I don’t think it’s cheating at all... if anything, it feels like finally finding a shortcut that actually works.
Funny, I had the same hesitation about picks vs “real” floss. Like, is this just the lazy way out? But honestly, if it’s working better and you’re actually doing it more often, doesn’t that count for more? I’m curious—do you find the picks get into tight spots as well as string floss? Sometimes I feel like the picks are a bit thicker, but maybe I’m just being picky (pun intended).
I used to be all about the traditional floss, but honestly, I’d skip it half the time because it was such a hassle. The picks made it way easier for me to stick with the habit, even if I sometimes feel like they’re a bit bulky for the really tight spaces. I’ve noticed if I angle them just right, they usually get the job done, but there’s still the occasional spot where only string floss seems to work. Still, I figure doing it consistently with picks beats barely flossing at all.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I remember feeling like traditional floss was just one more thing to dread at night—especially after a long day when all I wanted was to crash. The picks really do make it easier to stick to the routine. I used to skip flossing way more often than I care to admit, and my gums definitely noticed.
“Still, I figure doing it consistently with picks beats barely flossing at all.”
Honestly, that’s spot on. Consistency is so much more important than chasing perfection with technique or tools. I know some people are purists about string floss, and yeah, there are those tight spots where nothing else works quite as well. But for most of us, the best floss is the one we’ll actually use.
Funny thing—I once asked my dentist if picks were “good enough” and she basically said, “It’s better than nothing, and way better than only flossing before appointments.” She did suggest that if I felt like I was missing spots, maybe just keep a little bit of string floss around for those tricky areas. That’s what I do now—mostly picks, but string for the stubborn bits.
I think the guilt around not doing it “perfectly” keeps a lot of people from building the habit at all. If picks help you keep up with it nightly, that’s a win in my book. Plus, your gums will thank you in the long run.
Anyway, you’re not alone in finding the picks a bit bulky sometimes. I’ve tried a few different brands and some are definitely slimmer than others—might be worth experimenting if you haven’t already. Either way, it’s awesome that you found something that works for you and makes flossing less of a chore.
Totally agree about the guilt thing—it’s wild how much that can mess with building habits. I used to feel like if I wasn’t “doing it right,” it wasn’t worth doing at all, which is just silly in hindsight. I’m with you on the picks being a game changer, though. Have you ever tried those soft rubber picks? I found them way less bulky, but I’m not sure they clean quite as well. Curious if anyone’s had better luck with those or if it’s just a personal preference thing...
I found them way less bulky, but I’m not sure they clean quite as well.
I get what you mean about the guilt—used to beat myself up for missing a night, then just give up for weeks. About the rubber picks, I’ve tried them and honestly, they feel gentler but sometimes stuff gets stuck anyway. Do you find they wear out faster?
