In my experience, men love toothpicks. It has also been my experience that men don’t floss. Traditionally, dental professionals have been conditioned to persuade male patients to routinely floss. (Ask your hygienist how this educational approach is going, if you aren’t sure.)

I instead prefer to give men a tool they will use regularly, even if it isn’t as effective as flossing: the toothpick. Wooden toothpicks, which are freely available in all restaurants, have some limitations that make them a less than ideal choice for routine use. However, Opalpix™ toothpicks by Ultradent are flat and tapered to allow good interproximal access with minimal trauma to the papilla. I’ve seen patients do a pretty good job of getting them under fixed bridgework, as well. It’s a great option for the floss-phobic men (read: all men) who come to your practice.

Opalpix is a trademark of Ultradent Products Inc. (South Jordan, Utah). To purchase this product, contact your local dental dealer or visit ultradent.com.