GUM Soft Pick:

This is my favorite toothpick like device. Instead of “picking” your teeth this product pushes through the small space between teeth and removes food particles that have become lodged there. Unlike a wooden toothpick, there is no porous splinter that can break off this device. The product is made by Butler, but on the label you will see the word “GUM” written in large letters. You can buy a pack of 6 of these through Amazon, or in individual packs at your favorite store. Each pack contains 40 of the disposable picks and a clear case to carry some in your pocket or purse.

Floss:

Any floss will do. The proper technique and fact that you are flossing are the biggest factors involved. I prefer floss that won’t shred easily and the best floss for that is Glide! I have seen this at Costco in bulk packs and in just about every local store around. Years ago, Glide was difficult to find, but today finding it is not going to be a problem. For online shoppers, here is a link to Glide at Amazon. Note that this is for a 3 pack.

Flossing Aids:

For those who have a difficult time flossing the back teeth, you can’t go wrong with a flossing aid. I have two favorites. The first is the Glide Floss Pick product, and the second is the Reach Dental Access. To be honest, I favor the Reach Dental Access, but since I don’t have a problem flossing with my fingers, I usually just use them. Finger advantage? You all ready have them, They are included with the teeth – No extra charge… They go where you go… End of jokes… The only reason to use a floss aid is if you aren’t able to do a good job with the fingers. Note that with the Reach Access, you buy a handle with snap on heads of floss, then you only need the refills.

The farthest link to the right is for the starter kit. (My suggestion is to buy a Reach Access at Target or Walmart to see if you like it, then buy the refills in bulk if you do..) The second link below is for the refill heads at Amazon. That product is 6 packs of 28 floss heads. The leftmost link is for the Glide version of the product if you prefer that style. No handles or heads with the Glide, but a little less environmentally friendly in that you throw the entire thing away.

Oral Irrigators or “Water Picks”:

Early in my career, I didn’t encourage the use of a water pick. They were messy and the studies I had read indicated that other than removing food from between your teeth, which can be done with brush and floss, they did little to improve your health. More recent studies and my own experience tell me that this is not the case. They are still messy, but may give you that extra edge in oral hygiene. Left is a link to one at Amazon. Personally, I would look at Walmart or Target and buy one you prefer after inspecting them in person.

I have enclosed links to these products on Amazon for your convenience, but suggest you look there to read more about the products if you are interested. I like buying at Amazon, but after adding shipping costs you may find it easier and less expensive to buy these products at a local retailer. Amazon is a GREAT place to do research on products you are interested in.

Yes, I do have an opinion about just about everything, but with regard to these product suggestions, I also happen to be a licensed dentist!