Product Evaluation

SUNSTAR

GUM Professional Clean Flossers

An innovative flossing device that enhances patient compliance by simplifying interproximal cleaning and maximizing convenience 

Convincing patients to floss as part of their regular homecare routine is a daily struggle for dental hygienists, and getting patients to follow through may seem like a never-ending battle. While many patients simply don’t want to floss, the truth is that flossing can be challenging for some people. For patients with limited dexterity, small mouths, crowded dentition, or an aversion to having fingers in their mouths, maneuvering a piece of floss throughout the mouth can be a legitimate concern.

To encourage flossing and make this task more convenient for patients, Sunstar introduced its GUM Professional Clean Flossers. With an easy-grip handle for support and control, the flossers easily access and thoroughly clean between all teeth without fingers getting in the way. The handle is preloaded with GUM Eez-Thru floss that resists shredding, breakage, and sagging while sliding into position in a way that is gentle on gums.

“Many people are looking for alternatives to traditional flossers, and these flossers definitely fulfill the need,” said hygienist Ellen Cartier, who found GUM Professional Clean Flossers “much easier to use than regular floss.” Calling them “perfect” for a patient with severely arthritic fingers who couldn’t use traditional floss, Cartier said the patient found the  flossers easy to use and is now using them regularly. They are “so easy to use and effective that patients are flossing more often,” Cartier explained. “They are handy, convenient, durable, clean well, and taste good, too. My patients love them.”

Ease of Use & Convenience

Since compliance is a top priority for hygienists, they were thrilled that GUM Professional Clean Flossers simplify, expedite, and improve the effectiveness of interproximal cleaning. By holding the floss with the molded, ergonomic F-shaped handle, patients focus on cleaning rather than managing the floss around their fingers. The compact flossers are ideal for discreet on-the-go cleaning, can easily be carried in a pocket or purse, and the flavor is minty fresh.

“The ease of using this product was a big advantage and was enticing to patients. They’re much more willing to floss with this product than traditional floss,” shared Michele Byrd. Allison Resnick called it “a very good option to offer patients so they’ll floss more often,” and Nancy Whalley found the flossers “easier for patients,” who also liked the mint flavor.

Cartier especially liked “the small bump out, which makes them easier to hold between the thumb and finger,” and Judy Goldberg appreciated the shape of the handle. Lois Palermo said it is “easy to find in your pocket or purse,” and Frances Tryon called it convenient to carry, which makes flossing easier. Dubbing it “a great product for nonflossing patients,” Maureen Curran said patients “can use it on the go or while watching TV” and pointed out that some patients “will use these flossers instead of traditional floss” because of heightened concerns about putting their fingers in their mouths.

“They are handy, convenient, durable, clean well, and taste good, too. My patients love them.”
—Ellen Cartier, RDH; Newmarket, NH

Flosser/Floss Durability

Hoping to find a quality-made flosser with good ergonomics and floss that doesn’t break easily, Ambur Alfaro was pleased with the “handle design of the GUM Professional Clean Flossers and the strength and quality of the floss, which doesn’t break or shred.” Resnick agreed that the floss “doesn’t shred or break easily” but recommends less plastic be used for environmental considerations. Compared to other flossers with sagging floss, Jessica Wells said this brand “holds its shape well,” while Heather Locker suggested the floss be “a little sturdier and not fray as much.”

Access & Overall Effectiveness

With a soft, nonstick finish, the floss slides easily through tight contacts for effective interproximal cleaning throughout the entire mouth. The GUM Professional Clean Flossers allowed Locker “to reach farther back than with traditional floss,” and she liked the pick at the end for dislodging food trapped interproximally in molar areas. Wells said they “remove plaque more effectively” than other flossing methods, and Alfaro suggested a slightly longer handle to improve access to posterior dentition.

Overall Satisfaction

“It’s easy to suggest these flossers to patients knowing that they are good quality and ergonomically effective,” reported Alfaro after using them for several weeks. Cartier called them “a very effective alternative to conventional flossers,” and Wells said she felt very comfortable recommending them to patients. “Overall, it is an excellent product. I liked using it on myself as well as patients,” concluded Resnick.

Takeaways

• Simplifies, expedites, and improves interproximal cleaning and is gentle to gums 
• Easy-grip handle provides exceptional support, control, and access 
• Handle is preloaded with durable GUM EezThru floss
• Nonstick lubricated floss slides easily between teeth
• Easily carried in pocket or purse and encourages patient compliance