Including flossing in your daily oral care routine is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. While toothbrushing tackles the visible surfaces of your teeth, flossing targets the tight spaces and gumline where food debris and bacteria tend to gather. With numerous types of floss on the market, understanding their differences can help you choose the product best suited to your specific needs.
Waxed vs. Unwaxed Floss
The most familiar distinction in dental floss is whether it’s waxed or unwaxed:
- Waxed floss has a thin wax coating that makes it glide easily between tight contacts. You can often find it flavored with mint, wintergreen, or cinnamon, adding freshness to your oral care routine. On occasion, waxed floss may fray if used in extremely tight spaces.
- Unwaxed floss lacks any coating, creating more friction as you move it between teeth. Some people find this beneficial for a more thorough “scrubbing” effect, but it can be more challenging to maneuver if your teeth are closely aligned.
Dental Tape
Dental tape is broader and flatter than regular floss, making it an excellent option for individuals with wider gaps or bridgework. Its broader surface area can be gentler on the gums while still effectively removing plaque. The added width helps cover more area between teeth and can be less irritating for those with sensitive tissue.
Floss Picks and Holders
For anyone who finds traditional flossing awkward—whether due to dexterity issues, arthritis, or simply convenience—floss picks or holders may be ideal. These tools keep the floss taut, allowing easier access between teeth without having to wrap floss around your fingers. Floss picks are also convenient for use outside the home, as they’re pre-threaded and disposable.
Specialized Floss for Bridges and Braces
Individuals with dental appliances like braces, bridges, or implants often benefit from specialized products such as super floss. Typically, super floss includes a mix of regular floss, a spongy segment, and a stiff threader, which together help clean around wires and in tight areas. This combination ensures thorough plaque removal without damaging the appliance.
Water Flossers
Though not a traditional floss, water flossers are increasingly popular. They release a pressurized jet of water to clear debris around the gums and between teeth. While water flossing is often gentler—especially for those with sensitive gums or orthodontic hardware—many dentists recommend using it alongside, rather than in place of, standard floss.
Choosing the Right Floss for You
When deciding which floss is best suited for your oral care routine, consider your specific needs:
- If you have narrow spaces between teeth, waxed floss or dental tape can glide more easily.
- For wider gaps or bridgework, dental tape offers broader coverage.
- If you struggle with standard flossing, floss picks or holders simplify the process.
- If you wear braces or other appliances, super floss helps ensure a thorough clean around brackets and wires.
Conclusion
Regardless of which method or product you use, the cornerstone of good oral health is daily flossing. Whether you opt for waxed floss, dental tape, floss picks, or a water flosser, the most important factor is finding a flossing tool you’ll use consistently. Make sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on your chosen product for proven safety and efficacy, and enjoy the benefits of fresher breath and healthier gums.