Interdental cleaning is an indispensable part of a complete oral hygiene routine, preventing issues like gingivitis and dental cavities. A toothbrush cannot effectively reach the tight spaces between teeth or adequately clean the area just beneath the gumline, leaving behind plaque and food debris. Traditional string floss has long been the primary tool, but the increasing popularity of pre-threaded plastic flossers, or picks, prompts a comparison of their cleaning capabilities. Understanding the mechanics and limitations of each device is necessary for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Efficacy Comparison Between String Floss and Floss Picks
String floss remains the preferred tool among many dental professionals for achieving the most thorough clean. Its superior performance stems from its flexibility, allowing the user to wrap the material around the entire circumference of the tooth. This “C” shape technique maximizes contact, ensuring effective scraping. By conforming to the tooth’s contour, string floss can reach approximately two to three millimeters below the gumline to remove the sticky bacterial biofilm.
Floss picks are effective for quickly removing food particles and plaque from the contact point where two teeth meet. However, the floss segment on the pick is held taut and straight by the plastic frame, limiting its ability to wrap around the tooth. This rigid design prevents the user from forming the necessary “C” shape to fully engage the tooth’s surface. While using a flosser is better than skipping interdental cleaning, its fixed nature often misses the comprehensive, deep cleaning achieved by adaptable string floss.
Some studies suggest that overall plaque removal scores may be comparable when both devices are used correctly. However, the fundamental difference lies in the quality of the clean along the gingival margin and below the gumline, where periodontal disease begins. The inability of the flosser to fully contour and scrape the side of the tooth makes string floss the more effective option for superior plaque disruption.
Essential Techniques for Effective Cleaning
Mastering the correct technique is paramount, as effectiveness depends on proper use.
String Floss Technique
For string floss, begin with a length of about 18 inches, wrapping most around one middle finger and a small amount around the other to act as a take-up spool. The floss should be held taut with the index fingers and thumbs, using about one to two inches of clean floss between them. Guide the floss between the teeth with a gentle back-and-forth motion, avoiding a hard snap that can injure the gum tissue.
Upon reaching the gumline, curve the floss into the “C” shape against one tooth, gently sliding it into the space between the gum and the tooth until slight resistance is felt. Move the floss up and down, wiping the side of the tooth before repeating the process on the adjacent tooth. Use a fresh, clean section of floss for every new interdental space to prevent the transfer of bacteria and plaque.
Floss Pick Technique
Using a floss pick requires a deliberate technique to maximize its cleaning potential. After guiding the floss into the interdental space, lean the pick against one tooth and move the floss up and down several times to clean that surface. The pick must then be angled to lean against the adjacent tooth, and the same wiping motion must be repeated to ensure both sides are cleaned. Because the small floss segment is reused, it should be rinsed under running water after every one or two spaces to remove collected debris and bacteria.
Situational Advantages and Accessibility
The choice between the two devices often comes down to practical considerations and individual needs. Floss picks offer a significant advantage in ease of use for individuals who struggle with the manual dexterity required to manipulate string floss. People with conditions like arthritis or limited fine motor skills often find the rigid handle of the flosser much easier to grip and control.
Flossers are also useful for reaching the back molars, as the handle design simplifies navigating tighter angles. The convenience of picks makes them a favorable choice for quick use outside the home, such as after a meal or while traveling.
String floss provides the necessary control for adapting to complex dental restorations. Specialized instruments, like floss threaders, must be used with string floss to clean beneath dental bridges, around implants, or through the wires of orthodontic braces. The ability to vary the tension and length of string floss allows for a more precise cleaning of very tight or unevenly spaced teeth.
Practical Considerations: Cost and Sustainability
Floss picks are a less economical option, as they are disposable and cost more per use than a spool of string floss. A large spool of string floss can last for several months, making it a highly cost-effective solution for daily use.
The sustainability difference is also considerable. Traditional floss picks are typically made from single-use plastic, contributing non-biodegradable waste to landfills. In contrast, while many string flosses are made from nylon, eco-friendly alternatives are readily available. These biodegradable options, made from silk or plant-based materials, offer a significant reduction in environmental impact.