A floss pick is a small, handheld oral hygiene tool designed to simplify the process of cleaning between teeth. It consists of a plastic handle with a short, pre-strung piece of dental floss held tightly between two prongs. This convenient design offers a more accessible alternative to traditional string floss for removing plaque and food particles from interdental spaces. Regular interdental cleaning is necessary for maintaining gum health and preventing decay in areas a toothbrush cannot reach.
Preparing the Floss Pick
Before beginning, secure a firm grip on the handle of the floss pick with your thumb and index finger. This control is necessary for effectively maneuvering the floss into the tight spaces between your teeth, especially toward the back of the mouth. It is often recommended to start with the molars to establish a smooth rhythm. Hold the floss section perpendicular to the space you intend to clean, ensuring a direct line of approach.
The initial approach requires gentle guidance rather than forceful pushing to prevent injury to the gum tissue. Align the taut floss string directly over the contact point where two adjacent teeth touch. This sets the foundation for breaking through this tight seal without snapping the floss aggressively onto the gums, which can cause irritation.
Step-by-Step Flossing Technique
To pass the floss through the snug contact point, employ a controlled, shallow “sawing” motion, moving the floss gently back and forth. This side-to-side action helps the floss slide past the point where the teeth meet without causing trauma to the gum papilla. Once the floss has passed this tight barrier and reached the gumline, adapt its position to maximize plaque removal. The goal is to clean the curved surface of each tooth, not just the straight vertical gap.
Wrap the floss string around the side of one tooth, forming a gentle C-shape that hugs the surface. This contour allows the floss to conform to the rounded shape of the tooth and access the area just beneath the gumline, known as the sulcus, where bacterial biofilm accumulates. With the C-shape maintained, use a controlled up-and-down scraping motion along the side of the tooth, performing two or three strokes. This action dislodges plaque and food debris from the enamel.
After cleaning the first tooth surface, slide the floss out of the C-shape and curve it around the adjacent tooth, repeating the 2-3 scraping strokes. Clean both surfaces within the same interdental space before moving to the next. For optimal hygiene, rinse the floss section of the pick under running water after cleaning a few spaces, or use a new pick to prevent transferring bacteria and debris.
Using the Secondary Pick End
Many floss picks feature a pointed or curved plastic tip on the opposite end of the handle, designed for specific localized cleaning tasks. This secondary pick end is intended for removing larger, visible food particles lodged above the gumline or on the chewing surfaces. It functions as a precise tool for dislodging debris that the floss string may not have fully cleared.
The plastic tip should only be used to gently scrape the outer surfaces of the teeth or to fish out visible material from the interdental space. Avoid forcing this pointed tip deep into the gum tissue, as its rigid design can easily cause damage to the sensitive gingiva. After completing the flossing and debris removal, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to wash away the loosened particles. Since floss picks are generally single-use tools, dispose of the pick responsibly after one cleaning session.