GUM Twisted Mint Floss Picks offer a user-friendly alternative to traditional floss, with each pick featuring 2 intertwined floss strands on a wide-ribbed handle, plus a sturdy pick
Getting through to patients about their less-than-ideal home care routines often involves more than a discussion about proper brushing and flossing techniques. It also requires an understanding of the psychology behind their behavior, which may contribute to their lack of motivation to adopt and maintain oral care practices outlined by their provider.
“My approach to educating patients, especially when it comes to regular flossing, is one of motivational interviewing,” explained Misty Mesimer, PhD, RDH, CDA, who is the program director for the dental hygiene and dental assisting program at Germanna Community College in Locust Grove, VA. “I try to find out what barriers patients have to developing the habit, and then I make recommendations to help them overcome these barriers.”
However, a key component of Mesimer’s strategic approach includes guiding patients toward products that will promote their compliance. During a recent DPS product review, she discovered the Sunstar GUM Twisted Mint Floss Picks as one such product.
“I would recommend GUM Twisted Mint Floss Picks for multiple reasons,” she said. “First, they are easy and portable. They can easily be used when in the car, on the train, etc. Second, I love the floss on them, as it is thicker to grab biofilm and softer and gentler on tissues. Lastly, I love the fresh taste that remains in the mouth after flossing.”
Durable Yet Flexible
With 2 intertwined floss strands, GUM Twisted Mint Floss Picks are designed to cover more surface area than traditional string floss,* as well as remove plaque and bacteria between teeth and below the gumline. The durable floss strands resist shredding and breaking, while the pick’s wide-ribbed handle provides a nonslip grip and finger rest for greater control.
“The floss picks allow the patient not to fumble with winding the floss around their middle fingers and/or winding the floss too tight,” Mesimer said. “Plus, they are flexible enough that patient can still get a ‘C’ formation around the teeth.”
A Refreshing Experience
While the flossing end of the GUM Twisted Mint Floss Picks slides easily between teeth, the sturdy pick on the non-flossing end helps effectively remove food particles. “Having both the floss and a pick accommodates all contact types,” Mesimer said.
She also expressed appreciation for the GUM Twisted Mint Floss Picks’ burst of intense mint flavor, which helps fight bad breath. “It is just enough,” she concluded. “It isn’t overpowering but still leaves you feeling refreshed—even if you aren’t brushing right after flossing.”
