How to Use Floss Picks

Written by Dr. Brian Harris

October 03, 2024

How to use floss picks is a common question among those looking for effective dental care solutions.

Floss picks are simple to use. That's why we'll walk you through how to use floss picks, including tips on selecting the right pick, how often you should use them, and key techniques to maximize your oral hygiene routine. We'll also cover how to gently and effectively move floss picks between your teeth to avoid irritation.

Let's dive into the best ways to incorporate floss picks into your daily dental care routine.

What this article covers:

How to Floss Using Floss Picks

Are floss picks good? Definitely. Follow these steps to ensure you're flossing properly and keeping your teeth and gums healthy:

  1. Grip the handle of the floss pick firmly. Ensure the pick is comfortable in your hand, allowing you to maneuver it easily.
  2. Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a slight back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums, as this can cause irritation or damage to the soft tissue.
  3. Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it around one side of the tooth. This ensures that you're cleaning along the gumline, where plaque and food particles often accumulate.
  4. Slide the floss up and down against the surface of the tooth, carefully cleaning both sides. Make sure to reach beneath the gumline for a thorough clean, but, to avoid injury, don't apply too much pressure.
  5. After cleaning one tooth, remove the floss from between your teeth and move on to the next space. Repeat the process for each tooth. Remember to clean between tooth, including the hard-to-reach molars.

For a deeper clean that goes beyond flossing, consider using SNOW's Water Flosser. This portable device offers three pressure modes—Pulse, Normal, and Soft—to gently clean between teeth while being easy on the gums.

how to use floss picks

It can also be paired with SNOW's Teeth Whitening Drops!

Selecting a Floss Pick

When selecting a floss pick, consider factors like the type of floss used, the shape of the pick, and any additional features that could improve your experience. Some floss picks offer extra strength, which is ideal for those with tight teeth, while others have softer, flexible materials that are more comfortable for sensitive gums.

Picks that have a built-in toothpick at the end can help you target hard-to-reach areas where food particles and plaque often hide.

Remember to only use one per session, as the answer to can you reuse floss picks is no.

For a natural and whitening-focused option, SNOW's Activated Charcoal Whitening Floss is a great choice. This bamboo-based floss expands during use for a deeper clean while binding to stains and bacteria.

How Often Should You Use Floss Picks?

Our research indicates that flossing should be done once a day. Floss picks are an excellent tool to use daily because they make flossing easier and more convenient.

For an eco-friendly solution, try SNOW's Charcoal Whitening Floss Picks. Made from recycled plastic, they combine oral care with environmental responsibility, making them perfect for daily use, especially while traveling. In fact, with these, the question “can I bring floss picks on a plane?“ is a thing of the past!

Should I Be Gentle With Floss Picks?

Yes, it's vital to be gentle when using floss picks. Applying too much pressure or snapping the floss down can lead to irritation, bleeding, or even damage to your gums.

Being gentle doesn't mean sacrificing cleanliness. You can still remove plaque and debris effectively by using controlled, precise movements rather than forceful ones.

how to properly floss with floss picks

If you experience sensitivity, complement your routine with SNOW's Nano-Hydroxyapatite teeth whitening toothpaste. This fluoride-free option strengthens enamel and provides gentle whitening.

How Do I Slide the Floss Pick Between My Teeth?

Based on our observations, sliding the floss pick between your teeth should be done with care. Start by positioning the floss pick at the space between two teeth and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to guide it down into the gap.

Be mindful not to force it in; instead, allow the floss to slip smoothly between your teeth.

How Do I Move the Floss Pick Once It Is in Position?

Once the floss is in position between your teeth, you should move it gently up and down against the tooth surface.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of using floss picks:

  • Floss daily: Using floss picks every day can help reduce plaque buildup and prevent gum disease. Try to incorporate flossing into your routine at the same time each day, whether it's in the morning or before bed.
  • Replace floss picks regularly: After each use, discard your floss pick. Based on our observations, reusing picks can introduce bacteria back into your mouth.
  • Pay attention to problem areas: If you have areas in your mouth where food tends to get stuck or plaque builds up, spend a little extra time flossing those spaces.
  • Combine with other practices: While flossing is essential, it works best in combination with brushing and rinsing with mouthwash.

Conclusion

Floss picks provide a practical, easy-to-use tool, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a simple way to floss. Using them properly can help you prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

In this guide, we've covered everything from how to use floss picks, choosing the right one, and tips for improving your flossing technique. We also emphasized the importance of being gentle and precise when using floss picks.

Explore SNOW's products today and elevate your oral hygiene routine!

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