FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is PerioTwist better than floss?
A. Floss was invented 200 years ago and still cleans between relatively well, but it is difficult to do properly and will not clean root indentations where germs hide. Furthermore, flossing requires two clean hands, and often a mirror which limits "on the go” cleaning. Floss may also tear and shred and get stuck between your teeth and are almost impossible to use when teeth are splinted together as seen with bridges, orthodontics (braces) and implants. Implants are often thinner than the teeth they replace creating wide spaces which cannot be adequately cleaned with floss. Unlike PerioTwist, floss cannot medicate the interdental space.
Q. Why is PerioTwist better than interdental brushes (IDB)?
A. All interdental brushes have wires that may break and scratch sensitive roots and your expensive dental work. You need many different sizes of brushes (up to 12)to clean the different sized spaces in your mouth and you have to remember which color-coded sized brushes fits which teeth. There is also some evidence that the brush tips are sharp and ragged and can create micro bleeding of the gums (sulcus). IDB’s will withdraw medication as the brush is withdrawn.
Q. Why is PerioTwist better than other picks?
A. PerioTwist is made from two medical grade FDA listed plastics that will clean both narrow (crowded teeth) and XXX wide spaces (implants) and is the only pick that contains a built in 100% natural essential oil antibacterial which self - cleans between uses to make it re-usable and environmental. Other picks are very thin and break easily requiring many picks to clean your entire mouth and have small handles that are difficult to hold and manipulate especially for seniors antarthritic fingers. PerioTwist has a large ergonomic handle which is easy to hold and allows you to turn, rotate or twist so that you can medicate as well as clean the interdental space with toothpaste, whitening gels, antiseptics, antimicrobials, desensitizers ,and remineralization pastes.
Q. Who should use PerioTwists?
A. Everyone ages 8-108. If you can use a toothpick, you can use a PerioTwist. Children over 8-12 should be supervised. Adults should clean between children ’s teeth under 8 to avoid accidental swallowing and possible choking.
Q. Can Children use PerioTwists?
A. Everyone who can use a toothpick can use a PerioTwist. Children 8-12 should be supervised. Adults should clean between children ’s teeth under 8 to avoid accidental swallowing and possible choking.
Q. Are PerioTwists safe to use?
A. Yes. PerioTwists are made with two FDA listed food grade plastics with built in 100% natural essential oil antimicrobials and are fabricated in a “clean room” in North America to prevent contamination and ensure safety.
Q. How long should a PerioTwist last?
A. With normal use, (Gently insert between teeth just until it binds and twist twice-never force!) Each PerioTwist should last for 5-7 days and even much longer. It is recommended that your PerioTwist should be replaced every 30 days or if it breaks or bends excessively. (Usually because you are pushing too hard)
Q. Can you re-use a PerioTwist?
A. Yes. PerioTwist was specifically designed to be re-usable and therefore environmental. Only PerioTwist contains a 100% natural mint essential oil antimicrobial which allows PerioTwist to self - clean between uses especially when “on the go” when you are away from your sink. Whenever possible, rinse, pat dry, then cover with cap included in your case. (Fits your schedule). PerioTwist is also designed to be sturdy, unlike other thin picks that break easily and fill landfills.
Q. How do I clean my PerioTwist after I use it?
A. PerioTwist was specifically designed to be re-usable and environmental. PerioTwist is the only interdental cleaner (pick and brushes) that contains a 100% natural mint essential oil antimicrobial which allows PerioTwist to self - clean between uses especially when “on the go” when you are away from your sink. (Fits your schedule) Whenever possible, rinse, pat dry, then cover with cap included in your case.
Q. How long should it take you to Clean Between all your teeth?
A. Less time than it takes to floss all your teeth. (approx.1- 2 minutes).
Q. How can I get rid of my bad breath (malodor)?
A. Most bad breath comes from smelly germs (plaque) that hide between your teeth that your toothbrush and mouthwash cannot reach to clean. If these germs (bacteria)are not removed every 24 hours, they begin to attack the underlying gums(periodontium – “Perio”) and become infected which makes things even worse. So, you may have bad breath even though you brush twice a day. PerioTwist is specifically designed to “Clean Between” better. Smelly bacteria(plaque) can also hide in the thousands of little projections (papilla) on the surface of your tongue which can cause bad breath so to remember to clean your tongue with your toothbrush (or tongue scraper). Occasionally sinus, tonsils, stomach problems can lead to bad breath as well.
Q. What is mask breath and how do I get rid of it?
A. Masks keeps viruses and germs out but also keeps odors coming from your mouth in and the foul smell is absorbed into the mask. -so, if your mask smells, most likely so does your breath.
Q. Can my PerioTwist do more than clean between?
A. Yes. PerioTwist is the only interdental cleaner that can not only clean but can also medicate between your teeth and only PerioTwist will not remove the medicament as the cleaner (PerioTwist) is withdrawn. Simply “Dip it- Twist it” twice in a clockwise direction. This is due to PerioTwist’s patented reverse screw technology that leaves the medication to work between your teeth, without removing it as your PerioTwist is withdrawn while twisting it (clock wisedirection).
Q. How much force should I use?
A. Very little force. Gently insert the PerioTwist between your teeth just until it binds and no more. Then twist twice and move to the next space and repeat. It is important to use as little force as possible to avoid damage to your PerioTwist or gums. Using too much force will not only bend or break your PerioTwist, but more importantly may damage your gums. Never force!
Q. What happens if I use too much force?
A. Using too much force will not only bend or break your PerioTwist, but more importantly may damage your gums. Never force!
Q. Is it better to twist or push/pull?
A. Your PerioTwist can clean either way, but twisting is gentler and therefore preferred. Push/pulling tends to create more force which leads to increased bending and breakage.
Q. What should I do if my PT cannot fit between my teeth?
A. There are some interdental spaces that are too small for the PerioTwist (0.8 mm) to enter to clean. If your teeth are overlapped or crowded or the roots of adjacent teeth are very close together, you should try floss.
Q. Can I dip my PerioTwist in mouthwash? Is it safe?
A. Yes. Dip it- Twist it (clockwise). The addition of mouthwash (non- alcoholic) or toothpaste (fluoride preferred) helps you simultaneously clean and medicate so you benefit even more.
Q. Can I continue to use my PerioTwist if the tip breaks or bends?
A. You can continue to use you PerioTwist even if it bends slightly. You should discard it (responsibly) if it breaks.
Q. When should I Discard my PT and take a new one?
A. You should discard your PT responsibly if you see a lot of fraying, bending or breakage. It is advisable to change your PerioTwist every month. ( remember to change your toothbrush every 4- 6 months).
Q. Should I PT before or after I brush my teeth?
A. If you remove the plaque around and between your teeth every 24 hours, it should matter. PerioTwist is designed to clean any time and anywhere on your schedule, so you can PerioTwist while driving (you only need 2 clean fingers), watching TV, etc., or just chilling out.
Q. How often should I PT?
A. Once a day-any time anywhere, on your schedule.
Q. Is it better to PT before sleep or in the morning?
A. It doesn’t matter. You can use PerioTwist any time anywhere, on your schedule.
Q. How best to clean the back teeth?
A. Although PerioTwist is designed to reach your back teeth, You can elongate your PerioTwist for better reach by inserting the ball end of the cap into the handle end. This will double the length of your PerioTwist to reach your back teeth or hard to reach areas. (Tongue side approach).
Q. Can I PerioTwist from the tongue side as well as from the cheek side?
A. Yes– especially the back and middle teeth.
Q. Can I bend the tip to make it easier to go between the back teeth?
A. Yes, but very slowly and gently.
Q. Why do my gums bleed when I PT? is it dangerous? What should I do if I my gums bleed when I use my PT?
A. If your gums bleed the first few times you use PerioTwist, it means that your gums may already be inflamed or infected. When most people see bleeding, they immediately stop cleaning which is the worst thing to do because that leaves the germs (bacteria) to continue to damage your teeth and gums. The absolute best thing to do is to continue to PerioTwist for another 4-7 days which will remove the germs and bacteria that is causing the inflammation or infection. If your gums bleed, you most likely have a build-up of tarter. (Soft plaque becomes calcified by the salts in your saliva) you should consult your dentist to have an under the gum cleaning and examination.
Q. What should I do if my roots or teeth are sensitive when I use my PT?
A. It is not common for teeth or roots to be sensitive when using PerioTwist. It is advisable to consult your dentist. You may try to dip your PerioTwist into desensitizing toothpaste and insert it between your teeth. Remember to withdraw your PerioTwist twisting (rotating clockwise) which leaves more desensitizer between your teeth.
Q. How long will it take to get my order after purchase?
A. We will try to ship your PerioTwist within 3-5 days in North America. Covid19 supply chain problems may cause delays so please be patient.
Q. What should I do if my order is not correct?
A. Please contact us at
info@ouchpack.com to correct your order.
Q. Do you have a referral program?
A. Yes-Please contact
info@ouchpack.com to find out more.
Q. Should I tell my dentist about PT?
A. Absolutely. Your dentist and hygienist will see the benefits of using PerioTwist as soon as they look in your mouth.
Q. How does using a PerioTwist save me lots of money at the dentist?
A. Over 90% of dental disease (teeth and gums) is totally preventable with good oral hygiene. The problem is that most serious and expensive problems start between your teeth were your toothbrush or mouthwash cannot reach to clean. Unfortunately, most of us neglect "cleaning between” because existing cleaners may be, difficult to learn and do, painful, inconvenient, time consuming, and can even break and scratch sensitive roots and expensive dental work. It is no surprise that dental disease is still one of the most prevalent diseases in the world even though it is almost totally preventable. That is why my hygienist wife, and I invented the PerioTwist for our own patients and we are now making it available for you. It is time to stop the “Drill- Fill-and Bill” cycle that will never end. It’s time to start using a PerioTwist today.