By now, we’re sure you’ve heard that you should be flossing once a day. What you may not have heard is that not all floss created equal. When you’re purchasing floss, you want to buy the type that will work best for you so that you’re more likely to use it and use it effectively.
WAXED OR UNWAXED? Generally, waxed floss works well for most people because it slides easily between teeth. Some people, however, prefer the thinner, unwaxed version.
AVOID SHREDDING If your teeth are very close together, you may have problems with floss getting stuck between the teeth. “Shred-resistant” or ‘shred-proof” floss is often a good choice in this situation. Look for floss that bears this labeling on the package.
ADDED PROTECTION? Some flosses contain fluoride or advertise themselves as "tartar control." That's fine as long as you floss after brushing and rinsing. If you floss with these products and then follow up with brushing and rinsing, you're just removing all the protection they've given you.
WHAT WORKS FOR YOU? There are many types of floss and even special implements available to help those who have trouble manipulating regular floss. Feel free to experiment to find the floss that works best for you. Talk to us if you want suggestions or need any help in this area.
SPECIALTY FLOSSES Dental floss comes in a variety of colors, materials and even flavors - popular flavors of floss include wintergreen and cinnamon. Some flosses are even impregnated with fluoride!
- A type of material called dental tape can be effective for people with large spaces between their teeth, or for people with bridge work.
- Floss can be purchased in small self-dispensing boxes. Floss can also be purchased in special, single-use holders, which are useful for people who have a hard time wrapping floss around their fingers, including those with dexterity problems or arthritis.
- For those with braces, bridges, implants or large interdental spaces, one product features a unique sponge-like floss with built-in threader to eliminate the need for two separate flossing devices. The threader easily allows you to access hard to reach areas while the thick sponge-like floss follows through to deeply clean between large interdental spaces, under bridgework, and around braces and implants.
- Lots of people like the little floss picks that consist of a small handle with a short piece of floss attached. Keep a back of these in the car and you can floss when stuck in traffic!
