Dental Floss or Floss Picks: Does it Matter?

Why Flossing Is Important

Before we get into the debate of traditional dental floss vs. floss picks, why is flossing so important in the first place? While nothing can replace brushing as the most important way to clean your teeth, flossing is the next most important. All the areas in between your teeth that can’t be reached with toothbrush bristles need to be cleaned somehow.

Dental floss and floss picks are the main options when it comes to flossing. Both versions are typically made from nylon, Teflon, silk, or polyester. Flossing with either allows for removal of trapped food particles where brushes can’t reach and helps to remove plaque buildup and bacteria, which can lead to cavities.

Floss Picks

Floss picks are a super popular option and convenient for kids who may have difficulty coordinating regular floss. Floss picks are a curved piece of plastic, typically in the shape of a D, with a small piece of floss threaded at the opening. On the other end is usually a toothpick to help remove large food particles in hard-to-reach areas.

Floss Pick Pros:

• individual pieces/portable
• easier to use
• gets in hard-to-reach areas

Floss Pick Cons:

• reuses the same inch of floss for the entire mouth, transferring bacteria
• can become shredded with use, holding more bacteria
• can be harsh on sensitive gums

Traditional Dental Floss

Dental floss really is the golden standard and is no longer limited to what it used to be when our grandparents were kids. There is now a wide variety of dental floss — thicker, thinner, waxed, unwaxed, flavored, braided — you name it, there’s bound to be an option that suits you.

Dental Floss Pros:

• more ability to glide the floss with the pressure you need
• more flexible reach around the tooth

Dental Floss Cons:

• requires more dexterity

Choosing the Right Floss

In the end, the choice is really up to you and the method you prefer. It is less important what kind of floss you use and more about the consistency of flossing every day and integrating it into your daily routine.

On that note, choose whichever type of floss feels right for your needs and make sure to get in the habit of doing so each day to get the most benefits from flossing!

Call (770) 467-3888 today to schedule an appointment at Austell Dental Associates today!