Floss picks and regular floss both remove plaque and food debris, but they differ in convenience and effectiveness. Floss picks are easier to use and more portable, while regular floss offers better precision for a deeper clean.

Brushing gets all the glory when it comes to oral health. But flossing is where the real magic happens. Daily flossing is the difference between “I have decent teeth” and “My dentist high-fives me.”

The big question isn’t whether you should floss your teeth regularly—it’s what type of dental floss you should use. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re trying to choose between regular string floss and floss picks. One is the grab-and-go option for busy people who need efficiency; the other is the classic method for deep, precision cleaning.

Spoiler: There’s no wrong answer. It all comes down to your flossing style, convenience needs, and personal preference. So, let’s break it down—because whichever side you land on, your gums will thank you.

Ease of Use

The Winner: Floss Picks

Flossing is already a chore for most people, so the easier it is, the more likely you’ll actually do it. And that’s where floss picks shine. With a sturdy handle and a taut piece of floss pre-threaded for you, there’s no awkward finger-wrapping, no circulation-cutting red marks, no need for floss gymnastics. You hold it like a toothbrush and get to work.

Regular floss, on the other hand, requires a little more dexterity. It’s a two-handed operation, demanding a firm grip and a strategic approach to reach every tooth. It’s effective—there’s no denying that—but it’s also why so many people give up halfway through. (Or just skip flossing entirely).

If ease and convenience are your top priorities, floss picks win this round.

Precision

The Winner: Regular Floss

Here’s where the scales tip in favor of the classic. Regular floss gives you total control. You can wrap it around each tooth, make that satisfying C-shape, and really get into those tight spaces. It’s the difference between casually sweeping crumbs off a table and actually wiping it down—thoroughness matters.

Floss picks, while great for quick, no-fuss cleaning, have limitations. Because the floss is fixed in place, it can’t always bend and contour around teeth the way traditional floss can. If you’ve got closely packed teeth or stubborn plaque buildup, regular floss is your best bet for a deep clean.

Portability

The Winner: Floss Picks

Whipping out a full roll of floss at a restaurant after a meal isn’t exactly ideal. Floss picks are the MVP of on-the-go oral hygiene. They fit easily in a pocket, purse, or car console, making them the ideal tool for a post-lunch touch-up. And since they don’t require both hands, you can floss discreetly without looking like you’re performing dental surgery on yourself in public.

Regular floss, while compact, is just a little less travel-friendly. It requires more effort and maneuvering, which means you’re probably not using it outside of your bathroom. If you’re someone who likes to keep their teeth in check throughout the day, floss picks take the win here.

Eco-Friendliness

The Winner: Regular Floss

Traditional floss produces almost no waste beyond the small piece you use each time. And if you opt for Better & Better’s Natural Floss, you’re skipping the synthetic junk like nylon and PFAS (a.k.a. forever chemicals) found in conventional floss brands.

Floss picks, on the other hand, have a downside: plastic waste. But not all floss picks are created equal. Better & Better Floss Picks are designed with the planet in mind—their handles are made from plant-based PLA, a biodegradable material sourced from corn, sugar cane, and other renewable resources. Plus, the packaging is fully recyclable. So while traditional floss still holds the eco-friendly crown, not all floss picks are environmental villains.

The Final Word On Floss Picks vs. Regular Floss

At the end of the day, the best floss is the one you’ll actually use. If you’re all about convenience and keeping your floss game strong even when you’re on the move, floss picks are a solid choice. If you’re dedicated to a meticulous, deep clean and don’t mind a little extra effort, string floss is your go-to.

But—and this is a big but—not all floss is created equal. Most drugstore options are packed with microplastics, artificial waxes, and chemicals that have no business being in your mouth.

Better & Better’s non-toxic floss and biodegradable floss picks skip the toxic nonsense and focus on what matters: effective, eco-conscious oral care that doesn’t compromise on quality. Whether you go for the classic or the pick, you’re choosing a premium flossing experience—because your teeth (and the planet) deserve better.