A couple of months ago we talked about interdental brushes, these are small cylindrical brushes that help clean debris from in between your teeth. Today we want to show you a disposable alternative to these, the GUM soft-picks, for those of you who aren't too keen of reusing your proxy brushes over and over again.
What are the GUM soft-picks?
The GUM soft-picks are small tapered brushes (also known as an interdental brush or proxy brush) that can be used to clean the areas in between your teeth, where normal toothbrushing cannot reach.
These proxy brushes are also available in a "curved" form with a longer handle which allows easier access to those teeth in the back.
How do you use a GUM soft-pick?
To begin using a GUM soft-pick you first have to find the correct size. This will depend on the size of the embrasure (the triangular space in between teeth). As opposed to the previously reviewed interdental brushes, these soft-picks are only available in two different sizes, the original (green in color) and the wider spaces (blue in color). However, since the bristles are tapered in shaped this allows them to fit a larger range of embrasure spaces.
If you are unsure which soft-pick size is adequate for you, we recommend that you talk to your dentist or dental hygienist so they can assist you in finding the correct size before you starting using them.
You begin using the soft pick by inserting it in between your teeth (being careful not to poke your gums) and coming back out, repeating this about three times. You may have to brush up and down the tooth if you find that the soft pick is large enough, but it doesn't quite cover the whole surface in between your teeth. And when you're done using it simply dispose of it in the trash.
It's not uncommon for people have different embrasure sizes throughout the whole month, therefore it may be necessary to use the 2 different sizes of soft-picks.
TIPS:
-We suggest using soft-picks after you brush your teeth but before you rinse! This way you can introduce some of the toothpaste in between the teeth to help prevent and fight tooth decay.
-If you're not using the "curved" soft-picks, we recommend that you bend the original soft-picks at a 45-90 degree to make it easier to reach and clean your back teeth.
Although we like and recommend soft-picks, we believe that they do not entirely replace flossing simply because it does not clean the areas where the teeth touch each other nor cleans the tooth surface underneath the gum line where normal "C-shape" flossing would normally reach.
That being said we have found that many patients who normally won't floss will at least give these soft-picks a try, which is better than not using anything to clean in between your teeth.
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