GUM 888JC Advanced Care Tooth Floss Picks

Tooth floss pickers have the same goal as dental floss: to get food particles and plaque away from teeth and gums. The pickers have a small piece of floss suspended on their curved end, and they can also have a toothpick and tongue cleaner on the other side or on the bottom.

Some experts like pickers because they are easier to work with than long pieces of dental floss. The handle can also make it easier to floss teeth in the back of the mouth. However, since the floss is smaller, it has to be used more than once and could redistribute bacteria.

These pickers are less awkward to use than floss, though, and are easier to use when on-the-go. People also like them because they can be multi-functional when they have both toothpicks and tongue cleaners as part of the package.

• When shopping for tooth floss picks, check to see if the product is American Dental Association (ADA) – approved; you will see the seal on its packaging.
• Like regular dental floss, these picks come in waxed, non-waxed and flavored varieties. Choose whichever will encourage you to use them more often.
• If your teeth are crowded (close together), opt for waxed, thinner string floss. The wider floss may not work as well for you.
• Some people shy away from tooth floss picks because they are single-use products that have more impact on the environment. Some do come with refillable heads, so that is an option. There are also some eco-friendly options out there.