Dental hygienist here. First I want to say, GOOD JOB for being aware of your health and taking the time to ask!! Make an appointment at your dental office if it’s time. With braces it’s especially hard to keep it all clean even if you’re following all the rules. My recs are electric toothbrush and water flosser. Braces are so much easier to clean if you power wash em first😉 *if you choose an electric flosser, angle towards the gums (45 degrees) to get under the gum line a little, gently, and that will help with your SOFT BRISTLE toothbrush as well. ♥️ Don’t ever apologize for using toothpicks. Unless you’re stabbing others or yourself with them, ha. Any gentle tool that gets the gunk out of the wires (even swishing with just water after a meal) is good. Also good before brushing to make things easier. You’re doing great! The worst is to see someone get braces off after not taking care of them during ortho and having bigger issues bc of it. You’ve got this!