Dental patients who live in the North Phoenix Lupton Farm, Jarrettsville, and East Bel Air area want to keep their mouths as healthy and clean as possible. However, they are also looking for convenience, and that’s why many of them turn to floss picks instead of old-fashioned dental floss.

These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are inexpensive and can be used more discretely than floss.

While this may seem like a dream come true for those hoping to make flossing a more regular part of their oral health routine, floss picks are still a step below actual floss in effectiveness.

The American Dental Association has only approved dental floss for cleaning in between teeth. One issue is that floss picks can’t curve and form the angles needed for superior cleaning.

So, what is a responsible dental patient to do? The first thing is to communicate with your dentist and see what their opinion is. If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient, but still try to use regular dental floss daily.

If you are in the process of looking for a new dentist, we hope that you consider Dr. Steven W. Haywood. We have been serving the Baltimore area since 1987 from our Timonium practice.

Our quality staff would love to field any vital questions you have regarding flossing and other dental health concerns, as well as questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

Call 410-453-9399 today to schedule an exam or consultation.

The following website was used as source material for this blog: http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners, accessed on August 1, 2014

Contact Dr. Steven W. Haywood:

410-453-9399

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

108 W Timonium Rd Ste 200
Timonium, MD
21093