FLOSS PICKS!!!

If you have been my patient - you know I hate them!  Do you know why you should hate them, too!?

They are incredibly easy to use, cheap to buy, and easy to introduce into your daily routine - sounds good right? If you allow me to tell you the truth about things... the design of the floss pick is flawed. The pick portion is universally shaped and its function is more akin to a crowbar.  We aren't universally shaped; therefore, the pick portion tends to damage the gingiva in between the teeth, as well as, potentially damaging the structure of the tooth. I've also had patients develop a habit of picking their teeth with a pick, similar to a "shade-tree mechanic."

"Well, I don't use the pick end anyway!"

The floss end is even worse. The floss is strung in between two rigid goal posts limiting your full range of motion.  Where ever the floss touches will be clean; however about ~60% of the plaque-containing area is never touched.  Or even worse...a snowplow effect occurs, meaning the bacteria is being shoveled aside or pushed deeper into the gums - further exacerbating or creating a periodontal problem. The best analogy would be if you asked me to cut the grass and I show up with a weed eater instead of a lawnmower.  Right job but the wrong tool.  

My advice is to throw them out...or just use them at lunch etc.  They cannot replace regular floss but they can be used in conjunction.  The traditional floss is the best tool to use...water flossers and floss picks are good aids to use in addition to but not in replacement.