Tips For Choosing Dental Floss Types

There are several floss types you can use as a part of your daily dental care routine. Manufacturers have developed several dental floss flavors, textures, colors and materials to suit the varying taste preferences of individuals as well as to meet the standards of dentists. Which types of dental floss you choose depends on the way your teeth are aligned as well as your personal preferences. Using the right dental floss daily is important to the overall health of your teeth and gums. If you aren’t sure what types of floss you should use, talk to your dentist. He or she can recommend the best types of floss for you.

Most floss types today are made from nylon due to its durability. Several very thin strands of nylon or twisted or woven together to form a single, stronger strand that is used to floss between teeth.

Waxed Dental Floss

One of the most popular types of floss is waxed. These have a slippery coating that makes it easier to get in between your teeth, particularly if you have very tight spaces between your teeth or your teeth are crowded or overlap. Most waxed floss is lightly flavored with some type of mint or cinnamon. The down side to waxed types of floss is its tendency to fray quickly.

Unwaxed Dental Floss

Unwaxed types of floss can be used daily by just about anyone, and some people prefer the absorbency of an unwaxed floss, which helps debris between the teeth to adhere to the floss. If you’re worried about removing as much plaque as possible from your teeth, unwaxed dental floss may be a good choice.

Teflon Dental Floss

This is one of the newest floss types on the market, designed for people who don’t particularly like to floss. It is coated with a non-stick Teflon coating similar to that used on pots and pans. Teflon floss glides easily between the teeth and is less likely to catch on sharp edges.

Dental Tape

Not all types of floss use the name floss. There is a wider style of dental floss that is often referred to as dental tape because it is wide and flat. If you have bridge work or there are larger spaces between your teeth, dental tape is a good choice. It cleans just as effectively as floss, but is less likely to cut into delicate gums or get caught on bridge work. Tape is also less prone to fraying and is easier to hold and guide between your teeth.

All types of floss can be purchased in small dispensers that slowly feed out the length you need from a wound spool or bobbin. If you have trouble grasping dental floss or can’t easily maneuver your hands in and around your teeth, look for dental floss holders or dental picks that securely hold a length of floss between two stationary ends for easy flossing without winding.