Reddit mentions: The best dental floss

Aww shit, my time to shine! I've been super interested in this topic too. Unfortunately I haven't found a great plethora of stuff, but I'll share what I know.

First of all, the biggest thing that I've learned is that people are exceedingly dispassionate about their oral care. There are some neat toothpastes/rinses out there, but finding a floss that isn't mint, or a toothbrush that doesn't have what I like to call the 'sport shoe aesthetic', is pretty hard.

My biggest tip is to look for stuff that is marketed to kids. Once I started doing that, I found all kinds of quirky stuff I wanted to try. A search on Amazon or eBay for kids toothpaste or mouthwash gave me some great western options. For asian products, a search on KoreaDepart for 'tooth' or 'mouth' yielded the best results for me.

Here's some products I've found, not all of them will be AB though.

Toothpaste:

• Marvis. They have 7 flavors and you can get a sampler pack to try all of them, which I did. Jasmine is definitely the standout flavor, although I also enjoyed the Cinnamon and Liquorice a lot. Ginger I thought would be interested but I didn't taste much ginger in it.
  
• A'pieu I Love Teeth. 3 flavors, I have the Applemint one but I haven't tried it yet.
  
• Rucipello. 3 flavors, I've not tried any but I was interested in the tropical ocean flavor.
  
• Supersmile. 5 flavors, was most curious about the Mandarin one.
  
• Aekyong 2080 Line Friends. 3 flavors.
  
• Tom's of Maine has some cool flavors.
  
• Hello Oral Care, more kids flavors.
  
• Theodent Chocolate Chip that I thought looked amazing.
  
• Aekyung 2080 Cheong-En Tea.
  
• LG has a bunch of salt/bamboo flavors.
  
• Himalaya Herbals ayurvedic toothpaste.
  
  Mouthwash:
  
  
• Rucipello, same flavors as the toothpaste. The vials are only 100 mL though, so not sure is it worth the money.
  
• ACT has a pretty good range of flavors.
  
• Tropicana Coconut Oil Pulling Mouthwash. Oil pulling is a thing, so there are lots of other natural type brands that have something like this.
  
• Diamond Whites Black Edition, similar to above but with charcoal. Again, lots of natural brands carry something like this.
  
• Eau de Bouche ginger mouthwash that I found just now.
  
• Propolinse Propolis mouthwash.
  
• Propolinse Sakura mouthwash.
  
• Auromere Ayurvedic mouthwash.
  
• Happy Mouth Lemonade kids mouthwash.
  
• Nature's Gate Raspberry mouthwash.
  
  Other:
  
  The above is what I've had the best time finding, other stuff is a little harder to come by.
  
  Flavored floss is a pretty hard find, I have a cranberry flavored one from Radius but I can't recommend it because it doesn't taste like much, and it will shred in your mouth if you have tight teeth. There are water flossers, or those little stick flossers, but I'm not super keen on those. There's this cupcake floss that I thought about trying.
  
  For whitening products, I found the most selection with Crest Whitestrips. There are other ways to do it, such as whitening gels with trays etc., I just like the options you have with Crest. I'm looking at grabbing the Gentle Routine kit, since I already have sensitive teeth and the sensitivity from whitening strips was always my biggest hurdle. Opalescence has some flavors of whitening gel, but it looks hardcore so I don't know much about it. This site looks like it sells to dentists, so exercise some caution here.
  
  For toothbrushes, I was never able to find a non-electric non-drugstore toothbrush that I liked all that much. I've been looking at electric options, and there are plenty of guides and products out there. Also, I stumbled across this monstrosity that runs for $4200! Haha it had the aesthetic I wanted for a toothbrush, but was a tiny bit out of my price range.
  
  Hope that helps! I've not tried a lot of mouth products, but hopefully this gives you some products to spark your interest and try yourself :)

1. Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Mini Toothbrush, Peppermint - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXAIN90/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_srDoDbQNF1M5N
   
   Great for on the go and at my desk for a quick “brush” but there aren’t many in a pack so I try to use no more than 1 of these per day. I got mine at Target but probably would get a better deal on Amazon.
   
   
2. Plackers Orthopick Flosser for Braces - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AKJ3W7I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HsDoDbRJTQV6P
   
   Samples of these came in my “kit” from my ortho and I ordered a stock on amazon. I use these at nigh and use my waterpik in the morning.
   
   
3. Plackers Grind No More Dental Night Guard for Teeth Grinding- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003GDKH9C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xtDoDbMBQ84EH
   
   I let my dentist and ortho know I use these (I prefer them to any other mouth guard I’ve tried) and they ok’d them with braces since they aren’t the heat & mold kind. I use them for a little longer than the box recommends (3 days) but toss them when they get gross.
   
   
4. GUM Orthodontic Wax, Mint with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQ9FF1J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iuDoDbAEJZPTT
   
   I keep seeing people saying they can’t keep wax on. I love this wax (I got 2 kinds, no flavor and mint) because it’s perforated and easy to size out. Just roll in your fingers before applying otherwise it’s not going to stick. The mint is nice and fresh! I am using this a lot while my cheeks are getting used to poking metal but always remove before eating or brushing!
   
   
5. Preserve Mint Tea Tree Flavored Toothpicks- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077J1K6ZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yvDoDbZ4D9Y
   
   Do not use these too aggressively, you don’t want to damage your braces! But after a meal these have been a lifesaver for me. I gently (and hopefully discretely) get food unstuck. I got minty ones and keep a pack in jackets, backpack, car... I’m serious when I say lifesaver!
   
   
6. Trident Sugar Free Chewing Gum- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1W4Y48/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AwDoDb2NFAKMM
   
   This is a bigger debate than getting wax to stick! My ortho did tell me that sugar free gum is allowed but not too much and don’t keep chewing it if it dissolves. Consult your ortho if you’re not sure. I was surprised to find that almost all gum is sugar free. Not all but most. I was searching all over for “SUGAR FREE” specifically and it was right at the register! I might get the 15 pack on Amazon though.
   
   
7. Slim Brush Interdental Cleaners- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009MHV3VW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cyDoDb81CT899
   
   Honestly I don’t use these that often but once and a while it’s nice to clean every nook and cranny. I have to force myself to floss every day so this isn’t something I use often. They are more gentle than toothpicks but food gets caught in the tiny bristles and it turns into a mess. I picked up a small pack at Target.

Waterpiks are excellent for cleaning deeper pockets. However, I understand the frustration of the mess. What I found that works great is getting a travel size water pick like this one and using it in the shower instead of the sink, kinda like that new shower tool. Keeping a mirror hung or suctioned to the shower wall can help with controlling the tip to follow along the gum line. There are also floss holders like this that help with dexterity. Electric toothbrushes are a total game changer too. They really help take most of the work out of brushing and have been consistantly proven to be more effective than a manual toothbrush. Tongue scrapers are AMAZING. They reduce the number of bacteria for plaque formation, reduce mouth odors, and show improvements for dry mouth, coated tongue, fissured tongue, or patients who use tobacco. I have found with my own experience that this type works the best for my patients. But you can find what works best for you personally, there are many different types out there. Hopefully this helped!

I went last year for the first time since about 2002. To put it lightly, I was scared.

It turns out that my fear of dentists for the previous 16 years was a solid and effective motivator for me to take very good care of my teeth. No cavities. I waited until AFTER the cleaning to tell them how long it had been, and they said it looked like I had been getting cleanings every 6 months. Now, whenever I go in every 6 months, they tell me I consistently have the cleanest teeth of any of their clients (maybe they are lying to make me feel good).

My regimen for the last 17 years:

• Floss, tongue scraper, mouthwash, then brush (in this order). Morning and night.
  
• Mouthwash after eating something messy or drinking something acidic or sugary.
  
• Do NOT Rinse after brushing or you'll wash away all the flouride and it won't have a chance to soak in.
  
• I use Sensodyne with Novamin. You have to order it from canada or the UK. If you can't get it, your dentist can prescribe you 3M Clin-pro which is almost as good.
  
• 3-4 times a week I use a waterpik and make sure I irrigate the gumline (front and back of teeth)
  
• I use an electric toothbrush like this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Y79R9T/ref=dp_prsubs_2) I had a Sonicare, but felt that it did not work as well as the Oral-B. I also use the "Floss Action" brush heads that have little soft plastic paddles in them besides the actual bristles
  
  Also, I see a LOT of people brushing only the tops of their teeth. You need to brush the tops, AND the front and back. Spend extra time in the back by your wisdom teeth, as this is the place most people have problems.
  
  I know some people will say not to use a tongue scraper every day. I suppose if your using it like you're trying to scrape paint, that might not be a good idea. Orabrush makes a soft one with little bristles on it. It's a lot less harsh than the rigid plastic ones, I wouldn't use one of those every day. Here's the one I use:
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Orabrush-Tongue-Cleaner-Breath-Scrapers/dp/B0045IZ9Z4/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=tongue+cleaner&qid=1574096940&s=hpc&sr=1-8
  
  And for flossing:
  https://www.amazon.com/Listerine-UltraClean-Access-Flosser-Refill/dp/B00QSNP80U/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=flosser&qid=1574096991&s=hpc&sr=1-8
  
  Mouthwash:
  https://www.amazon.com/Listerine-Antiseptic-Mouthwash-Cool-Mint/dp/B01FXMLU6C/ref=pd_sbs_121_1/142-7631324-3304853?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01FXMLU6C&pd_rd_r=2c73adbb-da2f-4077-bf0c-5d8a49d90044&pd_rd_w=Hyy7D&pd_rd_wg=s2Xrc&pf_rd_p=52b7592c-2dc9-4ac6-84d4-4bda6360045e&pf_rd_r=RFBS5QWRRTDGC9KCX32M&psc=1&refRID=RFBS5QWRRTDGC9KCX32M
  
  Yeah, I know, it has alcohol, and it doesn't have fluoride. I found that non-alcohol mouthwashes don't seem to work very well. And, I don't need fluoride from my mouthwash since I brush immediately after the mouthwash. Also, this particular listerine has some extra chemicals in them to help loosen food and stuff, which their fluoride version does NOT have.
  
  Edit: On the Novamin toothpaste... It was available in the US back in like 2007 or so. It got pulled from the market because of patent or licensing issues or something. Countries with bad teeth stereotypes can now buy this stuff over the counter and have overall better dental health than americans now. If you search around, you can find companies that will sell it to you and ship it to the US. The 3M Clin-pro stuff is the only "legal" choice here, but it requires a prescription, and the dentist will probably charge you $40 a tube for it. There is also this stuff:
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Apagard-Premio-toothpaste-nanohydroxyapatite-remineralizing/dp/B0016GCZSC/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2NRDCT9IY50MV&keywords=primo+toothpaste&qid=1574097773&s=hpc&sprefix=primo+tooth%2Chpc%2C166&sr=1-7
  
  There are some NIH articles on tests of this stuff, and it appears to be as good or even better than Novamin. I have some. I asked my dentist about it, and he recommends it to people who think that fluoride is a mind control agent and won't use fluoride toothpaste. He has only started recommending it, so he didn't have feedback on how well it worked. Sometimes I switch it up and use this for a week or so.

First off, you are missing the next two pages in the book.

Second, at least one of the authors is a Redditor

Third, as a dental student, I am loving the Pro-Floss replies going on in this 'thread' (and the dental puns, totally going to use those regularly)

Lastly, as Diskroll said, cavities very often form in between teeth. Brushing your teeth cleans the tops (occlusal), the cheek/lip side (buccal/facial) and the tongue side (lingual), but only floss can clean between teeth (interproximal). Flossing can add years to your life, can help prevent other more systemic problems, and obviously greatly reduce the amount of excessive and expensive dental work you'll need in life. Plus you have a better chance of keeping all your own teeth.

It's a tough habit to start, but once you get started, you'll notice the difference. The trick I've been telling my patients, and what got me to be a better flosser, is to leave a pack by your desk, and use it while you're watching a video, or doing something else where you are just sitting around.

ninja_chinchilla said his her floss was ripping on his her back teeth(due to tight contacts, which is not necessarily a bad thing) - Get waxed floss, ~~that will definitely help. Also, for anyone with braces, or a permanent retainer (lingual bar) I highly recommend Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Threader (you can save the S&H if you pick them up at CVS/Wallgreens/ any other drugstore/supermarket/ place that sells dental stuff)

TL;DR: Floss your teeth.

Ba Co N

Bacon Strips and Bacon strips

Bacon Wallet

Exercise = Bacon

Exercise = Bacon 2

Bacon Strips hoodie

Everything tastes better wrapped in Bacon

Bacon Makes everything Better

Bacon is my Fav Veggie

Got Bacon?

Egg skull and cross Bacon

Come to the Darkside We Have Bacon

This Guy Loves Bacon

Life is Better With Bacon

Bacon Lounge Pants

Bacon duct tape

Bacon boxers

Bc = Bacon the Delicious element

I <3 Bacon sticker

Bacon Mints

Bacon toothpaste

Bacon floss

Bacon Jellybeans

Bacon Tie

Bacon Candy bar

Maple and Bacon Lollipops

Keep calm and Bacon Nom

If Bacon Grew on Trees

Mmmmm Bacon

50 shades of Bacon

I'd wrap that in Bacon

Bacon Soap

Bacon coffee mug

And to Wrap All of these amazing thing up???

BACON WRAPPING PAPER!!!!

Bacon is Meat Candy when it comes to finding things bacon.. I go above and beyond the call of duty.

You and I have a lot of the same stuff! Here are the intersections:

• Nike Free 4.0
  
• Outlier Slim Dungarees
  
• Outlier New Way Shorts
  
• Smartwool Socks (although I prefer my Chrome merino socks now)
  
• Sony Xperia Z3 (but I don't have the compact)
  
• Dr. Bronner's (but everyone has this!)
  
  Things you have that are on my shopping list:
  
  
• Outlier merino co/pivot
  
  Things that someone with our taste might like, and that I don't see in your list:
  
  
• FLOSSCARD - super small floss
  
• Lunatec Trekr - durable & super light wash cloth
  
• Neutrogena Lip Balm w/ SPF - sunburned lips suck
  
  That Vapur bottle looks nice. I have the Platypus, which looks pretty similar.
  
  Are you working at all while traveling?
  
  Thanks for the info and inspiration!

I have been there. Since it's been 2.5 weeks, I'd say you're clear for any socket issues. I actually went out to Walmart and bought a DenTek tooth scraping kit... it was $5-7 at the time but it had some plastic scraping tools and gum stimulators inside. The rubber/plastic tips are spiky and perfect for gently poking things out of the holes. Then, flush. Also, a wash bottle is great, too but be careful with how much pressure you can stand. They just flush away :D

Here's some links to what these products look like. Should be able to find similar in a local big box retailer. Also, be very careful if you get the Dentek Kit. Home cleaning is great, but scraping can be damaging to your enamel & gums if you aren't sure what you're doing or how often to do it.

https://www.amazon.com/Economy-Bottle-Squeeze-Medical-Tattoo/dp/B00WTHLR2M/ref=sr_1_3_acs_ac_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537011518&sr=8-3-acs&keywords=wash+bottle

https://www.amazon.com/Dentek-Professional-Removes-Contains-Stimulator/dp/B008YEMWOG/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1537011651&sr=8-1&keywords=dentek+tool+kit

Oh wow let me know how it goes for you! The surgeon I just rotated with does the Linx procedure.

Also on the brushing a ton but flossing twice a week, I honestly feel like you'd be better off flossing more and brushing less. Cavities form from all the trapped food between your teeth and gumline, and without flossing it gets stuck in there. Seems like it would be better for your gums if you flossed after every meal and used mouthwash rather than brushing 15 times a day.

Sometimes for snacks I will floss and chew gum or use mouthwash, or use a wisp mini toothbrush. I use these flossers during the day and I really like them. https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Care-Floss-Picks/dp/B001P920WG

The Waterpik doesn't replace flossing. It's really helpful to clean food out after you eat, but is supplemental to actual physical flossing. I'm also not sure if it's just me, but the Waterpik doesn't always remove all food either. I always go back through with either floss or an interdental brush afterwards to make sure I get everything out.

I know a lot of people like the floss picks, but I never liked them even when I didn't have braces. I find them harder to use than just regular floss. I use Oral-B Satin Floss: https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Complete-Satin-Dental-Floss/dp/B009H17ODE. I learned how to floss without using floss threaders or any other special braces-specific tools. I figured out it was more efficient to floss and made it more likely for me to stick with flossing regularly if I tried to make flossing with braces as close to my flossing routine used to be without braces.

I have been looking for a nice dental set for a while around here and can never find anything so I have this set on my add-on wishlist.

I've never been on a plane before but I hope on my very first flight that I don't overhear someone say "I don't know, fly casual."

Thanks for the contest :)

The first thing you can do to save time is spend less time doing it! It sounds like you’re doing a great job... probably too great. You can traumatize the gums a bit by flossing too much or with too much force. So, ease up and don’t be concerned about using the same piece off floss for the entire mouth. As long as you disrupt the plaque and debris that adheres to the tooth surface by flossing daily, you’re doing better than 90% of the people that I see. I’m a dentist and cheat with these. I occasionally pour a little mouthrinse in a cup and dip the flosser in it between teeth.

Thanks for showing such an awesome interest in this thread. Quick question for you, if you don't mind.

I've been using one of these for years now. I gag myself everytime I try to use "traditional" floss. Is this thing just as good? I saw you mentioned getting the side of the teeth and stuff, and I don't know if I'm doing that as well with this.

Thanks a ton if you get a minute to answer!

I use floss picks that are designed for braces. I order these from Amazon. I also will use easy brush interdental cleaners. The easy brushes are my favorite because they are quick and easy to do between classes and are a bit more discrete than brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush. These you can pick up at most grocery or convenience stores.

Edit: Added where I buy my favorite products.

Hmmm. Let's see ...

• I have this soldering iron. - The variable temperature setting is a plus.
  
  
• A soldering tip cleaner is a must - When soldering, torched residue builds up quickly.
  
  
• If you plan on biverting a DMG, you'll definitely need some desoldering wick. - The pump is a bonus. It's really useful if you ever have to cleanly remove a component from a board.
  
  
• If you plan on biverting a DMG, you'll need to lift 2 pins (after removing some solder). The easiest way to do this is with a dental pick.
  
  
• If you're near a Walmart, their house brand ("Hyper Tough") sells a VERY good precision screwdriver kit. - I'm not exactly sure if this is the right one, but it looks JUST like this in-stores. It's only $6 and comes with all of the necessary "Y" tips to open a Gameboy, GB Pocket, GB Advance, etc.

The one the other guy recommended you is the one my sister uses. I don't like it, I find it to be too fine and something about it makes me cringe. I use the opposite probably of that kind so I am showing you that option incase you feel the same way. It's a bit wider but it's more smooth against my gums and I like it better. Either way, there's no better time than now to start flossing. I hated it too, but in no time it becomes part of your routine and takes like 30 seconds. Good luck! http://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Pro-Health-Clean-Flavor/dp/B00240MO2G

Good luck, I hope they work for you! They're also really inexpensive :)

Sonicare changed my life. It does cost, but for me it's either pay that or pay for an extra annual cleaning at the dentist. (Edit here: why is it good? Besides the sonic science thing? It times your brushing, so you do the full 2 minutes recommended. It can even beep when it's time to move from one quadrant of your mouth to another. Brilliant. Tip: change heads every 3 months or you lose effectiveness.)

Not a fan of flossing because of the wrapping string around the finger and contort to floss deal, but then I got hip to these babies: http://www.amazon.com/Reach-Access-Flosser-Colors-Vary/dp/B0017TU2HE . You have a toothbrush-like handle and you pop on a fresh u-shaped head with a bit of floss strung between. They're like Plackers, but I keep it next to my toothbrush so I remember.

Tonsilliths are probably a big problem, especially if you have a lot of sinus and drainage issues or consume a lot of dairy. Go YouTube tonsil stones and have a world of fun.

Not a fan of Listerine. If I wanted mouth burn, I'd drink cheap shit. There are gentler option out there with aloe Vera or hydrogen peroxide for whitening.

And I get the lazy brushing thing, but you feel better when you do it, right?

A floss handle may help you clean your wisdom teeth. This one is a good example: (http://www.amazon.com/Reach-Access-Flosser/dp/B0017TU2HE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345718456&sr=8-1&keywords=reach+floss+handle)

Two recommendations. One, buy a waterpik. They are amazing and I love mine. It shoots water between your teeth instead of using floss.

My cheaper suggestion is buy these things. They're like little pipe cleaners for your mouth.

That is a relatively easy fix. Follow this knot tutorial to make sure the knot is big enough. If you have trouble re-threading the string, using dental floss threaders like these helps. Good luck

I have the same problem with my teeth. They're all incredibly tightly spaced. My dentist recommend getting ribbon floss that's waxed. It's thin and slippery and you only to have pull back and forth gently to get the floss in between your teeth. It's much better than regular string floss

I tried out Crest's Glide floss and liked it: https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Pro-Health-Clean-Flavor/dp/B001FWXSBU

Don't buy it from Amazon. It's overpriced. This floss was great and never tore on my fillings. I also don't think my gums bled at all when I used it.

Right now I'm using Oral B Satin Floss: https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Complete-Satin-Floss-Mint/dp/B009H17ODE

It's almost as good but I don't like the texture. I only got it because it was on sale at my grocery store.

You should definitely look into one of these.

I like these, personally but /u/NuclearBitch prefers these.

Good luck!

Yep, I've used these my whole life. Until fairly recently, I didn't even know about the tiny disposable flossers. They're very easy to maneuver around, and I used them growing up as well. It's a bit more floss use because you need enough to wind around a little spool (just once), up one handle, across the gap, and down the other to go around the spool again to hold the floss taut, but they're a hard plastic. Everyone in my family has had one as long as I can remember, and in all of my memory I don't recall anyone having one break or having to replace it in 30 years so far. Frankly I'd be peeved if any of ours were ever to break!

I just rinse it before and after use and discard the used floss. Our dentists give them out for free in their little goody bag of brushes, toothpaste, and floss so anyone who is interested may want to ask their dentist's office if they have any before jumping to buy them.

I'm using Oral-B glide threader floss: https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Pro-Health-Threader-Floss/dp/B000GGJCDY/

This is the best for me so far. Waterpik is good and useful, however it can't replace flossing.

YSK: there are plenty of next-generation specialty toothpastes available online that haven't hit the mainstream market that are far superior to your run-of-the-mill Crest with fluoride toothpaste. Try finding something with Novamin, a novel remineralization agent. There are also electric flossers that will make flossing FAR EASIER.

e.g.

• Hummingbird Flosser
  
  
• Collins Toothpaste

You should get some of the little flossers. I use for my 3.5 year old and he really likes them. They taste like fruit smoothies! It makes flossing a million times easier and they come with fluoride coating! https://www.amazon.com/Plackers-Dental-Floss-Picks-Count/dp/B01I407CIU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=kids+flossers&qid=1571921857&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUzk4MTc5T1dKTkRUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODIxNzkwMlg0N1pBUk9KMEdGSyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzI0MzkxMTJYWUgzS1A3VlZSTCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Yes, but there are special teeth picks made especially for braces like these

Get some Plackers, yo. You can sit there flossing while doing anything else. I floss like 3x per day. (Brand is important in my experience--the other brands break super easily.) https://www.amazon.com/PLACKERS-Freshens-Breath-Dental-Flossers/dp/B00ENLEGIE

It is a lot easier to find the motivation to floss if you get yourself a Reach Access Flosser. It is much easier than sticking your hands in your mouth to floss.

I had this problem when I had my wisdom teeth removed a few years ago. Using a dental pick, I was able to remove the food quite easily. You can buy one on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Dentek-Professional-Oral-Care-Count/dp/B008YEMWOG

I can’t use those style. They push against my side lip which causes them to get stuck, plus the floss always snaps. I prefer this style of flosser but the floss they have on it is so skinny it’s semi worthless as well. So if you come up with this version with the added extra floss feeding through like the highest comment it would be friggen amazing

I've found that https://www.amazon.com/Flossaid-Dental-Floss-Holder-Single-Handle/dp/B000LC22R6 works well for me—I like the angle of the floss better than with disposable flossers (which your design seems to copy).

Even better LPT: This works wonders. It's shaped like a toothbrush but allows for easier access to the back teeth for flossing. http://www.amazon.com/Reach-Access-Flosser/dp/B0017TU2HE

It was pretty typical. It was just a small plastic container... just like these, the first ones that came up on an Amazon search for dental floss. 50 meters in each little box.

cupcake picks

RT brush

zombie playing cards

bacon jerky for my fiancé

oral care kit

Those Himalaya's of the mind!

I used to believe that too. Not anymore. In fact, it was recently given the ADA seal of acceptance for being able to prove it's as effective as floss. Also, here is another device with a full-size handle that you can wrap floss around. https://www.amazon.com/Flossaid-Dental-Floss-Holder-Assorted/dp/B00VQTRQ56

I used to use the Oral-B Hummingbird and they were amazing, especially since you could buy the box of floss attachments for them in bulk.

You can also try moving your jaw to the side you're trying to floss. It moves a structure called the coronoid process out of the way to create more "room" especially on the top teeth. A flosser like this used with regular floss can also help

I keep some of those in my car in just in case, but I have one of these at home. The floss going crosswise from the handle makes it a lot easier to reach the back, and I don't have to worry about how wasteful the single-use ones can be if you use them every day.

https://www.amazon.com/Listerine-UltraClean-Access-Flosser-Refill/dp/B00QSNP80U/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542056091&sr=8-3&keywords=reach+flosser

To floss more effectively and with less effort, try this tool: https://www.amazon.com/Reach-9655-Access-Flosser/dp/B0017TU2HE?th=1

Available for like $3 at your local Walmart, Target, etc.

Yes, common in the U.S., and especially helpful for people like me (with tight contacts and lots of fillings between my teeth.)

Have you ever seen those floss containers shaped like credit cards?

check it out!

GUM Flossmate Handle #845 - Pack Of 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N25B4IW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_utLVDb5NF5FA7

I use these and they work great!

If you're like me and can't be bothered to learn to finagle your fingers around in your mouth properly, at least pick up a Reach flosser. These things take all the hard parts out of flossing.

Probably not as effective as real flossing, according to my dentist, but a lot better than nothing

By far the best one I've ever tried: Glide Pro-Health

Yes, something like this

I've also seen them in drug stores.

(edited to fix link)

Personally, I like keeping a bag of mini flossers in my car to prevent situations such as that, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/PLACKERS-Dental-Flossers-Micro-Mint/dp/B00ENLEGIE

This would be a great "ShittyAskScience" question if it wasn't for the fact that dental floss already comes in a wide variety of sugary flavors including Bubble Gum and Cupcake.

This is a great design for this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQTRQ56/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_ma-VDb2MPF1DB

Gotta love people who are assholes. I find these to be a good option. They have a plastic spike you can use for heavy duty stuff, on top of being the fastest way to floss I have ever found.

I like either the Platypus or Plackers flosser picks. The one arm is small enough to go between the teeth and the wire so you don’t have to “thread” them through.

Like these: https://www.amazon.com/Plackers-Orthopick-Flosser-Braces-Flossers/dp/B01AKJ3W7I/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=plackers+orthopick+flosser+for+braces&qid=1573416482&sprefix=plackers&sr=8-5

Oral B makes a floss similar to Superfloss but it is the Glide floss. It has the waxed ends and is my favorite for overcrowding. https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Pro-Health-Threader-Floss/dp/B000GGJCDY
My teeth are too crowded and tight for the floss piks specifically made for braces and I also found SuperFloss to be too thick. Alternatively, there are plastic threaders you can use with your normal floss. It takes more time but works. https://www.amazon.com/GUM-Eez-Thru-Floss-Threaders-Each/dp/B000GGJCDO/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=plastic+floss+threader&qid=1555263723&s=beauty&sr=1-8

Use this to floss https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjFj7bvluPkAhWJ-GQKHfUNAU0YABAKGgJwag&ae=1&sig=AOD64_3EhdnRq-ycNRbtXus4yOLkPGomdA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjUpavvluPkAhUPup4KHYZHAGkQwg96BAgKEBE&adurl=https://www.amazon.com/Plackers-Orthopick-Flosser-Braces-Flossers/dp/B01AKJ3W7I/ref%3Dasc_df_B01AKJ3W7I/%3Ftag%3Dhyprod-20%26linkCode%3Ddf0%26hvadid%3D312163463904%26hvpos%3D1o3%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D2737546551199925763%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dm%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D1013976%26hvtargid%3Daud-801657747996:pla-569282067288%26psc%3D1


You can buy it from Walmart as well. I think it's cheaper on Walmart. I have been using this for over 2 years now and it works very well.

As soon as teeth popped through. We started slowly though. The first time they just sat in our lap after our 6mo check up. The hygienist counted their teeth, and they got a prize, toothbrush, and toothpaste. We worked our way up to the hygienist brushing teeth at our next visit, the next she used the cleaner/polisher, the next the fluoride treatment. By the time they were 3 they were pretty much having full appointments with us every 6 months.

As far as brushing their teeth, always. Before they had teeth, we bought a baby brush set and we brushed their gums. When teeth started being seen, we switched to a soft toothbrush. No fluorinated until they are reliably spitting their toothpaste out. We also now use kids mouthwash, and use flossers.


We didn't have dental insurance when I was a kid and I had a HUGE phobia of dentists. I had 2 molars rot out of my mouth, so I'm pretty neurotic about my kids and their teeth. My 7 year old brushes all on his own now, my 4 year old still has to have us do it.

You need to see a dentist full stop.
To help, get a decent electric tooth brush, brush properly twice a day for the full 2 minutes.
30 seconds a 1/4.

Also floss! It's so important.
If you struggle with flossing get something like this to help.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Glide-Floss-Picks-30-pc/dp/B001P920WG

You will find your gums are going to bleed after flossing, this will be normal if you never floss.
As its signs of gum disease. Just keep it up and in a few days you will notice less blood.
Then hopefully non at all.

Then keep up flossing every second day. For the rest of your life.

Also get some Fluoriguard Mouthwash. Do that in the middle of the day.

There's floss holders you can get on amazon where you just wrap your floss around it. So you can reuse the stick! And it's really sturdy too.

Ninja edit: My husband has this one; it seems to work really well.

Super floss is a thicker piece of floss with one stiff end to get under wires/bridges. Floss threaders are plastic loops to help push (or thread!) floss under the wire.

DIY Dental Care

http://www.amazon.com/Dentek-Professional-Oral-Care-Kit/dp/B008YEMWOG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1417788410&sr=8-3&keywords=dental+tools

Every night! Electric toothbrush also added to the regimen in the morning and night, I just use a regular toothbrush for my tongue.

After years of regular flossing, the gums never inflame or bleed with it, and dentist visits have been a breeze.

I use this flosser to make it easy:

https://www.amazon.com/Listerine-UltraClean-Access-Flosser-Refill/dp/B00QSNP80U

• plastic shopping bag
  dispenser
  
• laundry bag with a stand that turns it into a stand-up laundry
  hamper
  
• big reusable bag
  
• handle that makes it easier to carry a bunch of shopping
  bags (I guess bags
  are a theme here)
  
• countertop paper towel dispenser that lets you get a paper towel with one
  hand
  
• Reach Access
  Flosser (this
  changed my life!)

Is this it?

Looks pretty cheap. Do you know if there are any videos online or proper methods of using it described somewhere?

I checked out the airflosser but I think I will hold out on it for a little while.

couple more questions if you don't mind:

are you a dentist / dental student or are just speaking from general life experience and any idea about these things? ("soft picks")

This one is my fav by far, can't understand why many stores don't stock it (in my area at least):

https://amzn.com/B0017TU2HE

Here’s what I use. They have a threaded tip so they are easy to guide through brackets. I’ve found that I can’t fit the platypus flossers between my front six teeth and brackets, and having to thread floss onto a threader 92 times is annoying.

Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Threader Floss 30 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GGJCDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YdhYDbNFS1W3Y

You should show them this alternative:
Flossaid Dental Floss Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQTRQ56?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
It's not 100% zero waste but at least it minimizes it and works just as well.

Think that this is a way better alternative to disposable flossers.

https://www.amazon.com/GUM-Flossmate-Handle-845-Pack/dp/B00N25B4IW

Yes. http://www.amazon.com/Flossaid-Dental-Floss-Holder-ONE/dp/B000LC22R6

I use one of these and it helps immensely.

I like this type. Floss holders.

This lets you use regular floss; you just tear off some floss and wrap it around the fork.

Use something like this https://www.amazon.com/Reach-9655-Access-Flosser/dp/B0017TU2HE?th=1

Actually, I found something exactly like I was talking about. Maybe I'll have to buy one:

http://www.amazon.com/Flossaid-Dental-Floss-Holder/dp/B000LC22R6/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1239596824&sr=1-28

Water picks are good but only if you really cant floss. Think about the difference between hosting something down or actually wiping it with a sponge.

Flossing with braces can be a pain but maybe something like these gum picks or [Wisdom clean between brushes] (http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Clean-Between-Interdental-Brushes/dp/B001RYOPQ8/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1375050257&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=wizdom+clean+between) will get in the tricky areas to use alongside your water pick.

I had severe halitosis for years. It was really, really bad.

After years of trying various products and techniques, and figuring out that many toothpastes and mouthwash products can actually make things worse, this is what worked for me:

• Floss with a Reach brand flosser. This is much easier than the strings, so I actually do it.
  
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017TU2HE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0017TU2HE&linkCode=as2&tag=pip01-20
  
  
• Brush with Therabreath brand toothpaste (this took me years to figure out) and an electric toothbrush. Drawback: The electric toothbrush replacement heads are expensive, but they don't need to be replaced too often so ...
  
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET7G9E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001ET7G9E&linkCode=as2&tag=pip01-20
  
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZN5ATQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007ZN5ATQ&linkCode=as2&tag=pip01-20
  
  
• Brush tongue, then gently scrape with this:
  
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RCLWKI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000RCLWKI&linkCode=as2&tag=pip01-20
  
  
• Use Therabreath mouthwash:
  
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET76AI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001ET76AI&linkCode=as2&tag=pip01-20
  
  Following that regime twice a day has completely solved my problem.

Try using one of these http://www.amazon.com/Reach-Access-Flosser/dp/B0017TU2HE
I don't an issue with the hands-in-the-mouth thing, but I've heard these can be amazing for peoples with these troubles.

They do make that! I just got one. Here is the link someone else just posted.

Heads up it does come in plastic packaging, and the only place I was able to find it was Amazon.

Less than $4 on Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001BYO4IS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525368776&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bacon+floss

Check out these dental floss holders: https://www.amazon.com/Flossaid-Dental-Floss-Holder-Pack/dp/B00VQTRQ56z. I too dislike flossing with my hands but one day I thought, "someone must have invented a dental floss holder" so I checked on Amazon and voila. I've been flossing my teeth every day for 5-6 years now!

This is the Reach-type flosser

This is a floss holder, which would have the least plastic waste and cost, plus you can use your favorite floss.

With these: http://www.amazon.com/Gum-632-GUM-SOFT-PICKS/dp/B000GGJCM0

And it doesn't suck.

You use a floss threader like this: http://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Pro-Health-Threader-Floss/dp/B000GGJCDY/

Put the stiff end of the floss between your teeth at the gum, not near the top. It will come out under the cement holding the retainer. You don't need to saw it, just move it around a little to get out anything stuck in there.

My wife thought I was crazy bringing a few of these on our last trip to keep in the daypack for the exact reason you mentioned. She's never had to experience what feels like having a small dagger wedged between your teeth.

Your gums bleed from not flossing. Floss. Get one of these. You'll never want to miss a flossing again.

Have you tried http://www.amazon.com/G-U-M-Butler-Eez-Thru-Floss-Threaders/dp/B000GGJCDO#. They were the only thing that worked for me

Try these. They're less wasteful and much cheaper in the long run.

Boys and girls, let me tell you about soft picks. Poke em' betwixt your teeth and then be about your business.

i am not a dentist. go to your dentist and tell him you cannot floss. in the meantime, use a waterpik, or use a floss threader to get the floss to the bottom of the tooth.... http://www.amazon.com/G-U-M-Butler-Eez-Thru-Floss-Threaders/dp/B000GGJCDO

>flossing is literally not an option

bruh, it's 2016

GUM Soft Picks

1. Quit now
   
   
2. Tootsie Pops
   
   
3. disposable flosser (great for driving!)

Get some Plackers.

https://www.amazon.com/PLACKERS-Freshens-Breath-Dental-Flossers/dp/B00ENLEGIE

Bacon wallet and bacon floss.

I just gave you another minute to jack off every day.

http://www.amazon.com/Flossaid-Dental-Floss-Holder-Single-Handle/dp/B000LC22R6/

https://www.amazon.com/Flossaid-Dental-Floss-Holder-Assorted/dp/B00VQTRQ56

Same here, but it takes me only about 10 seconds to floss the teeth the retainer covers. If you are having trouble you should get these; they help sooo much

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00QSNP80U/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484783164&sr=8-2&keywords=flosser

1. Reach Access Flosser
   
2. Silly Sloths
   
3. Insert third thing here
   
4. don't worry, be happy

>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQTRQ56/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_sms\_apa\_i\_ma-VDb2MPF1DB

That thing isn't as cool as OP's, and it has 819 ratings.

Tomorrow from Amazon isn't good enough?

I use this.

My only complaint is that it needs a tighter grip on the floss.

I have to wrap a ton of it all over and lengthwise for it to not come loose. This would be solved by including a cut on the bottoms for floss to go into.

Another downside is finding a way to rotate floss without wasting a lot of it.

If you're lazy, I suggest the Reach Access Flosser.

Might want to go to a dentist and ask about mouthwash. Mine discouraged me from using it.

Brush and floss twice per day, once in the morning before you go outside and once before you go to bed.

Make sure to use soft toothbrushes. The softest you can find. Don't push too hard or you can damage your gums.

If you have trouble reaching into the back of your mouth to floss your molars, get one of these.

EDIT: One more thing, if you find that your teeth are really sensitive, especially when you eat cold food, try switching to sensodyne toothpaste or whatever the equivalent brand is where you live. I've been using it for 8 years now.

floss swords because string floss is a pain in the ass and a waterpic (in my opinion) doesn't do as good of a job.