Floss sticks (or floss picks) are small handheld tools with a plastic handle and a taut strand of dental floss stretched between two prongs. They often feature a small pointed pick on the opposite end. Floss sticks are a popular alternative for maintaining oral hygiene, especially for those who find traditional string floss cumbersome. Understanding the correct technique ensures this tool effectively removes plaque and debris from between your teeth.
Step-by-Step Proper Technique
Begin by gently guiding the floss strand between two teeth, using a slight back-and-forth motion to prevent snapping down onto the gums. Once past the initial contact point, stop the motion and focus on the side of one tooth. The goal is to actively clean the tooth surface, not just dislodge trapped food particles.
Angle the floss to wrap it around the side of the tooth, creating a gentle “C” shape against the enamel. Carefully slide the floss down into the gum pocket (the sulcus) until you feel mild resistance. Scrape the floss up and away from the gumline, repeating this motion two to three times. Then, move the “C” shape to the adjacent tooth. This scraping action effectively removes bacterial plaque.
After cleaning both sides of the contact point, gently withdraw the floss pick and move to the next set of teeth. If the floss stick includes a pointed end, use it carefully to remove visible food debris, but never forcefully jab the gum tissue. Proper technique requires angling the tool so the floss follows the contour of each tooth, rather than moving straight in and out.
Floss Sticks Versus String Floss
Floss sticks offer advantages in convenience and ease of use, especially for reaching back molars or for individuals with limited manual dexterity. The pre-strung floss and plastic handle eliminate the need to wrap floss around fingers, simplifying the process. They are effective for quick maintenance throughout the day or when traveling.
However, the fixed, small length of floss on the stick limits its cleaning effectiveness compared to traditional string floss. String floss allows the user to wrap a long segment around the entire curve of the tooth, creating a more comprehensive “C” shape for maximum surface contact and plaque removal. Additionally, string floss uses a clean section for every tooth, while a floss pick uses the same small, contaminated segment for the entire mouth. While string floss offers better surface coverage for a thorough daily cleaning, using a floss stick is better than neglecting flossing altogether.
Safe Handling and Disposal
Floss sticks are single-use hygiene items and must be discarded immediately after cleaning your entire mouth. Reusing a floss stick, even after rinsing, is not advised because it reintroduces bacteria, plaque, and food particles, which compromises oral health. Flossing at least once every day is recommended to disrupt plaque buildup.
The small pointed pick should be used with caution, applying only the lightest pressure to avoid damaging the gums. Most floss sticks are made of non-recyclable materials, such as mixed plastics, and should be placed directly into the trash bin after use.