Floss vs Floss Pick: Are Floss Picks Better than Floss?
Around 20% of adults have never flossed their own teeth. Flossing is an important partner with your toothbrush to keep your smile healthy and strong. There are many different brands of floss on the market for you to choose from.
There are two main options for flossing: traditional floss vs floss picks. But which is better?
In this article, we will compare regular floss vs floss picks and discuss some of the factors that can influence your decision in choosing the right floss for you.
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Traditional Floss v Floss Picks
There are several different types of floss on the market ranging in size, shape, and flavor. Each smile is unique and it’s important to choose the best dental products for you to keep your mouth healthy and strong.
Whether you are a longtime flosser or new to the habit, this article will provide you with the information you need to choose the best flossing method for your needs.
The Importance of Flossing
Brushing only cleans two-thirds of the tooth’s surface. Flossing supports a healthy smile by removing food, plaque, and bacteria from in between the teeth. No matter how hard or long you brush, the toothbrush bristles cannot mechanically clean in between the teeth.
Flossing daily will help your smile by:
- Reducing harmful bacteria’s activity in the mouth preventing cavities.
- Keeping the enamel strong to protect against tooth sensitivity.
- Preventing stains from building up on the teeth making your smile whiter.
- Maintaining healthy gums by reducing inflammation in the mouth and body.
Floss vs Floss Picks
Finding the right floss for your smile can be overwhelming. When choosing between floss vs floss picks, you want to think of what your smile needs. Are your teeth very tight or do you have more spaces and gaps between the teeth? Do you have a hard time manipulating the floss to clean the teeth far back in your mouth?
Whatever floss you choose to use, it’s important to use the correct technique. When inserting the floss in between the teeth, make sure the string is hugging the tooth as you move the floss up and down.
For more tips on using dental floss, check out our article Floss Dental Care.
Traditional String Floss
Traditional floss, also known as string floss, is a small strand of material, typically made of nylon or a similar material, that is used to clean the spaces between your teeth. The biggest difference between string floss vs floss picks is how you use it.
Technique: Wrap the floss around your middle finger, leaving a few inches in between for your pointer finger and thumb to pinch and guide. Curve the floss into a C-shape and move up/down against one side, then the other, before taking it out and moving on to the next.
Pros: String floss can be manipulated in many different ways making it more universal. It can properly clean between tight teeth and areas with more spaces and gaps. Using a long string of floss will also ensure you’re always using a clean piece of floss.
Cons: For some, it’s harder to hold traditional string floss. If you have compromised dexterity or your fingers are simply to large to reach in the back of the mouth, string floss may be harder to use properly.
When comparing floss vs floss picks, traditional string floss allows you to easily adjust the amount of floss you use and maneuver it around the contours of your teeth. This can make it more effective at removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Floss Picks
Floss picks are small, pre-threaded plastic picks that have a small piece of floss attached to a handle. You can choose from several different variations of floss picks handles, making it easy to hold and maneuver in the mouth.
Technique: Gently slide the floss between the teeth. Push the floss pick against the tooth so that it is hugging the surface as best as possible. Move up/down against one side, then the other, before taking out and moving on to the next.
Pros: Floss picks are easier to hold and move than regular floss, which can make them a good option for people with dexterity issues. Floss picks are also convenient because they are disposable and can be thrown away after use.
Cons: Floss picks may not work for each spot in the mouth and can be harder to control. Floss picks aren’t able to reach as deep in the gum pockets compared to string floss. You also don’t have the advantage of using a clean piece of string for each spot in the mouth.
Additional Types of Floss
Traditional string floss vs floss picks aren’t the only two options for cleaning between the teeth. Other types of floss that help improve your oral health are:
- Expanding Floss: This string of floss expands when inserted into the pocket. It’s easy to insert but removes more debris. This floss is perfect around restorations or where food gets stuck easily.
- Floss Threader: Using a floss threader will guide the floss under bridges, braces, and fused teeth. You can buy the threader separately or already attached to the string.
- Water Flossers: Water flossers are a great resource for fighting bacteria and maintaining a healthy smile. They work great for cleaning braces, dentures, and dental restorations.
- Our Water Flosser Guide has more information.
There are other tools to work with your toothbrush and dental floss to keep your smile healthy and strong. To learn more about these tools, check out our article Floss Alternatives.
Floss vs Floss Picks: Are Floss Picks Better Than String Floss
The decision to use floss picks or regular floss ultimately comes down to what works best for your individual smile. It’s important to choose the option that you will use regularly and consistently in order to maintain good oral hygiene.
When you start flossing, you may notice that there is some discomfort in the teeth. This is completely normal and decreases quickly as you continue this habit. Our Why Your Teeth Hurt After Flossing breaks down this occurrence.
You may also notice your gums bleeding after you start flossing. This is completely normal and will decrease as your gum health improves. Gums bleed due to the harmful bacteria causing inflammation in the mouth and body.
For additional tips for beginners on flossing, check out our Proven Ways to Heal Bleeding Gums When Flossing.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
