How to Use Interdental Floss Picks Correctly
By BURST Oral Care | Oral Care Backed by Dental Pros | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the correct technique for using interdental floss picks to remove plaque and debris effectively, with tips to avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Hold the pick firmly, gently slide the floss between teeth, curve it around each tooth in a C-shape, and move it up and down along the side of the tooth and under the gumline.
Why interdental floss picks can be easier than string floss
If you struggle with wrapping string floss around your fingers or reaching the back teeth, interdental floss picks offer a more convenient grip. They let you clean between teeth with one hand and are especially handy for quick touch-ups during the day. However, because the floss segment is short and held taut, you cannot wrap it around each tooth the same way you can with string floss. That means you need to be more deliberate about angling the pick to reach the gumline on both sides of the gap.
Common mistakes that reduce effectiveness
A frequent error is snapping the floss straight down between tight teeth, which can hurt the gums and miss plaque. Another is using the same section of floss for multiple gaps without rinsing it, which can transfer bacteria. Also, many people forget to clean the back of the last molar, leaving plaque in that hard-to-reach area.
Step-by-step technique for interdental floss picks
- Step 1: Position the pick correctly: Hold the handle between your thumb and index finger. Gently guide the floss section between two teeth using a back-and-forth sawing motion. Do not snap it down onto the gum. If the floss shreds or feels stuck, try a thinner floss or check for a rough filling edge.
- Step 2: Curve the floss around the tooth: Once the floss passes the contact point, tilt the handle so the floss wraps in a C-shape against the side of one tooth. Slide it up and down from the gumline to the top of the tooth. Repeat on the adjacent tooth by tilting the pick the other way. A common mistake is keeping the floss straight and missing the curved side of the tooth. Always make the C-shape.
- Step 3: Clean below the gumline gently: Continue the up-and-down motion slightly below the gumline until you feel resistance. Do not force it deeper. Use a fresh section of floss or rinse the pick between gaps to avoid spreading bacteria. Bleeding gums usually mean you need to floss more often, not that you should stop. Be gentle but consistent.
- Step 4: Reach the back teeth: Angle the pick to access the space behind your last molar. Use the same C-shape motion on the back surface of that tooth. This area is often missed and can harbor plaque. If the pick handle is too short to reach comfortably, try a longer-handled interdental brush or a different pick design.
Product used in this guide
- Interdental Floss Picks Copy: BURST Interdental Floss Picks are designed to help you clean between teeth and along the gumline, supporting your daily oral care routine. Their easy-to-hold design makes it simpler to angle the floss correctly against each tooth surface, which is the key to effective cleaning with a pick.
Interdental Floss Picks Copy
