I get what you’re saying about string feeling more thorough, but honestly, I’ve seen a lot of folks do way more damage with regular floss just from snapping it into their gums or not curving it enough. Picks aren’t perfect, but for people who struggle with technique, they can actually be safer and encourage more consistent flossing. I wouldn’t write them off just because they feel less “deep”—sometimes it’s about what you’ll actually use every day without hurting yourself.
Honestly, I’ve stabbed my gums way more times with string floss than I care to admit. I get the “deeper clean” argument, but if you’re like me and have the coordination of a sleep-deprived raccoon, those picks are a lifesaver. Sure, maybe they don’t hug the tooth as much, but at least I’m not bleeding every other night… It’s kind of a “something’s better than nothing” situation for me.
if you’re like me and have the coordination of a sleep-deprived raccoon, those picks are a lifesaver
I get where you're coming from—using string floss with braces is basically an exercise in frustration for me. I’ve poked my gums more times than I can count, and threading around brackets just adds to the chaos. I switched to floss picks after my second wire change, and honestly, my gums stopped looking like a crime scene.
One thing I’m curious about: do you feel like the picks actually get between your teeth as well as string does? I notice sometimes it feels like the pick just slides through without really scraping much off. Maybe it’s technique, or maybe my teeth are just too close together? I’ve tried those “threader” things too, but they’re almost as tricky as regular floss.
I agree, something’s better than nothing, especially if classic floss is leaving you sore or bleeding all the time. But I wonder if there’s a trick to getting more out of the picks—maybe wiggling them a bit or angling differently? Anyone else notice a difference in how clean their teeth feel after using one vs. the other?
- Totally relate to the “crime scene” gums—been there.
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I notice sometimes it feels like the pick just slides through without really scraping much off.
- I’ve had the same thought. Picks feel easier, but sometimes I wonder if they’re actually getting the gunk out or just moving it around.
- Tried angling them and doing a gentle back-and-forth wiggle. It helps a bit, but yeah, tight teeth make it tricky.
- For me, less pain and bleeding is a win, even if it’s not perfect. Progress over perfection, right?
- Don’t beat yourself up—anything that keeps you flossing is a step in the right direction.
“I notice sometimes it feels like the pick just slides through without really scraping much off.”
Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. With string floss, I can kind of hug the tooth and really feel it “catch” the stuff between my teeth, but picks sometimes just glide right through. I’ve found if I angle the pick and gently press it against the tooth, it helps a bit, but honestly, nothing quite beats that squeaky-clean feeling from regular floss. Still, I get the appeal—picks are just way less hassle, especially on the go. For me, it’s a trade-off: convenience vs. that deep clean.