I've actually had the opposite experience—regular floss sometimes irritates my gums more than picks. I think it's because I tend to overdo it with regular floss, pulling it too tight or flossing too aggressively. Picks kinda force me to be gentler somehow, maybe it's the shape or grip? But yeah, definitely depends on brands too... I had one type that felt like sandpaper, never again. Guess everyone's gums have their own quirks.
"I think it's because I tend to overdo it with regular floss, pulling it too tight or flossing too aggressively."
Yeah, that's a pretty common issue actually. But I'd suggest maybe reconsidering the picks as your main option. From what my dentist explained, floss picks can sometimes miss the natural curve around each tooth because they're straight and rigid. Regular floss lets you wrap around the tooth in a C-shape, which cleans below the gumline more effectively.
If you're finding regular floss irritating, have you tried tape-style floss? It's wider and flatter, so it doesn't cut into your gums as easily. Also, technique matters a lot—try gently sliding the floss between teeth instead of snapping it down. Once it's in place, curve it gently around each tooth and move it up and down slowly rather than side-to-side aggressively.
I had similar irritation issues until I switched to tape floss and adjusted my technique... made a huge difference. Might be worth experimenting with before settling on picks permanently.
"Also, technique matters a lot—try gently sliding the floss between teeth instead of snapping it down."
Yeah, totally agree with this. My kid had similar gum irritation issues until our dentist showed us how to floss gently. Have you tried a water flosser yet? Less irritation, and honestly, less stressful...
Totally with you on the water flosser thing—it's been a game changer for me too. My gums were always sensitive, especially when I first started flossing regularly. But switching to a water flosser helped a lot. One thing I'd add is to start with a lower pressure setting at first, though. I jumped straight to high pressure thinking it'd clean better, and man, that was a mistake... gums weren't happy. Eased into it, and now it's way better.
