These days, it seems like everything you buy comes in ten different options. While variety and choice can be great, it can also make decision-making difficult. Even a trip to pick up some floss can turn into a long process when faced with all of the different brands and types available today! But when it comes to your oral hygiene, you don’t want to be left making uneducated guesses. We’ve broken down the different types of dental floss so that, the next time you stroll down the oral hygiene aisle at the store, you can make an informed decision.
1. Unwaxed Floss
Likely the most familiar and traditional of the flosses, unwaxed dental floss consists of dozens of small strands of nylon woven together. It does a great job of getting into hard to reach places to remove food and plaque, although it is prone to breaking or shedding in between teeth. Like most floss, it comes in both flavored and unflavored varieties. Flavouring on floss makes no difference in its effectiveness and is up to your personal preferences!
2. Waxed Floss
Waxed floss is almost identical to unwaxed floss, except that it has been coated in a thin layer of wax. This layer allows the floss to more easily slide between teeth and prevents it from breaking or tearing. Waxed floss is ideal for people whose teeth are quite close together and who may experience breakage when using unwaxed floss.
3. Dental Tape
Dental tape is wider and flatter than standard floss, but also comes in waxed and unwaxed options. Ideal for people whose teeth are set a bit farther apart, dental tape provides a larger surface area to remove plaque in broader gaps.
4. Disposable Flossers
These handy little devices turn flossing into a one handed job and can be easier for children or older patients to use. While they may be easier to hold, they are harder to maneuver than standard string floss and can often miss crucial places in between teeth. To floss thoroughly, you want to make a “C” shape around each tooth, and using a disposable flosser requires extra care to reach that end.
5. Water Picks
Water flossers have recently risen in popularity, and for good reason! These devices allow you to reach all areas of your mouth and can help hit places standard flossing may miss. They have been proven to be as, if not more, effective than standard flossing and can be much more fun to use. While a bit pricey and slightly messy, they’re a great alternative to anyone who has difficulty keeping up a standard flossing routine.
Flossing is an integral part of your oral hygiene routine and should be adhered to as strongly as your brushing regimen. At the end of the day, any flossing is better than none at all, and if you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist!
To schedule your next appointment, call Oak Park Dental Group today!