05 November 2023
Although many of us are hesitant to admit how often we truly take the time to floss our teeth, most people understand the importance of flossing nonetheless. In general, floss gives your teeth a better and deeper cleaning than floss picks, which are more convenient and easier to use.
If you are interested in learning how floss picks differ from using regular dental floss, then you have come to the right place. Read on to learn the pros and cons of dental picks as they relate to dental floss.
Advantages Of Floss Picks Vs. Regular Dental Floss
The primary advantage of using floss picks over regular floss is that floss picks tend to be easier to use overall. Floss picks come with the floss already held, taught, and ready to use. They also have a clear handle for you to pinch while you clean your teeth.
Compared to unspooling and using regular dental floss, relying on the simple and easy-to-use design of a floss pick can be a more straightforward teeth-cleaning option. This is especially true of those whose fine motor skills have been compromised for one reason or another.
Many floss picks also have multiple uses, which is something that dental floss cannot boast. In most instances, the handle of a floss pick will be sharp enough to work as a tool that will further dislodge food from between your teeth. Some floss picks also include a soft brush that you can use for other cleaning purposes.
In some ways, floss picks can also be a preferable option during travel. Whether you are out and about or traveling for just a few days, it can be more convenient to carry a few floss picks rather than an entire spool of dental floss.
Additionally, when it comes to effectiveness, floss picks can be just as capable of removing plaque and large pieces of food from your teeth. However, as the next section will show, that is where the advantages floss picks hold over dental floss end.
Disadvantages Of Floss Picks Vs. Regular Dental Floss
While dental picks are a viable option for cleaning between your teeth, there are many ways in which they are not as advantageous as using standard dental floss.
For example, while dental picks are effective for removing large pieces of food and plaque from your teeth, the greater length and flexible nature of dental floss makes it more capable of cleaning well between your gums.
Another issue with floss picks is that they are a far less economical option than dental floss. Nearly all floss picks are single-use, and they already offer you significantly less length of floss than a spool of dental floss does. Those two factors mean that you’ll need to replace your floss picks more often than your floss, making them the more expensive option.
Lastly, there is a degree to which floss picks give you less control over your flossing than regular floss does. Each floss pick you use will have a tautness set by the manufacturer. By contrast, dental floss allows you to control and vary its tautness and shape while you access different sections of your mouth.
Importance Of Flossing, Regardless Of Method
Now that you understand the key differences between floss and floss picks, it is important that you also know the importance of flossing in general, whether you choose floss, floss picks, or any other flossing tool.
Make no mistake. Regular flossing is an essential part of a comprehensive approach to your dental health. While many people have fallen into the habit of brushing without flossing, a toothbrush is simply not capable of reaching certain areas of your mouth the way floss can.
Floss is a crucial tool for eliminating food particles and keeping both your teeth and your gumlines clean. This elevated cleanliness of your mouth reduces the risk of many common dental concerns and problems, including bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, and more.
Other Important Dental Hygiene Practices
While the last section proves that regular flossing is an important part of dental health, it is not the only dental hygiene practice that you should undertake. Instead, there are multiple habits you should adopt to ensure your teeth remain as healthy as can be.
As you would expect, brushing is the perfect activity to pair with your flossing. Generally, you should brush and floss your teeth about twice per day to keep them clean and strong. After brushing and flossing, it is also important to rinse your mouth, preferably with mouthwash, to complete your teeth cleaning routine.
However, even if you follow a comprehensive tooth care routine, it remains important to seek the professional advice of a dentist you can trust. By scheduling regular cleanings, you can confirm with your dentist that your brushing and flossing habits are sufficient. You can also rely on them to anticipate, prevent, and remedy a wide range of potential dental problems.
Likewise, if you still need assistance determining whether you should floss using regular dental floss or floss picks, your dentist can help you make the decision by weighing the pros and cons with you.
Dental Floss Vs. Floss Picks. Which Is Right For You?
Ultimately, your choice in the debate between dental floss and floss picks comes down to what you value most in a flossing tool. Both these flossing means come with advantages and disadvantages.
If you want a flossing option that is very easy to use and generally effective, then floss picks might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you want to experience the greatest control and get the deepest clean between your gums, then dental floss should be your choice.
As always, Smile Venue Dental is always ready to help you make the best decisions about floss vs. floss picks and any other dental health-related topic. If you want to learn more about what you can do to keep your teeth clean or get started with regular cleanings, reach out to Smile Venue Dental today!
