOW. I just realized how much I love my toothbrush. Haha, definitely a HG item for me.
   
   
2. Alba Botanica very emollient body lotion - I live in a place with 0% humidity so lotion is a must. Out of all the lotions I've tried this makes my skin feel the softest (which is super soft). It is thick and creamy but easy to rub in. I have tried all of them (original, unscented, dry skin, and SPF) and like them all. They cost about 20 dollars for the large bottle depending on where you get them, but the bottle lasts me for months- I put it all over my body up to my neck every other day. For the price, they can't be beat.

I wouldn't say waterpicks are better than flossing, but they do make a great addition to the oral health routine. I have seen a lot of patients benefit from them.

For you I think it would be a great investment because lets face it, flossing around brackets it difficult and time consuming. A waterpick would be a great way to flush out food/debris that are stuck around the brackets and in between teeth. Personally I recommend the product shower floss ( http://www.amazon.com/showerfloss-SF-1-ShowerFloss-by/dp/B0018AGB7M) because I feel the tips fit better in the mouth and it is much less bulky and cumbersome than the waterpick. I use it ever day in addition to regular floss.

Good on you for realising that with braces good oral hygiene is critical. Don't forget to brush the area of the teeth between the bracket and gumline, as I've seen a lot of patients in braces struggle with this and end up with decay and gum issues once the brackets are removed. Spend a few extra minutes gently massaging the gums with a brush every day, a smaller head kid's toothbrush works great in those tight areas.

Hope this helps.

You and I have a lot of the same stuff! Here are the intersections:

• Nike Free 4.0
  
• Outlier Slim Dungarees
  
• Outlier New Way Shorts
  
• Smartwool Socks (although I prefer my Chrome merino socks now)
  
• Sony Xperia Z3 (but I don't have the compact)
  
• Dr. Bronner's (but everyone has this!)
  
  Things you have that are on my shopping list:
  
  
• Outlier merino co/pivot
  
  Things that someone with our taste might like, and that I don't see in your list:
  
  
• FLOSSCARD - super small floss
  
• Lunatec Trekr - durable & super light wash cloth
  
• Neutrogena Lip Balm w/ SPF - sunburned lips suck
  
  That Vapur bottle looks nice. I have the Platypus, which looks pretty similar.
  
  Are you working at all while traveling?
  
  Thanks for the info and inspiration!

First off congrats on the decision to quit that's the first step the next is to figure out your triggers and think of ways to resist. Try gum,candy, flavored toothpicks keeping your mouth occupied is important also keep your hands busy fidget spinners are becoming popular and remotely cheap. Another thing is be honest with yourself if you feel like you need a cigarette resist that feeling as much as long as you can I'm taking hours not minutes. Before you can commit to a life time you need to be able to commit to a single day so your first task is to make it through one day of not smoking. What I did was limit myself I only allowed myself so many cigarettes in a day my limit was 3 now this doesn't mean I will smoke 3 the goal was not to smoke any but if the urge got to strong I would smoke one and as time went on I found myself holding out longer and longer soon after I wouldn't finish the entire thing.

You got this in the bag! Below are some links, also I highly recommend this app called smoke free and urge you to purchase the premium version if you can buy a pack of cigarettes you can purchase this app try it out first its feee to download and it's on both iOS and android

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CJI7S8I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493706718&sr=8-1&keywords=flavored+toothpicks

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smoke-free-quit-smoking-now-and-stop-for-good/id577767592?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.portablepixels.smokefree&hl=en

Oh wow let me know how it goes for you! The surgeon I just rotated with does the Linx procedure.

Also on the brushing a ton but flossing twice a week, I honestly feel like you'd be better off flossing more and brushing less. Cavities form from all the trapped food between your teeth and gumline, and without flossing it gets stuck in there. Seems like it would be better for your gums if you flossed after every meal and used mouthwash rather than brushing 15 times a day.

Sometimes for snacks I will floss and chew gum or use mouthwash, or use a wisp mini toothbrush. I use these flossers during the day and I really like them. https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Care-Floss-Picks/dp/B001P920WG

Cool! I like to carry these GUM soft picks around when I go to lunch, etc. Pretty easy to find at the drugstore. Good luck!

The Waterpik doesn't replace flossing. It's really helpful to clean food out after you eat, but is supplemental to actual physical flossing. I'm also not sure if it's just me, but the Waterpik doesn't always remove all food either. I always go back through with either floss or an interdental brush afterwards to make sure I get everything out.

I know a lot of people like the floss picks, but I never liked them even when I didn't have braces. I find them harder to use than just regular floss. I use Oral-B Satin Floss: https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Complete-Satin-Dental-Floss/dp/B009H17ODE. I learned how to floss without using floss threaders or any other special braces-specific tools. I figured out it was more efficient to floss and made it more likely for me to stick with flossing regularly if I tried to make flossing with braces as close to my flossing routine used to be without braces.

Happy to help...

Not sure what your budget is so I went with my cheapest advice. Let me know if you are looking to spend more or want a higher quality set up

Equipment

Get a basic rig and quartz banger. The one I linked is a set (rig+banger) but you often need to buy these separately. Buy online if you can: 99% chance your local head shop will rip you off badly. At least buying online, you buy the chinese crap at a reasonable price. If you don't know anything about glass, don't spend more than $50 on a rig.

If you have to buy a quartz banger separately, don't spend more than $15-20 on it. Again, buying from a reputable site online will insure you actually get a quartz banger and not a glass one. If you want to get into it more, look into carb caps and inserts down the line, but you don't need those to start off imo (although I would recommend splurging if you can afford to).

Make sure your banger and rig FIT. If you buy a rig with a 14mm male end piece, you'll need a 14mm female banger to go with it.

You'll also need a dabber which is just a tool to put the dab into the banger. No need to get fancy, a stainless steel dentist tool will work just fine

Lastly, a blow torch. I recommend going to your local hardware and picking up a standard propane torch. These are much more reliable than butane torches in the long run, and are much, much cheaper to refill.

All in, you should look to spend ~$80 for your first set up. If you're ever looking to upgrade, I'd start with getting a quartz insert and carb cap first (look up videos on youtube to learn to use).

Online Stores

Here are some places I buy from regularly: thedabstore.com thedablab.com kravinglass.com neglassart.com/ aqualabtechnologies.com/ ...there are plenty of reputable places out there, just do a little research. Most of these sites regularly have 15-40% sales. Try not to buy stuff not on sale (they run sales more often than they don't). Don't forget to use the promo codes!

Dabbing

Once you have your set up, the games begin! The most "difficult" part now is getting the timing right. This will be trial and error. Always time your dabs (heat up time + cool down time).

That might look like this: you torch the banger for 30 seconds, then let it cool for 30 seconds, then dab. Did the dab sizzle a ton or turn black and burn the sides of the banger? Probably too hot. Need to extend cool-down time, or shorten heat-up time.

If the dab is melting but it's just chilling in the banger, not producing much smoke: you didn't get it hot enough, again adjust times so it's warmer when you hit it.

There are a million videos on youtube teaching this part, just do some research and experiment.

The first thing you can do to save time is spend less time doing it! It sounds like you’re doing a great job... probably too great. You can traumatize the gums a bit by flossing too much or with too much force. So, ease up and don’t be concerned about using the same piece off floss for the entire mouth. As long as you disrupt the plaque and debris that adheres to the tooth surface by flossing daily, you’re doing better than 90% of the people that I see. I’m a dentist and cheat with these. I occasionally pour a little mouthrinse in a cup and dip the flosser in it between teeth.

I use floss picks that are designed for braces. I order these from Amazon. I also will use easy brush interdental cleaners. The easy brushes are my favorite because they are quick and easy to do between classes and are a bit more discrete than brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush. These you can pick up at most grocery or convenience stores.

Edit: Added where I buy my favorite products.

The one the other guy recommended you is the one my sister uses. I don't like it, I find it to be too fine and something about it makes me cringe. I use the opposite probably of that kind so I am showing you that option incase you feel the same way. It's a bit wider but it's more smooth against my gums and I like it better. Either way, there's no better time than now to start flossing. I hated it too, but in no time it becomes part of your routine and takes like 30 seconds. Good luck! http://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Pro-Health-Clean-Flavor/dp/B00240MO2G

Two recommendations. One, buy a waterpik. They are amazing and I love mine. It shoots water between your teeth instead of using floss.

My cheaper suggestion is buy these things. They're like little pipe cleaners for your mouth.

I never knew this existed! Thanks for sharing, I'll definitely get one soon :)

If anyone's interested: shower water flosser

I have the same problem with my teeth. They're all incredibly tightly spaced. My dentist recommend getting ribbon floss that's waxed. It's thin and slippery and you only to have pull back and forth gently to get the floss in between your teeth. It's much better than regular string floss

I tried out Crest's Glide floss and liked it: https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Pro-Health-Clean-Flavor/dp/B001FWXSBU

Don't buy it from Amazon. It's overpriced. This floss was great and never tore on my fillings. I also don't think my gums bled at all when I used it.

Right now I'm using Oral B Satin Floss: https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Complete-Satin-Floss-Mint/dp/B009H17ODE

It's almost as good but I don't like the texture. I only got it because it was on sale at my grocery store.

You should definitely look into one of these.

Yep, I've used these my whole life. Until fairly recently, I didn't even know about the tiny disposable flossers. They're very easy to maneuver around, and I used them growing up as well. It's a bit more floss use because you need enough to wind around a little spool (just once), up one handle, across the gap, and down the other to go around the spool again to hold the floss taut, but they're a hard plastic. Everyone in my family has had one as long as I can remember, and in all of my memory I don't recall anyone having one break or having to replace it in 30 years so far. Frankly I'd be peeved if any of ours were ever to break!

I just rinse it before and after use and discard the used floss. Our dentists give them out for free in their little goody bag of brushes, toothpaste, and floss so anyone who is interested may want to ask their dentist's office if they have any before jumping to buy them.

Shouldnt present too much of an issue but be sure to prime first. That will really show off any issues.

You can also try and clean it out with a dental pick. $8.00 on amazon That could really get into the panel lines and clear it out.

The patch and Chantix both were helpful (not at the same time). But my secret weapon was these Cinnamon Toothpicks. It took care of the oral fixation thing. Also, this brand specifically is stronger, so when you really start gnawing on them because a craving hits, they don't disintegrate. They really help.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Tea-Tree-Therapy-Toothpicks-Cinnamon/dp/B01D1WPSD2/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540424866&sr=8-4&keywords=cinnamon+toothpicks

​

​

YSK: there are plenty of next-generation specialty toothpastes available online that haven't hit the mainstream market that are far superior to your run-of-the-mill Crest with fluoride toothpaste. Try finding something with Novamin, a novel remineralization agent. There are also electric flossers that will make flossing FAR EASIER.

e.g.

• Hummingbird Flosser
  
  
• Collins Toothpaste

You should get some of the little flossers. I use for my 3.5 year old and he really likes them. They taste like fruit smoothies! It makes flossing a million times easier and they come with fluoride coating! https://www.amazon.com/Plackers-Dental-Floss-Picks-Count/dp/B01I407CIU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=kids+flossers&qid=1571921857&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUzk4MTc5T1dKTkRUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODIxNzkwMlg0N1pBUk9KMEdGSyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzI0MzkxMTJYWUgzS1A3VlZSTCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Yes, but there are special teeth picks made especially for braces like these

Heres the exact WaterPik that I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CU9VF2Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one contains the pocket pik, it's the only attachment I use on it really. You can buy the pocket piks separately too:

https://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-Dental-Water-Pocket-Replacement/dp/B001NIZ5V2/ref=pd_sim_194_9?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001NIZ5V2&pd_rd_r=DAF5M4AETBY4W5V96HKD&pd_rd_w=JVU33&pd_rd_wg=09pZS&psc=1&refRID=DAF5M4AETBY4W5V96HKD

When you use it, only use 2-4 pressure on the water. Like I said, I like to put some mouthwash in the tank to help kill the bacteria down in the gumline.

As for it being similar to the AirFloss, it may be, I haven't used that device. But I'm pretty sure WaterPik has a patent on the pulsing water technology for flossing, so either way the WaterPik is arguably better.

I should also note that I use the WaterPik more than any device I own for dental health, mostly because I can literally feel it cleaning those areas where I previously had plague build up, especially in the areas on my bottom teeth that have extreme crowding that floss can't get into.

Get some Plackers, yo. You can sit there flossing while doing anything else. I floss like 3x per day. (Brand is important in my experience--the other brands break super easily.) https://www.amazon.com/PLACKERS-Freshens-Breath-Dental-Flossers/dp/B00ENLEGIE

Probaby this one, but we bought that one because we're a family and so we used/needed multiple thingymabobbers. If you have wrist problems you may want to buy a bigger one (like the one I linked), because the single ones look a bit heavy, but apart from that I think to just be sure to check reviews, prices, and find what option works best for you!

Get an oral irrigator. These are fantastic.

Oral Breeze ShowerBreeze Water Jet Dental Irrigator, Easy Shower Installation, Treats Gum Disease Naturally, Use 15 Seconds Daily https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ES2HNI/

It was pretty typical. It was just a small plastic container... just like these, the first ones that came up on an Amazon search for dental floss. 50 meters in each little box.

I used to use the Oral-B Hummingbird and they were amazing, especially since you could buy the box of floss attachments for them in bulk.

Yes, common in the U.S., and especially helpful for people like me (with tight contacts and lots of fillings between my teeth.)

Have you ever seen those floss containers shaped like credit cards?

check it out!

GUM Flossmate Handle #845 - Pack Of 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N25B4IW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_utLVDb5NF5FA7

I use these and they work great!

By far the best one I've ever tried: Glide Pro-Health

Gotta love people who are assholes. I find these to be a good option. They have a plastic spike you can use for heavy duty stuff, on top of being the fastest way to floss I have ever found.

Personally, I like keeping a bag of mini flossers in my car to prevent situations such as that, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/PLACKERS-Dental-Flossers-Micro-Mint/dp/B00ENLEGIE

This would be a great "ShittyAskScience" question if it wasn't for the fact that dental floss already comes in a wide variety of sugary flavors including Bubble Gum and Cupcake.

I like either the Platypus or Plackers flosser picks. The one arm is small enough to go between the teeth and the wire so you don’t have to “thread” them through.

Like these: https://www.amazon.com/Plackers-Orthopick-Flosser-Braces-Flossers/dp/B01AKJ3W7I/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=plackers+orthopick+flosser+for+braces&qid=1573416482&sprefix=plackers&sr=8-5

I thought you were making up a product name to be funny but sure enough it is a real dental tool available at a reasonable price. At up to 90 psi, this will surely live up to your claim. I'm getting one now.

https://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-WP100W-Flosser-Pressure-Settings/dp/B00CU9VF2Q?th=1

These things are amazing, they push all the same buttons for me except nicotine.

Tea Tree Therapy Toothpicks, Cinnamon, 100 Count (2-Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1WPSD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dN2bAbE3Y1X06

Hot Cinnamon Toothpicks 200ct https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJI7S8I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TxOfzb81VX21D

Amazon sells similar ones. :)

Use this to floss https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjFj7bvluPkAhWJ-GQKHfUNAU0YABAKGgJwag&ae=1&sig=AOD64_3EhdnRq-ycNRbtXus4yOLkPGomdA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjUpavvluPkAhUPup4KHYZHAGkQwg96BAgKEBE&adurl=https://www.amazon.com/Plackers-Orthopick-Flosser-Braces-Flossers/dp/B01AKJ3W7I/ref%3Dasc_df_B01AKJ3W7I/%3Ftag%3Dhyprod-20%26linkCode%3Ddf0%26hvadid%3D312163463904%26hvpos%3D1o3%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D2737546551199925763%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dm%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D1013976%26hvtargid%3Daud-801657747996:pla-569282067288%26psc%3D1


You can buy it from Walmart as well. I think it's cheaper on Walmart. I have been using this for over 2 years now and it works very well.

As soon as teeth popped through. We started slowly though. The first time they just sat in our lap after our 6mo check up. The hygienist counted their teeth, and they got a prize, toothbrush, and toothpaste. We worked our way up to the hygienist brushing teeth at our next visit, the next she used the cleaner/polisher, the next the fluoride treatment. By the time they were 3 they were pretty much having full appointments with us every 6 months.

As far as brushing their teeth, always. Before they had teeth, we bought a baby brush set and we brushed their gums. When teeth started being seen, we switched to a soft toothbrush. No fluorinated until they are reliably spitting their toothpaste out. We also now use kids mouthwash, and use flossers.


We didn't have dental insurance when I was a kid and I had a HUGE phobia of dentists. I had 2 molars rot out of my mouth, so I'm pretty neurotic about my kids and their teeth. My 7 year old brushes all on his own now, my 4 year old still has to have us do it.

You need to see a dentist full stop.
To help, get a decent electric tooth brush, brush properly twice a day for the full 2 minutes.
30 seconds a 1/4.

Also floss! It's so important.
If you struggle with flossing get something like this to help.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Glide-Floss-Picks-30-pc/dp/B001P920WG

You will find your gums are going to bleed after flossing, this will be normal if you never floss.
As its signs of gum disease. Just keep it up and in a few days you will notice less blood.
Then hopefully non at all.

Then keep up flossing every second day. For the rest of your life.

Also get some Fluoriguard Mouthwash. Do that in the middle of the day.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018AGB7M/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_h9i4wb6K38FAH

Edit: if you purchase this product make sure to properly clean the threads where the shower head is screwed on to. Use an abrasive if you need to. Also, make sure to apply plumbers tape on the threads afterwards so there's no leaking!

Is this it?

Looks pretty cheap. Do you know if there are any videos online or proper methods of using it described somewhere?

I checked out the airflosser but I think I will hold out on it for a little while.

couple more questions if you don't mind:

are you a dentist / dental student or are just speaking from general life experience and any idea about these things? ("soft picks")

Think that this is a way better alternative to disposable flossers.

https://www.amazon.com/GUM-Flossmate-Handle-845-Pack/dp/B00N25B4IW

I use these for a reason, the angle hold makes it easier to reach the areas in the back.

my new dental hygienist asked me to try Gum Soft-Picks instead of threading floss through with those BS threader things (which is what I told her was the whole reason I wasn't flossing, I just didn't have the patience to thread floss through my teeth)

So, apparently the soft-picks aren't quite as good as the threading the floss through but they're close, and it's better than nothing :)

On the subject of flossing, I got one of these and the difference it makes is huge http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ES2HNI
It's like a pressure washer for your teeth and gums.

I like these Tea Tree Therapy Toothpicks, Cinnamon.

Water picks are good but only if you really cant floss. Think about the difference between hosting something down or actually wiping it with a sponge.

Flossing with braces can be a pain but maybe something like these gum picks or [Wisdom clean between brushes] (http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Clean-Between-Interdental-Brushes/dp/B001RYOPQ8/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1375050257&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=wizdom+clean+between) will get in the tricky areas to use alongside your water pick.

The one I have is an older model (linked here just so you can see it) and I really like it because my teeth are pretty tight and regular flossing is a pain in the ass so I just wouldn't do it. I like this one because it holds a lot of water so you can sort of go slowly and not have to worry about refilling it halfway through. I use it over the sink and wait to turn it on once i have the pick part in my mouth. I would say it's less messy if once you get to your front teeth you run it under your lips instead of smiling to expose your gums/teeth (if that makes sense.) But it's definitely helped with gum sensitivity and getting me to "floss" more often.

This is the Reach-type flosser

This is a floss holder, which would have the least plastic waste and cost, plus you can use your favorite floss.

With these: http://www.amazon.com/Gum-632-GUM-SOFT-PICKS/dp/B000GGJCM0

And it doesn't suck.

My wife thought I was crazy bringing a few of these on our last trip to keep in the daypack for the exact reason you mentioned. She's never had to experience what feels like having a small dagger wedged between your teeth.

Get some Plackers.

https://www.amazon.com/PLACKERS-Freshens-Breath-Dental-Flossers/dp/B00ENLEGIE

Boys and girls, let me tell you about soft picks. Poke em' betwixt your teeth and then be about your business.

And DenTek floss. This is an essential part to my EDC

I found cupcake flavor...does that count?
https://www.amazon.com/Accoutrements-11927-Cupcake-Dental-Floss/dp/B004I07II0

Water driven flosser.
http://www.amazon.com/ShowerBreeze-Water-Jet-Dental-Irrigator/dp/B003ES2HNI

https://www.amazon.com/Plackers-Dental-Floss-Flossers-Micro/dp/B00ENLEGIE

How about this?

GUM Soft Picks

https://www.amazon.com/ShowerBreeze-Irrigator-lifetime-warranty-flosser/dp/B003ES2HNI/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485749480&sr=1-1&keywords=shower+waterpik

• Cheap Dental Wax from CVS
  
• G.U.M. brand soft picks
  
• Byrd G-10
  
• Dash 1.0 wallet
  

There are options to flossing. I use this. Since I shower every other day, I'm removing plaque at the same time. No more strings of bacteria in your life. Any dentist will admit that regular use of a hydro jet device is superior because it also removes tongue and cheek bacteria film.

Confirmation bias: daily smoker (with a few exceptions) for 40 years this month. Up to a few years ago, I carried my wisdom teeth with no problem. Because of some other issues with my liver, I can't have oral surgery because of low platelets. For 20 years, dentists have told me I have gum disease and my teeth all need pulling. When there is no surgery to be had, they send me home. This repeats about every 5 years. And I still have my teeth with no cavities.

So yeah, lots of smoke, lots of hang wringing by dentists and not much issue with the teeth. It am what it am.

You just have to get a decent one. - my dentist recommended this one to me because flossing scares me (better than not flossing at all). It's similar to this one (I think the one I got was discontinued). I use half ACT and half water while "flossing":

https://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-WP-100W-White-Ultra-Flosser/dp/B00CU9VF2Q/ref=sr_1_13_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1543508983&sr=1-13&keywords=waterpik&th=1


Edit: The one I have that is similar to this has settings so you can have it not so powerful to get used to it and then just keep upping it to hat you can stand.

I use this.

My only complaint is that it needs a tighter grip on the floss.

I have to wrap a ton of it all over and lengthwise for it to not come loose. This would be solved by including a cut on the bottoms for floss to go into.

Another downside is finding a way to rotate floss without wasting a lot of it.

I have the Showerbreeze dental irrigator. It hooks up just before your showerhead and has a little valve to control the water pressure. All the mess stays in your shower, you don't have to worry about spraying all over the bathroom, and it doesn't use any electricity, just the water pressure from your shower.

floss swords because string floss is a pain in the ass and a waterpic (in my opinion) doesn't do as good of a job.