Written By: STEPH NIGHTINGALE in Collaboration with 

Image c/o Pinterest

Being a hygienist is a lot like being a professional matchmaker. We’re dedicated to making personalized, solution-driven product recommendations that cater to each individual's needs. Just like in dating, (don't worry, we're not talking Tinder) where one size definitely doesn’t fit all, oral care products are no different.

When addressing specific oral conditions—like cavities, gum disease, or sensitivity—it's essential to consider not just the problem at hand, but also the person using the product. For starers, someone with dexterity issues might struggle with traditional floss but could benefit from water flosser. The same person with a nastier, sticker biofilm, would potentially benefit from proxy brushes. Similarly, a busy lifestyle might call for quick, effective solutions that are compact like soft picks, stimmies, and sugar-free "candies" to keep the mouth lubricated.

The connection between the problem, the plan, the product, and the person is vital. If these elements don’t align, achieving favourable results becomes a challenge. For example, recommending a specialized toothpaste for sensitive teeth is great, but if the person isn’t committed to using it daily, the results will be minimal.

The first barrier to a commited and a-grade routine, is understanding the oral care isle and what all these products do. We're created a cheat-sheet so to speak, that summarizes the function of each product and why we love it!

Traditional Floss

Pros: It's the most effective way to clean completely between all teeth & proven to improve, prevent & stop the progression of gum disease. Cons: Not convenient to use outside of your home, feels tedious and technique-sensitive in order to do it well.

Why We Love It: Works around even the tightest trickiest teeth & typically has a minty flavour leaving you feeling fresh.

Floss Picks

Pros: A way to remove the trickiest trapped food between teeth without having to tie your fingers around a string or floss. Great for on-the-go. Cons: They do not reach fully under the gums in a "C" shape motion. Great for food removal, not as good as string floss for plaque removal. Single use. 

Why We Love It: Super convenient and accessible to purchase!

Soft Picks

Pros: For many people, it can reach complete access through almost all of the teeth, even some of the tightest areas. Cons: Single use & tend to bend during usage. Does not clean plaque around the gum-line on the outside or inside of the teeth. 

We We Love It: Compact! Comes with a slim case that holds 4-8 picks at a time.

Proxy Brush

Pros: Great for those with open spaces and wires from orthodontics. Cons: Proxy wires bend, nylon bristles harbour bacteria & intended for single-use. 

Why We Love It: Comes in a variety of sizes and compact for convenience. 

Water Floss

Pros: Great for food debris and light plaque deposits. Ideal for those with 'gaps', periodontal pockets, orthodontics & dental implants. Cons: Despite it's name, does not replace traditional flossing & should act as an addition-to string floss. Pricey, requires an outlet & not idea for on-the-go. 

Why We Love It: Enticing for those who refuse to use traditional floss.

Sulca Brush

Pros: Refines & enhances plaque removal for the hard to reach areas your toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Cons: Not ideal for on-the-go & nylon bristles tend to harbour bacteria. Mainly for the gumline, not ideal for in-between.

Why We Love It: Easy to clean plaque behind your bottom front teeth, where most people experience heavier tartar build-up.

Rubber Tip Stimulator

Pros: Reusable. The fine tip can be used to clean between crevices of the teeth, manicure the gum-line to remove plaque and massage the gums to stimulate blood flow. Cons: Not compact nor ideal for on-the-go. Not intended to clean completely between teeth the way traditional floss would. Easy to use, easy to clean, painless.

Why We Love It: Cleans under the gums on the inside & outside of the teeth, where floss does not reach. Great around implants & managing inflamed gums. Easy to use, easy to clean & painless.

Stimmie

Pros: It's reusable, compact, has a cap & ergonomic design. Similar to the rubber tip stimulator, the fine tip can be used to clean between crevices of the teeth, manicure the gum-line to remove plaque and massage the gums to stimulate blood flow. Cons: Not intended to clean completely between teeth the way traditional floss would. 

Why We Love It: All the same reasons as the rubber tip stimulator–and more! Stimmie is the perfect pocket companion & always travel size. Stunningly beautiful & never hiding away in a drawer.

Wooden Toothpicks

Pros: Conveniently available at many bars & restaurants, great to grab olives in a pinch. Cons: Proven to cause damage to teeth and gums & risk of GI trauma if swallowed.

Why We Love It: For cooking and serving hors d'oeuvres––that's it. 

Ultimately, a healthy mouth and routine you can stick with is about more than just products—it's about finding the perfect match for your unique lifestyle and habits. By working in unison, the right tools and practices can lead to a healthier, happier smile. So, consider your oral health journey a matchmaking process—because when you find the right fit, you’ll achieve the best results.

Want more expert-backed oral hygiene advice and lifestyle content? Follow us at @itsstimmie for a daily dose.

The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice and in-person consultation. It is provided with the understanding that STIM MIE INC. ("Stimmie") is not engaged in the provision or rendering of dental advice or services. Although monitored and written in collaboration with licensed dental professionals, the opinions and content included in these articles are general and not patient-specific. You understand and agree that Stimmie shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon, any content or information in our written materials.

©2024 STIM MIE, INC.