I tested tiktok vs dentist flossing methods *ranked*

[@JordanIdk]

Funfact: the 9 out of 10 dentists research is complete bogus. They offer a multiple choice list of, for example, toothpastes and ask them to check every brand they'd recommend. It doesn't mean that they specifically think that brand is best, even though it's worded to appear that they do. They might think that brand is the worst but would still recommend it over nothing. There's also nothing to stop them from simply rerunning the trial with small groups until they get the result they're looking for.

[@The_Infamous_Boogyman]

Semantics baby. Technically they're telling the truth

[@Mr12Relic]

Back in the day, cigarette companies handed out packs at doctor conventions and surveyed what brand they had in their pocket on the way out.

[@DrayGon777]

That's why they say that 90% of statistics are made up. While they are technically true in the context in which they were taken, a lot of them were doctored or curated in order to get that result. I took a statistics class and know how data can be skewed to look a certain way to get a certain reaction.

[@aimbot6264]

@@The_Infamous_Boogyman yea of random dentist that prolly are new

[@actuallyNo...]

​@@DrayGon777so where'd use the statistic that 90% of statistics r made up? ...Cause if that's true then I cant believe it, as the statistics would saaay that u only have a 10% chance of being right. 😅😅

[@cleyfaye]

So, interesting fact about flossing. As a non english native speaker, it took me years to learn that flossing was not brushing your teeth, but something else. The practice is really not that common in some places.

[@DanicaCidosa]

my brother I'm sure you ain't southamerican.. european maybe?

[@cleyfaye]

@@DanicaCidosa yep

[@fleonez6610]

Same, I only recently learnt of what flossing is.

[@SuparNerd]

@@cleyfaye Not helping the Brits beat the allegations

[@JetstreamGW]

@@SuparNerd I don't think most brits would try to beat the allegations

[@phukyerpheefees]

You know they make flossers that you put your chosen floss onto. They function just like dental piks, but you can use whatever floss you'd like, you can move to a fresh section of floss whenever you'd like, and you aren't throwing away a bunch of disposable plastic dental piks because they're reusable.

[@TakarieZan]

Did not know this. I will check them out thanks.

[@superbacon1011]

DENTAL PIK FRO THE WIN

[@EtanChamare]

Oooh. That's nice. I need to get one of those. I currently have a flosser that has a reusable handle, but you still have to replace the head that holds the floss. Less plastic waste than dental piks, but still some plastic waste.

[@TheGKLM]

I tried using one, and I felt like I was using more floss with them then if I had to do it by hand. I just couldn't get enough tension without using a lot of floss to wrap it around. That could just be a problem with the flosser I was using but I don't see how you could get the tension without a lot of extra wasted floss.

[@sandgbroschvany1818]

I have one of these and it is awesome.

[@90spiderbros]

I am genuinely. GENUINELY. So happy that Amy is the most inclusive of all the hosts when it comes to guests. Most of the other hosts just host the show themselves or do their own experiements but I really appreciate Amy for being a team player and making everyone on Team Theorist not only participate but also show themselves. I think that's what I find most unique and endearing about this channel, although I would still 100% support Amy however she chooses to run her show.

[@anshverma5456]

Umm... How do you expect guests on a video about..... Movie/game/food (maybe food could get some guest for taste tests ?) those are more research and extrapolation than in-house testing ? So i think even if she wasn't here , matpat would have to these tests themselves ?

[@Hal-fx9xx]

if only she called in Santi less

[@JC_Firestorm]

@@Hal-fx9xx why? got a reason? EDIT: Im genuinely asking, not trying to defend him or be aggressive

[@Hal-fx9xx]

@JC_Firestorm he's not funny (to me),not interesting,and I get bad vibes from him tbh probably just a me problem,but I stopped watching the Food Theory after MatPat left,I just couldn't bear Santi at all

[@homerman76]

​@@Hal-fx9xx Yeah, he's not a bad host, but he feels the most biased of the bunch, which really affects the credibility of many of his videos imo. I haven't fully given up on Food Theory yet, but it is on thin ice for me 🤔

[@Lantec1000]

I've used all the different flossing methods over the years and moving to the interdental brushes, my dentist has actually commented what I've been doing differently because my gums and teeth look cleaner. Its important to find the brush size that fits the right gaps for your teeth though

[@stephencoakley]

Yeah it looks like they got the big ones, you need to get the smaller ones unless your teeth are far apart or actually have braces. My teeth are pretty close together, and the narrowest DenTek brushes work perfectly for me.

[@ronmariahkristafersocial699]

This is what our dentist recommended as well. I'd trust my dentist more.

[@AustynSN]

I've tried them, but my teeth are so close together that even the thinnest can't get in anywhere but right at the gum line.

[@airconditionedstudios1011]

can't wait for the mouthwash episode

[@Analog_Anarchist]

I'm waiting for the toothpaste episode

[@OrchardHeight]

FOR REAL!!!

[@dnlstffrd777]

A life hack that truly works: instead of wrapping the floss around your fingers a bunch of times, take your floss and tie it into a loop instead. You'll use less floss and don't have to readjust the floss as you go.

[@kingzach74]

Or just get a reusable floss pick and you get the convenience of a dental pick without the waste of a dental pick.

[@allistar2005]

I feel like Santi is slowly becoming team theorist's and style theory's ✨️ *best boi* ✨️

[@adas201love2]

S a n t i a g o

[@iambadatnamingthings3547]

Don’t let Tom hear you

[@Legendaryaire]

You need to improve your scientific method. You admit that technique is playing a part. You should have everyone try the products in a different order to try to avoid that discrepancy.

[@djskype020202]

I thought of that. I wondered if their scores could have been different if they started with a different item first. Of course once you try the best version of something everything else pales in comparison and it could be the same the other way around

[@VoidtoScream]

I'm happy Kai mentioned having a permeant retainer, because i have both an upper and lower one and that was my biggest concern coming into this video

[@artsygal112]

Superfloss are great ways to floss around those! It helps if you use a floss threader along with them

[@alisabartlett2247]

I was going to comment because the super gloss is the ONLY way floss gets behind/through my permanent retainer

[@lmxiolus6849]

Interdental is like the number one thing most of my dentists recommend, it’s apparently supposed to bleed when you use it the first few times, and there’s smaller ones for smaller spaces between teeth. The second thing we use are any type of string floss for the places where the interdental didn’t fit

[@Magali_theRecordKeeper]

Exactly! You use them in combination!

[@Captiv8ingChaos]

You were supposed to use gum picks not interdental brushes lol. You also have to have the right size for your teeth. This is the one the the US gets so wrong. Gum picks are superior.

[@okamiangles7121]

Yes! I love the gum picks! After I started using them, my visits to the dentist have been so much better!

[@Blahydra]

I'd argue its even between brushes and picks. Depends on the gap between your teeth. Picks get destroyed for me, brushes get the job done. And as you said, sizes are everything! Saved my teeth from certain doom to be sure.

[@diegojosephia]

​@@Blahydra you say sizes are everything but don't mention that the picks have a lot of sizes, I have a really tight space, that even a waterpik can't reach and a string based pick barely, but the right gum pick works perfect

[@GamestaMechanic]

What's the difference? I googled it and I couldn't find any actual results, even the store pages were showing the exact same items on display.

[@diegojosephia]

@GamestaMechanic the gum picks are softer and use a rubber compound or soo, maybe with a metal but in all years of using them I have never noticed that core. Also they come in more sizes are safer to use and some sizes come inbetween the smallest spaces(like is needed for me) but are a little bit more expensive

[@espon360]

There was a study done in Saudi Arabia in 2021 that showed there wasn't a significant difference in regular flossing and water flossing in terms of eliminating floss so, as far as this one paper shows, the science backs up the utility of water flossing. That said, whatever type of floss you use best will depend on your teeth. If your teeth are extremely close together like mine, you might have to remain using regular floss since the water can't get to the gaps in your teeth and dental picks tend to not be as durable as just a wrapped line of floss.

[@homerman76]

Exactly, it's kind of like what Dan said, technique and mouth design matter a bit more than the product

[@MichaelJohnson-ny6zs]

Yeah, I still don't believe that at all. String floss with proper technique trumps all of the others, but the floss picks and water flossers are much more convenient and easier to use.

[@basvriese1934]

Personally I have the problem that flossing with string just straight up doesn't work for me, if I try to get it in it just starts breaking apart and becomes stuck

[@loreen-z4i]

I've been waiting for this episode for SO LONG

[@Tinacha_Art]

Me too! I really thought the next video after the toothbrush one would be a floss one cus i thought they foreshadowed it

[@TomaXR]

Me too

[@arishtd]

Yep me too, its been ages since they told us about this, wonder what took them so long

[@catherinebaldwin6580]

Cue the “It’s been 5000 years.” Meme

[@f.a.santiago1053]

Amy, just wanted to say, I really like your show hosting chops. Your tone and cadence are really well paired. You also have a grace about you that is really refreshing to see. Thank you for making the Matt transition such an amazing experience. Keep up the amazing work, girl! You're a rockstar!!

[@IamCyclone00]

The title isn’t capitalized

[@Itsame13]

Maybe they forgot

[@AnAroaceTherian]

I just realized it isn't I wonder why the title isn't capitalized

[@mcchickenbaptistchurch.org2]

No 5 exclamation marks and at least two emojis either

[@kingrgames]

AAAAAA

[@PokémonFan214-n9q]

So?

[@CheeseandCrackers-56]

I floss like 5 minutes before dentist appointments

[@alirezaassali443]

Same I also brush my teeth for 1hour too

[@setheaves9608]

Whichever editor or editors chose to 1.) Use David Tennant as the tenth dentist and 2.) Put in the Office reference at the end of the episode....they deserve a raise

[@Chaotic-Lad]

Also the string and doflamingo reference

[@therealquade]

Wow, i see what y'all did wrong. That saw back and forth action is wrong. You do not slide the floss in and out length-wise! There is no real texture so there is nothing for the grossness to stick to. Floss is not serrated. You go up and down while holding the floss taught against the tooth. The floss is moving perpendicular to the floss itself, up and down between the teeth, not in and out of the mouth. Thats why the ribbon does marginally better, but your technique is very bad.

[@JLynne36]

I was hoping to find this comment! They should definitely have a tutorial for proper technique (with all of these honestly), and then they all follow that technique to the best of their ability and see how well it works. Otherwise, the best product might get the worst score just because they don't know how to use it. You need to eliminate as many variables as possible

[@river8142]

Thissss. They were just damaging their gums 🫣

[@AstralAlpaca]

I think that already shows how that the floss isn't the best item. If it takes a specific technique that ur average person wont know how to do to get the best flose then lowers its score.​@@JLynne36

[@KatelynDombach]

Softpiks and interdental brushes are very different things!!!! The ones you got are for around wires ONLY!!!

[@KatelynDombach]

Softpiks are amazing they are the only type of floss I was able to use before I got my wisdom teeth out because my teeth were so crowded together (it was before water glossers got big)

[@6thwilbury2331]

Yeah, that was throwing me off, too... those were exactly what I used when I had braces, but they don't go between the teeth or you'll shred your gumline.

[@BackPackBird]

It's not really a fair competition for the softpiks if you don't learn the correct method. 1. Start with the smallest size softpiks, pick a bigger size after you discover that the piks go through without resistance. 2. Use a bit of toothpaste on the pik. 3. Bleeding indicates infected gum, so you should pik/floss more and better.

[@MPbmfm]

I was about to wrote that

[@devvvinparker1203]

Never would have expected that Style Theory would have become my favorite of the theory channels. I mean, never would have expected it to be a channel from the creator of game theory either. But ya, love the way y'all have gone with this channel.

[@fishnewt1331]

*insert Matpat groaning at the conclusion of the video*

[@karendean8131]

I use interdental brushes as part of my dental routine! I HIGHLY recommend making sure you are getting the right size for the gapping between your teeth. The braces ones aren’t what you need, I recommend the gum brand proxabrush “go betweens” in size “tight”

[@Hime0love]

YESSS!

[@NotEmoBoba]

I love the tenth doctor/dentist references lol

[@P.A.theDarkstar]

"Welcome back to my bathroom" is such a WILD SENTENCE to say on the internet 😂😂😂

[@itamiozanare]

As someone who had braces as a kid for 5 years. The little pipe cleaner brush is not floss. It's for cleaning around your mouth hardware, not for going between your teeth. Teeth gaps generally aren't large enough to accommodate them. The dental brackets + wires makes for lots of places to catch gunk that's difficult to reach with a toothbrush. The hardware also trashes your tooth brush really fast if you try. The trick for flossing was to use nylon threaders (kinda like those wire needle threaders for sewing) to loop the floss under each wire section to then be pushed between teeth as you normally would. It takes *AGES* to thread the floss between each and every single took. Like 40 minutes for the whole mouth. I still don't floss from the trauma of it.

[@Jdelacruz94]

Yesss! As someone who has worked in dentistry for 10 years (started as an assistant/ front desk to manager) you are suppose to floss and use the water pick for the best results. Interdental is NOT meant for regular flossing you can actually cause gapping only meant for prs with braces or bridges/ crowns cause they have

[@muffinkitty6904]

Hey, pro tip for those of you out there with permanent retainers like me. If you're using string floss, wrap the floss around the back of your tooth. This lets the floss slide behind the retainer. Big thanks to my dentist for telling me this!

[@daliam8715]

I just use the special floss that you push between your teeth. There's no gap between my teeth and the retainer, so no method with normal floss is possible.

[@oozelian]

A technique I was shown was to wrap the floss around your middle fingers then use your pointer fingers to guide it. Works pretty well for me.

[@danjones6191]

With the interdental brushes there are several sizes and the mouth can need multiple sizes for different teeth. They are more effective than string floss and water floss…. When used properly

[@Bagel._.Seeds16]

proud to say floss pick+water flosser+ brushing has been my daily combo for years

[@olafthebear2327]

Might have to give one of those waterpiks a try. Thanks for the video! Also, somehow your hair looks even more amazing in this video

[@Altmetalpunk]

My grandpa swore by them

[@lduker9731]

The one thing they also didn’t mention was you can get ones with multiple different pick heads to help get a better clean. Mine has six or so different heads including a brush attachment.

[@JustRen10]

0:51 David Tennant spotting in a style theory???

[@martianpudding9522]

I've been using a plastic and silicone version of the interdental picks and they are my favorite. I also tried the metal ones and I really hated them, I felt like I was scratching my teeth or they didn't fit at all and hurt a lot. But the plastic ones don't hurt or bend and still feel like they're working

[@adriangreen6962]

funny that end resuilt is EXACTLY what i found online when i was reseaching if i should even get a waterpik because i was tired of using the dental pick floss. I was hoping this episode would give me a reason to drop the floss altogether.

[@Miochh]

I literally needed this video right now, amazing timing 😂

[@MikoKar]

I had my wisdom teeth earlier this year and ever since then flossing them has become my worst nightmare, gonna try the winner flosses, thanks team theorist!

[@TosillKohut]

For the permanent retainer, they make threading “needles”. She should’ve learned that from the orthodontic journey she had. You can use any floss with it.

[@RulerzReachSketches]

Live, laugh, love, Santi being Santi

[@itsarvizian]

10:50 why am i only just now noticing the Wrath Sin tattoo from Seven Deadly Sins

[@vsnowball4745]

he showed it off during that livestream introducing the new hostes. bros been my fav sense

[@natnextcore]

This Donquixote Doflamingo reference is spectacular. I love it so much 😂

[@galexian_]

9/10 dentists recommend

[@edwardtdm123]

The Waterpik deserves all the praise it gets. Totally worth the investment! 💦

[@chaoticnekomancer]

Satin is not a type of material, it's a type of weaving method! So satin can be made out of everything, cotton, nylon, wool, silk... if you can weave it, you can probably make satin out of it.

[@lostmonkey]

I can't believe we finally got the last part of the Doctor Who theory. Not the body part I would have expected it to focus on

[@tocasmiley360]

as someone with braces, the waterpik is a LIFESAVER, I never flossed before braces, but the sheer improvement was astounding! this is truly one of the greats

[@LycanLink]

I subbed, because I've been supporting Matt since 2011. I stayed, because the quality never waned... Also, Amy's eyes are just-- I have no words. 😍

[@LunaWitcherArt]

The floss works better for me, but like. Technique will make or break flossing, there's no way to fight it. I prefer floss because it not only goes in between the teeth, but also because it can reach the space between the gum and the tooth, disrupting the buildups that lead to dental calculus and plaque.

[@TheQuietTyper]

I like the waterpik because I hate sticking my fingers in my mouth and my teeth are very close together so the dental pick becomes very awkward. On the plus side being that close together means that I don't get a whole lot of food trapped between them.

[@ariesearthdragon]

I think it's funny Amy uses the basic/cheap toothbrush for her teeth but the waterpik for flossing.

[@Finnch77]

"The Tenth Dentist" honestly sounds like the next best Dentist horror movie

[@Gigaeat]

Thank you for making these videos. I’m currently sick and watching these videos make me feel a lot better.

[@ThinlyCut90]

I've used regular flossing, and water flossing together, and that was what gave me the best results in terms of cleaner gums (as told to me by my dentist). Now, I've been able to switch back to just regular flossing for upkeep.

[@abbysworld05]

I use floss picks and I’m suprised it got number 2 even tho it’s what I use for flossing, I used to use the water pick on top of that but I haven’t used that in like 1 year

[@letsgetmental6934]

Because of chronic trembling and occasional twitching I hated flossing as a kid to teen because it felt almost to do and it hurt me a lot (like still feeling it 2 days later) but then water flossing became more well known and I love it so much. It’s efficient and very forgiving 💚💚

[@TheDarkKratoz]

After being lax with my dental maintenance for the first 30 years, I've gone a little dental-mental. I now floss, waterpik, and then brush, every morning, and brush again before bed every night.

[@pinoyguy75]

The one guy was right, it's all about technique. The floss is supposed to be wrapped around the side of the tooth and get under the gums. As you said flossing should be done before you brush every night. You're also not supposed to bleed. All of this can be confirmed by your dentist.

[@ForestRaptor]

The edit is gold

[@tyukogames]

1:18 THE CO HOST IS BACK

[@WeepingAngel1999]

Honestly as somebody with depression who struggles with self care the floss picks work amazing for me as I can quickly use them and they are simple to use. I went from never flossing to being able to quickly floss and help clean my teeth.

[@The_mossman]

This channel help me get through some tough times

[@MrDeAd26]

I've been waiting for this since the brush video

[@rhiannonrippke-koch7403]

I work for a periodontist. The best method is to brush, floss and then waterpik last. Other option for your floss is a floss handle that helps u keep the tension and get your back teeth easier with the waxed floss. ❤ Great episode.

[@NahnomachinesSon]

Wouldn't using the waterpik last wash away the fluoride on your teeth from the toothpaste?

[@rhiannonrippke-koch7403]

@@NahnomachinesSon , yes, which is why my dentist recommends using a mouthwash with fluoride when you are all done, especially if you have a high risk of decay.

[@NannyDiaries23]

False- floss, waterpik, then brush.

[@raineecho4005]

I currently have braces. I use a waterpik and occasionally one of two other things. 1. a normal floss that I thread in essentially a flexible needle that goes in between my braces, then I floss like normal 2. a floss with a hard tip on one end that is made to do what the needle does, except its a fluffy floss as well, made to be able to get more gunk

[@gracegaylord9025]

I use the dental picks since i have a small mouth and so it works a lot better for me. I also have some crowded teeth that have some tight gaps, it get's in there great

[@rpgbuster]

Glad to have another style theory towards a broader audience. Thank you!

[@SpiritAmong-Darkness]

I don't know how you manage to pick topics that are on my mind 😆Seeing Santi's reaction to the water pick was worth watching the whole video 😂I know I would have probably reacted in the same way. My dentist recommended a water pick for me. I told them no... too expensive and I don't want to feel like I'm drowning. But now I'm actually considering it 🤔

[@exoraptor4398]

The David Tennant at 5:40!!!!!! That's man is legendary lol

[@OmegaXYT]

Ironically enough I had already did this experiment over the years, WaterPik is great for washing debris out of the mouth + its fun (important for something which is otherwise tedious), but there's times where neither the WaterPik or toothbrush is able to dislodge something stubborn which is where the Dentalpick comes in. Pretty satisfying seeing the results of my own research match up with the Theorists.

[@karynelizabeth6065]

The only things I wish were added was someone checking to see how these different methods affected the sulcus of the gums. It would've been cool to get a dental hygienist check. Also discussing the best techniques for each method. Add for a user experience this is a great video but flooding is meant to not just prevent cavities but also to prevent periodontal disease.

[@scramble-egs]

i love amy's star clip omg it's so cute

[@anhurtorrez]

Lot of these episodes don't apply to me, than you do one like this. These are the best ones where it's for everyone.

[@AspLode]

You should use both, but also interdental brushes (that look like tiny pipe cleaners) to get at the spaces that regular toothbrushes have a problem reaching. It's annoying but it's worth it because it also stimulates blood-flow in your gums

[@Firemaster27]

And to no one’s surprise, the SECOND Santi finished his trip he was immediately roped back in to his Theory sister’s shenanigans 😂

[@Nelsito99]

I feel like these and the shower type of videos should be in their own playlist called something along the lines of personal hygiene

[@ToneTone126]

I've genuinely been wanting to know more about this. Thank you

[@The_mossman]

Man I love this channel

[@LiTao-dr1dm]

Thanks helps actually a lot

[@Sub_Giga_Chad]

kai and dan are like those friends that you rarely see but fun to hangout with hahahaha

[@rachelleeden8824]

Been waiting for this one

[@sodanaxpharina7200]

You don't wanna believe it, but I started flossing right today now (as an 37 year old adult) .. I got dental"picks" here, I hope the right word.. thank you for the episode

[@mikeyallen6758]

Genuinely the most useful out of all the theory channels 👏👏👏

[@theluffinater9470]

I love Amy's hair

[@Frostpotions2]

Thank you Amy, Santi, kai and Dan for your sacrifices for this one video

[@lynnboartsdye1943]

I’m glad the dental picks got as high as they did, I hate using regular floss and these do the job just as well As someone who has a permanent retainer I’m surprised the floss that was made for those wasn’t included in this. I can’t remember it’s type of floss but there’s a soft section and a pointy end that lets you get through the bars/teeth that are close together.

[@Bella-ze1yu]

15:22 you can only use it for braces. It works great if you have braces

[@DeborahStar]

Me who doesn't even floss 💀

[@joshginnelly7282]

Yeah I just brush and mouthwash that's it

[@AnAroaceTherian]

Same! I don't floss, I just brush my teeth.

[@KcHecKa]

bad !

[@imafish9070]

Same

[@reigjinokou7035]

I always figured the missing dentist is just there to represent that no group is 100% homogeneous in a subjective matter.

[@mellocheesecake1420]

Tattoo theory pleaseeeee! I would love to see what is the best product to heal them! Saniderm (also known as second skin), aquaphor, or doing nothing!!

[@satsujin-shathewitchkingof6185]

I've never been told to floss. I don't know if it's simply not a British thing or what but I've never heard anyone speak about flossing,my dentist doesn't even mention flossing, nothing

[@NannyDiaries23]

That’s why there’s a stereotype of British having bad teeth

[@minecraftchest2]

Was waiting for this episode to drop.

[@actuallyNo...]

*sponsorship by Water 💧 Pik... ...J/K. Lol. Y'all dobt forget to floss now, ya hear.?

[@travisbolen5318]

This is the first video I've watched since MatPat's departure, gotta say I miss him but y'all was amazing.

[@catcho4868]

If for some reason this ever gets done again, I'd love for expanding floss to be included. It seems like a newer floss that younger dentists learn about and then recommend

[@Dann-kc4lx]

I’ve been waiting for this episode ever since the which tooth brush is better episode and now I’m happy thanks team theorist 😊😊

[@Mad.Die.]

3:50 Whenever you floss your teeth with string floss you’re supposed to scrape the plaque. It’s not just supposed to go in between your teeth and wiggle around. You have to actually go up into each side of your tooth and scrape the plaque buildup. It’s usually pretty effective of getting that hard to reach plaque right under your gums.

[@TheMissPelled]

the interdental brushes come in multiple sizes, if your teeth are close together youre meant to use the SMALLEST size! theyre also are either on wires or made of rubber, the rubber ones are a lot softer

[@TheNonameHousehold]

Awesome! now I have an excus- I mean reason to buy a waterpik 😅😂

[@Earthbound524]

I can admit that both using the first and second place together has been astronomically difference and it makes a lot of sense as well Use the floss string/stick to remove any big major debris then using the waterpik to get the deep sections.

[@TruVarVa]

I use a dental pik everyday, but I used to use a water pik. My biggest complaint about the water pik I is that I would still be able to pull out bits of food from between my teeth with the dental pik AFTER using the water pik. It simply doesn't get between my tight teeth. As an avid flosser I absolutely loved this video, great work team theorists!