One part of your dental hygiene routine that often gets overlooked is flossing! But dental floss is important to getting particles and plaque out of tight spaces that can be otherwise unreachable. Because of this unique job, regular flossing can help prevent cavities in a way no other dental hygiene routine can. But did you know there are different types of floss? Finding which dental floss is best for you can help you get the most out of your flossing and brushing!
Unwaxed Floss
This floss made of 35 strands tightly twisted together is helpful for reaching into tight spaces, but can shred or break easily. The unbound fibers in unwaxed floss clean well, catching more particles and plaque than the smoother waxed floss.
Waxed Floss
This floss is coated in a thin layer of wax, preventing breakage, but this wax can also make reaching tighter spaces more difficult. It also binds the fibers together making waxed floss less effective than unwaxed in catching more plaque and food particles.
Super Floss
The benefit of super floss is that it has end sections that are stiffer, and helpful for cleaning around orthodontic hardware like braces, or dental bridges. When asking yourself which dental floss is best, super floss is the clear choice for patients with braces or other dental hardware.
Dental Tape
A flat tape that is wider than conventional floss, dental tape is useful for people who have gaps or large space between teeth. It comes in waxed and unwaxed versions as well.
Floss Can be Convenient and Easy to Use Too!
Floss can also come in a variety of ways, or with tools that can assist in flossing the best you can!
Disposable floss plackers can be very helpful on the go, or for smaller mouths. They are also ideal for teaching young children how to floss properly, making an easy grip for little hands, and a less messy flossing experience for helping parents.
Flavored flosses can also add to the feel of fresh breath and a pleasant experience.
There are also helpful tools, like floss picks, electric flossers, etc that are helpful to those with a steady hand. Electric flossers are not ideal for young children or those without a steady grip, but can be helpful in achieving an amazingly clean mouth to someone with a steady hand.
If in doubt about which dental floss is best to use for your particular situation, talk to your hygienist about what kind of floss may best suit your needs. Call our Perryville Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.