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Flossing is an element of dental care that has withstood the test of time. But many of us fail to do it on a regular basis. It’s time to get that plaque and buildup off your teeth and up your floss game. To make flossing easier, try a handy floss pick. These helpful picks eliminate all the negatives associated with flossing – like trying to reach your back molars or causing your gums to bleed by applying too much pressure. If you’re a fair-weather flosser, it’s time to get yourself a floss pick!
With so many different options available, it can be confusing to know which floss pick is right for your dental hygiene needs. To help make your decision easier, we took it upon ourselves to sift through the mountains of products available and compile a list of the highest-rated floss picks in 2024. With our comprehensive buyer’s guide, you’ll have your teeth sparkling in no time!
Premier Floss Pick in Detail
Plackers Micro Mint Dental Floss Picks — Best Overall
Get rid of plaque and food residue while freshening up your breath with the Plackers Micro Mint Dental Floss Picks. Coming in a pack of 90, each pick is thoroughly checked for quality and comes with a care pyramid equipped with fluoride, providing an added layer of protection against cavities and gum disease.
What’s more, the floss used on this pick is considered the world’s strongest floss. Named Super Tuffloss, it's the perfect floss for the hardest flossing jobs. Plus, you don’t have to worry about floss shedding thanks to the high-quality patented technology used to produce these picks. Considering all these fantastic features, it comes as no surprise that this dental floss pick takes the spot as our best overall choice.
Pros
- Features easy-glide floss
- Minty flavor for refreshed breath
- Reaches the toughest areas
- Extremely durable
Cons
- It might shred with extended use
Smartlifeco Floss Pick — Most Comfortable Grip
If you are environmentally conscious and also prioritize your hygiene, you may consider opting for the biodegradable floss picks by Smartlifeco. Made with compostable straw wheat handle and nylon-4 thread does not only safeguard the earth but also helps remove food debris and stimulates gumline for a deep clean. Incorporating these naturally mint-flavored floss picks into your dental care routine will help minimize your dentist visits. It provides the thinnest thread on a pick, which is perfect for your sensitive gums and tight teeth.
Pros
- Biodegradable, making it safe for the environment
- Provides great value for money
- The unique mint flavor keeps breath fresh
Cons
- Might be considered too stabby
DenTek Triple Clean Floss Picks — Most Durable
Not many picks can compare to the DenTek Triple Clean Floss Picks when it comes to deep floss. Made from durable plastic, the floss itself is extremely sturdy yet textured to remove stubborn debris buildup and plaque. What’s more, the floss on this pick is thoroughly covered with fluoride helping you eliminate and combat cavities.
These floss picks also double as a tongue cleaner to help you counter bad breath and leave you with a minty fresh smile. Plus, because this floss is unflavored, you won’t be overpowered by a minty flavor while flossing. As an added bonus, this extra strong rubbing floss allows you to effortlessly reach the deepest parts of your mouth without worrying about any shred or shed, making this floss pick the most durable product on our list.
Pros
- Easily scrubs between tight teeth
- Textured floss for an easier flossing experience
- Comes with no-break assurance
- Doubles up as a tongue scraper
Cons
- Some found it hurt their gums
Oral-B Complete Glide Dental Floss Picks — Beginner-Friendly
For someone just starting a regular flossing routine, flossing can seem like a daunting task, and putting something sharp between your teeth can be scary. Oral-B Complete Glide Dental Floss Picks feature silky smooth floss that makes the whole process a breeze. Made with an anti-shred technology, the floss itself is textured, providing for a more thorough clean.
This floss pick has Xylitol-coated threads, which are known to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. The dental pick has an ergonomic design so you can easily reach the teeth located at the back of your mouth. Plus, these dental floss picks completely cleanse all plaque and residue off your teeth. This beginner-friendly floss pick is essential for anyone looking to start flossing regularly!
Pros
- Features a cool mint flavor
- Long-lasting and durable
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Xylitol-coated threads kill bacteria
Cons
- The pick might break under excess pressure
Isshah Natural Dental Floss Picks — Most Eco-Friendly
Although floss picks are not reusable, a biodegradable pick is the closest you will get to an eco-friendly product, and the Isshah Natural Dental Floss Picks are just that. Made mainly from corn starch, this floss pick comes with a thin thread capable of picking out the tiniest residue of food or plaque while gently massaging your gum for better blood flow.
The floss used on this pick is also shred-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about any leftover floss sticking between your teeth. Plus, this natural floss pick is backed by a complete money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase. As an added bonus, the material used to make this floss pick minimizes the stress on the environment, making this pick our most eco-friendly choice.
Pros
- Made from biodegradable materials
- Perfect for sensitive gums
- Features thin floss for flossing tight teeth
Cons
- Contains some plastic
GUM Professional Clean Floss Picks — Most Professional
GUM has been in the business of dental care for over 125 years and is a trusted name when it comes to oral hygiene. The Professional Clean Floss Picks live up to the company’s reputation by providing a deep clean between teeth while being gentle on the gums.
The professional-grade floss used on this pick is coated with a light wax that allows the floss to slide effortlessly between teeth while still grabbing onto plaque and debris. The pick itself is designed ergonomically to give you an optimal grip and control. Plus, these dental picks come with a handy case that can be attached to your keychain, making it easier to take with you on the go. With the materials used, and the utility provided, these floss picks are easily the most professional item on this list.
Pros
- Ergonomic design for better grip
- Wax-coated for a more effortless glide
- Includes a keychain case
Cons
- It might have a strange taste
Buying Guide: Floss Picks
When it comes to self-care products, it's always a good idea to take your time and consider all the factors before committing to a purchase, especially in the case of dental health. Determining which dental floss pick is the most appropriate fit for your pearly whites is no exception. This guide will go through everything you need to know to make your purchase and help you make an informed decision.
What to Look For in a Floss Pick
Floss thickness
The thickness of the floss is an essential factor to consider. If the floss is too thick, it may be challenging to maneuver around your teeth and may even cause discomfort. On the other hand, if the floss is too thin, it may easily tear and break. The ideal thickness for a floss pick is about 18-22 microns.
Fiber
The fibers used in your dental floss pick are responsible for all the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning your teeth and gums; this is why it’s imperative that you pay significant attention to the number and quality of the fibers used. If you’re someone with sensitive teeth, pick a floss pick that isn’t too harsh on the gums. If you have tightly set teeth, you’ll need a floss pick with thinner fibers; however, these might be more prone to shredding. Ultimately, the decision depends upon your personal preference and your mouth requirements.
Size
The accessibility of your floss pick depends on the size and shape of the pick. If the pick is tiny, it will be very difficult to maneuver to the back of your mouth, especially for those with larger hands. If the pick is too big, you might puncture the inside of your mouth while trying to use the pick in hard-to-reach places. The majority of floss picks measure about 5 inches, but choosing your floss pick size really depends on your needs and mouth size.
Here’s How to Use a Floss Pick
If you’re unsure of how to correctly use a floss pick, check out this step by step guide:
- First, find a comfortable position – either sitting or standing.
- Then, take the floss pick in your dominant hand and insert the pick between two of your teeth.
- Gently move the pick back and forth to loosen any plaque or food particles stuck between your teeth.
- Once you've loosened the debris, move on to the next tooth until you’ve flossed your entire mouth.
- Then, carefully remove the floss pick and discard it in the trash.
Pro Tip: Remember to be gentle when using a floss pick – too much force can damage your gums.
