Which Floss Size Should You Use?

About Dental Floss

Buying dental floss used to be simple. You had a choice between waxed and unwaxed, and that was it. Today, you can find a dizzying number of dental floss types in your local store. What are the differences between them, and which one is right for you?

Fun Facts About Floss

• Children should know how to floss by age 12.
• All floss types work equally well.
• Flossing before brushing removes more plaque than flossing after, and it helps keep fluoride in your teeth better.
• Using fluoride toothpaste helps floss work better.
• Most people don’t floss often enough. Only 16% of Americans said they floss once a day, and 8% said they never floss.

How can you make flossing a daily habit? Here are some tips.

• Keep floss next to your toothpaste as a reminder to use it.
• Choose floss that’s easy for you to use, or try interdental brushes if you find flossing difficult.
• Make flossing part of a morning or bedtime ritual.

Waxed or Unwaxed

Waxed and unwaxed flosses are standard flosses typically made from nylon fibers Unwaxed floss is excellent for fitting into tight corners, but the unwaxed threads are more likely to shred. This is the standard floss used by most people.

Waxed floss has a special coating that makes it slide more easily between your teeth. It doesn’t shred as easily as unwaxed floss. One downside of waxed floss is that it may not fit in tight spaces between some teeth.

Dental Tape

This is a broad, flat tape that works especially well for people with more space between their teeth. If the tight weave of dental floss is hard for you to hold, try dental tape. It comes in waxed and unwaxed versions.

Super Floss

Super floss is thicker and wider than normal dental floss. It comes in preset lengths with stiff sections on each end. Super floss is good for cleaning around braces, bridges, and other oral hardware.

Interdental Brushes

You can use interdental brushes instead of floss. These long, thin brushes fit between your teeth to clean out plaque, bacteria, and food debris. Some studies suggest that interdental brushes may be better than floss at removing plaque.

Your gums may bleed slightly the first time you use these brushes. This is normal. The bleeding will stop as you continue to brush with them. If bleeding persists for more than a week or two, talk to your dentist.

Floss for Your Health

Flossing is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Are you struggling to keep your teeth clean? Make an appointment at Malan Family Dentistry. After your cleaning and exam, a dentist or dental hygienist can teach you how to floss and brush for the best results.