DISCLAIMER: Someone had posted a comment about these earlier, so I followed up and they sent me three samples. I don’t have anything else to gain from them, and don’t in any way feel obligated to give anything but my most honest evaluation of the product.
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I’ve spent a few days trying out the Bryton Pick, which they call a floss alternative and which looks like a little boomerang. It comes in a little package that doubles as a carrying case; they call it credit card size, which I haven’t tested, but which implies handy for carrying around. So, here are a few thoughts:
- What I first noticed and liked was that the “floss”–which is made of thin stainless steel, according the company info–is really thin. I had NO problem sliding it between my teeth, like I do with regular floss. Nice.
- There is the fear that I’m going to slice my gums because the thing looks sharp, but actually no problem there.
- What I don’t like is that I couldn’t quite navigate the flosser around the tooth like I can when I’m using regular floss. Maybe I’ll get the hang of angling it.
- The product literature features that you can use it with one hand, and this is quite nice. Really is a one-handed flosser.
- I have a question about how hygienic it is if you stick it back in the holder; I guess I’ll pay attention and make sure to clean and dry with extra special care once in a while.
- Not sure how to evaluate it in terms of waste-stream; the product is small and packaging minimal, too, but is it less waste than using regular floss? Can I throw it in plastic recycle?
- The flyer they included in the package showed a photo of use with braces. I can’t comment on this with experience, since I no longer wear braces, but I imagine it might be useful in a pinch. Anyone given it a try?
So, my conclusions:
- I don’t think I’ll replace my regular floss for daily usage because of the nooks & crannies that I think floss address better.
- However, I’ll carry this around in my wallet. A lot less work when I’m out at a restaurant or a meeting, than trying to floss. Especially if I don’t think I can wash my hands adequately to use the floss.
- And great to have around for a quick floss when I don’t have enough time for my daily brush/floss routine (which usually happens pre-bedtime.)
You can purchase here or get three free but pay $4.95 shipping/handling.
8 comments
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June 16, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Cassandra
How would you use that with a bonded retainer? I have bonded teeth too, so I am already practicing for my bonded retainer. Just curious…
June 20, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Michael
Cassandra,
just like with braces you can ‘floss’ from behind…so instance, there is usually one side that is open, and bryton will slide through the open side…
have a look at this:
http://www.brytonpick.com/oral%20hygiene%20how%20to.html
I hope that answers your question!
Thanks!
Michael
July 24, 2008 at 11:52 am
ESP Day 23: Floss « everyday sustainable
[...] It’s convenient. There’s floss in the bathroom. Floss in my retainer container travel kit. I don’t even think about it. I’ve even found a super-portable floss that’s flat and fits in my wallet. [...]
August 11, 2008 at 9:37 am
Dawn
Regarding the Brytonpick, I’m a dental hygienist, and I have to say that based on the video demo, the brytonpick isn’t going below the gumline (there are two areas between each tooth). Flossing below the gumline is just as important, if not more important, than flossing between the teeth. I’ve had patients who claim they floss daily, yet wonder why they have gum disease. It’s because you have to get the plaque under the gums. If you floss your gums, your teeth will get clean. So proper flossing is more important than most realize- more people lose their teeth to gum disease than to decay. I admit I haven’t tried it, but the brytonpick looks like it could easily lacerate the gums if you try to go below the gumline. Ouch.
August 11, 2008 at 11:35 pm
wakowa
Thanks Dawn. I’ve used this for a while, and it seems scary and that it might cut the gums, but it is actually not a problem. Of course, with my daily flossing, my gums are pretty healthy… would probably be a problem with hunhealthy gums. I don’t think this Brytonpick is a substitutes for good old-fashioned floss; I like it for its convenience when traveling. So it’s one of my floss options. That said, I think in a pinch the Brytonpick can get below the gumline to some extent, if I didn’t have floss on hand.
Maybe you can get a sample to try out yourself?
August 12, 2008 at 2:44 am
Dawn Gale
Well said wakowa- use it as “ONE of your floss options” but do not replace it with proper old fashioned flossing. There simply isn’t an easier alternative to flossing. This may be okay for occasional food sticks, but IMHO, that’s about all. A free toothpick from a restaurant works for me. And that’s disposable. There’s a bit of the “yuck” factor in wiping and reusing this product. Emphasis on YUCK. (Lots of microbiology classes here.)
I am all about sampling hygiene products if it makes sense and the research is there to back it up- however in this case, I personally see no need. But if it gets a non-flosser interesting in doing more for their oral hygiene, then that’s great!
August 20, 2008 at 7:11 am
How about EASY flossing with braces??!! - Braces Forums
[...] or are interested to have a free sample. Thanks! Video: YouTube – FLOSSING WITH BRACES Review: Healthy Options: Brytonpick floss alternative « What’s in a Smile? __________________ [...]
October 29, 2008 at 4:38 pm
joann
I am also a dental hygienist. We recommend Sturdyfloss in our office. It is the traditional floss, with a new unique floss threader. One unit device with floss attached. So easy to use and our patients seem to love it.