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When it comes to oral care, flossing is not at the top of everyone’s priority list. (Sorry, dentists everywhere!) Not only is it one more thing to remember to do, but it can be a bit of challenging feat—cue to an image of me trying desperately to reach in-between my molars. For those who struggle with using traditional floss, floss picks are a great alternative.
“Floss picks are great for people on the go and for brushers with manual dexterity issues,” says Dr. Joshua Perlman, DMD of NYC Smile Spa. They help give the brusher the ability to get to those hard-to-reach areas with ease and comfort. But, make sure to floss with care. Because floss picks are so ergonomic, it can be easy to use them too harshly. “If you apply too much pressure, you can cause trauma to the gums,” says Dr. Lawrence Fung, Cosmetic Dentist and Founder of Silicon Beach Dental. Avoid pushing too hard between the grooves of the teeth—this can cause lacerations or irreversible gum recessions.
Lucky for you, floss picks are not only easy to use, but they’re perfect for toting around. Pop a few in your pocket and you’ll be armed and ready to encourage healthy teeth.
Explore some of the best floss picks below.
This sturdy floss pick gets between even the tightest spots, dislodging plaque and other no-nos. It's received the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance because it's safe and shown to be effective at removing plaque and preventing gingivitis. As a bonus, you’ll find fluoride coating on each pick.
Activated charcoal, a fine grain powder, is the featured ingredient in these sustainable plant-based floss picks. It’s known to help remove and absorb surface stains and improve bad breath. “Plus, the textured floss is made of vegan wax,” adds Dr. Fung.
With the added zing of Scope Outlast, this smooth floss pick gives an extra burst of minty goodness. Indulge in the refreshing taste of mint as you floss away every debris and particle. Users also report that it glides seamlessly into tight spaces.
Not only do you get three packs of 30 floss picks, but you also get a free carry case with each pack which makes this perfect for travel and for families. Reviewers report that the thread is strong—read: no ripping—and successfully gets in between tight teeth.
While it’s ideal to floss twice a day, Dr. Fung recommends flossing after every meal to remove food particles. When stuck to the teeth, they can contribute to bad breath and even tooth decay.