Flossing is Too Beneficial to Skip!
Many of us will admit that daily flossing occasionally gets skipped, even though it plays a key role in keeping teeth and gums healthy. Brushing alone cleans most of the tooth surfaces, but it misses the tight spaces between teeth. That’s where floss steps in! Dental floss removes food particles and plaque that hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
Without flossing, plaque and tartar builds up in-between the teeth and especially behind the rear molars. Over time, this leads to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Flossing keeps your mouth fresh, clean, and protected from problems that start small, but grow quickly. If you find it hard to make flossing a habit, maybe you just need to try a different kind of dental floss. Here is a rundown of the most common types of floss materials and techniques.
Types of Floss and Their Benefits
Not all floss is the same. Different types work well for different people and situations. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Waxed Floss
Waxed floss comes with a light coating of wax that makes it smooth and easy to slide between tight teeth. It glides between tooth enamel readily and rarely frays. Waxed floss works well for people with crowded teeth or tight spaces between their teeth.
Unwaxed Floss
Unwaxed floss offers a thinner option. It fits into very snug gaps but may fray more easily. Some people like the clean feel and grip of unwaxed floss, especially if their teeth sit close together.
Dental Tape
Dental tape feels wider and flatter than standard floss. It covers more surface area and works well for people with wider spaces between their teeth. Dental tape also tends to feel gentler on sensitive gums.
Woven Floss
Woven floss looks and acts like yarn. You can stretch it out to make it narrow, or hold it lightly to take up more space. Since it has a rougher surface than dental tape or waxed floss, and more surface area than unwaxed floss, it effectively cleans between the teeth. This is an excellent floss for people with large gaps between the teeth, but some users find that it shreds in tight spaces. If woven floss works for you, it may be the most effective type of string floss.
Super Floss
Super floss is a pre-cut piece of floss that includes three sections: a stiff end, a spongy middle, and regular floss on the other end. The stiff part slides under wire braces and other kinds of dental work that usually prevent the use of floss. The spongy section cleans around appliances and in wider tooth gaps. This floss provides extra help for people with orthodontic work or special dental needs.
Floss Picks
Floss picks combine a small piece of floss with a plastic handle. They offer a quick, easy way to floss, especially when on the go. Picks work well for kids or anyone who finds traditional floss hard to manage. While picks do not wrap around the tooth as fully as regular floss, they still clean effectively and encourage daily use.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are either a tiny wire brush, or a plastic pick with a soft rubber end. In effect, they’re fancy toothpicks. They are very useful for anyone with traditional braces or similar oral appliances. Although they clean very well in the gaps between the teeth, they cannot clean behind the last molars or the tight spots where teeth touch.
Water Flossers
Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use a stream of water to clean between the teeth and along the gumline. They work well for people with braces, sensitive gums, or difficulty using string floss. Though not a complete replacement for traditional floss, water flossers add helpful support to a daily oral health routine.
Make Flossing Part of Your Day
Flossing takes only a few minutes, but it makes a big difference in your oral health! Dentists and hygienists can always identify patients that floss regularly and patients that don’t floss. For help choosing the best floss that fits your teeth, routine, and comfort, or to learn good flossing techniques, visit Lakeside Dental in Folsom. Our modern, full-service dental office cares about protecting and improving your smile. Contact us today or visit us at 183 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, California. We look forward to meeting you!
