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Flossing - best items to get?

Hi all,

I want to get some flossing items. At the moment, I have Oral B Satin Tape and also some min-flossers that look like forks with a bit of floss between the fork so that you can get at the back of your teeth easier.

The problem I have with the Satin Tape is that as I floss my hands get wet from the saliver in my mouth as the tape is run through my teeth and then the tape is hard to hold onto. I don't like the mini-flossers as each one can be used one or two times (i.e. between one or two teeth) and then the floss breaks/degrades.

I saw an advert that Oral B have a longer flosser like a toothbrush. Is this any good?

What are the best flossing tools around?

Thanx

AMO

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,123 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Try Tepe interspace brushes.

    More efficient and easier to use than floss. They come in various sizes to fit different spaces.

    Ask your dentist or hygienist to size you up for which ones are best for you - or a bit of trial & error buying packs and judging yourself if it's too big or small.

    They come in packs of about 6, for £3.50 or cheaper with internet suppliers.

    The Orange coloured ones (0.45mm) are a good average size to try for starters.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • MRSMCAWBER
    MRSMCAWBER Posts: 5,442 Forumite
    Are they the ones that look like tiny bottle brushes? if so i use those..they are brilliant....and they dont squeak like floss...eeeekk
    they last well too..they are begining to appear in the super markets too...so hopefully they will be coming down in price...
    -6 -8 -3 -1.5 -2.5 -3 -1.5-3.5
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,123 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    MRSMCAWBER wrote: »
    Are they the ones that look like tiny bottle brushes? if so i use those..they are brilliant....and they dont squeak like floss...eeeekk
    they last well too..they are begining to appear in the super markets too...so hopefully they will be coming down in price...

    That's them.

    BTW - our Tesco only has the orange ones,and sells them at £3.25.

    I charge my patients £2.75 for them!!!!!! And generally my hygienist gives patients a couple to try after she's explained how to use them, and given the correct size.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • Debt_Free_Chick
    Debt_Free_Chick Posts: 13,276 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Another vote for TePe brushes.

    Some information here and a list of mail order stockists here. Google will find others, including eBay!
    Warning ..... I'm a peri-menopausal axe-wielding maniac ;)
  • larmy16
    larmy16 Posts: 4,324 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I buy these off ebay - works out about £2.50 a pack of five. I noticed Superdrug have their own make but I have not tried them.

    I had peridontitis (sp) so these are a compulsary part of my oral hygiene now. Much better than flossing.
    Grocery Challenge £139/240 until 31/01
    Taking part in Sealed Pot No.819/2011
    Only essentials on Ebay/Amazon

  • floyd
    floyd Posts: 2,722 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I buy mine from here http://www.toothbrushdirect.co.uk/shop.php?CategoryID=35 and they do a pack that has a range of sizes so you can test them all out to find which fits best
  • choccyface2006
    choccyface2006 Posts: 2,304 Forumite
    I have some Tepe brushes but also like Superdrugs own, they are only £1.99 for 5 (I think) and sometimes on BOGOF. They don't come in as many sizes as Tepe but have a choice on cylindrical or tapered. They also have a cap that goes over each brush so they are kept clean. I find the Tepe brushes abit bendy!

    I use floss too though as interdental brushes can't get under the gum line like floss/tape can.

    Sarah x
  • AMO
    AMO Posts: 1,464 Forumite
    Thanx for all the advice. Really appreciate it. Assuming I don't go for these or want to use flossing in conjunction, any recommendations on floss?

    Thanx

    AMO
  • AMO
    AMO Posts: 1,464 Forumite
    Ordered the Tepe Interdental variety pack thanx. Couldn't work out if the interspace ones were more appropriate though, but interspace don't have a variety pack.

    Anyone know if the Oral B Hummingbird is any good?
    http://www.oralb.com/us/products/flossinterdental/hummingbird/

    Thanx

    AMO
  • angel
    angel Posts: 2,017 Forumite
    I use Tepees daily and have never found out how often they have to be replaced. Anyone know?
    :smileyhea "here, hare, here" :smileyhea
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