I switched to picks a while back because honestly, I was sick of buying those big spools of floss and never finishing them. Picks just seemed easier, but I did get a little side-eye from my hygienist once. She said the main thing is getting between every tooth, but picks might not curve as well under the gumline. I figure if it keeps me actually flossing, it’s worth it. Has anyone found a brand of picks that doesn’t break super easily? I feel like I’m always snapping them in half...
I hear you on the picks breaking—I've snapped a few mid-floss and it's annoying. I switched to the ones with a thicker handle (think DenTek or the Target brand) and they seem sturdier. My hygienist said as long as I’m getting between every tooth, it’s better than skipping altogether... but she did mention that regular string floss can hug the tooth a little better under the gum. I figure if picks keep me actually doing it, that's a win. Anyone else notice some picks have sharper plastic edges though? That bugs me sometimes.
Yeah, I totally get nervous about those sharp edges too. Sometimes I feel like I’m going to poke my gums or something, and then I worry I’ll make things worse. I tried a few different brands, but some of them just feel kind of flimsy or rough. The thicker handles help, but I still get anxious if the plastic feels pointy.
Honestly, I’ve always struggled with regular floss because my teeth are pretty close together and it gets stuck... and then I panic a little trying to get it out. Picks are just easier for me (even if they’re not perfect), because at least I’m actually flossing now instead of skipping it out of fear. My dentist said consistency is more important than technique at first, so I’m just trying to stick with it and not stress too much about doing it “perfectly.” Still wish they’d make the plastic smoother though—sometimes my gums feel sore after.
Picks are just easier for me (even if they’re not perfect), because at least I’m actually flossing now instead of skipping it out of fear.
Same here, honestly. I used to skip flossing all the time because the regular stuff just shredded or got stuck. But picks can get pricey, especially if you’re using one per day. I wish there were more affordable options that didn’t feel so cheap or rough, you know? Sometimes I wonder if the extra cost is worth it compared to just wrestling with traditional floss... but then again, sore gums and panic are no fun either.
I totally get what you mean about the cost piling up. I’ve tried a few of the cheaper picks and some of them really do feel rough or flimsy, which kind of defeats the point if you’re just trading one hassle for another. For me, the peace of mind is worth a bit extra, but I still cringe when I see how fast I go through a pack. Have you ever tried reusable floss handles? They’re not perfect, but you can use your own floss with them and it’s a little less wasteful (and maybe cheaper in the long run). Still, nothing’s as quick as grabbing a pick... it’s a tough call.
