Surprisingly there are a number of choices to be made in choosing the right type of dental floss for you. Dental floss comes in a range of thicknesses; is produced in different ways; can be waxed or unwaxed; you can even get flavoured dental floss if this makes the experience any more enjoyable for you.
There is no evidence to suggest that different types of floss are significantly more effective at removing plaque between the teeth than others. Therefore the choice should be made based on personal preference; what feels better for the individual. Different features of dental floss suit different mouths and because no two mouths are the same, dental floss preference is a purely personal one. Thick, unwaxed, mint flavoured dental floss may suit your neighbour’s brother-in-law perfectly but a thin, waxed, flavourless version may suit your flossing needs much better.
The most significant variable of dental floss is the thickness you choose. The space between your teeth will be something that is completely unique to you. If your teeth are close together then a thick dental floss will not be very useful as it will not be able to easily fit between your teeth. A thin dental floss will glide between the teeth with minimal fuss and will not require any significant pressure to fit into tight spaces. However, if your teeth are widely spaced then a thin dental floss will not be as effective or as efficient as the thicker variety, often referred to as dental tape, because there is more space between the teeth and dental tape will clean the area much better and much more quickly. Thickness is the most important thing to get right in your flossing choice.
Here is a guide to the pros and cons of other features of dental floss:
- Floss comes in different materials: nylon, Teflon or tape. Nylon and Teflon dental flosses are both thin, both supple, durable and thread-resistant. Teflon thread does not tend to stick in between teeth so much and if it does then it comes away very easily. For those who are reluctant to floss, Teflon made dental floss is a good choice because of the ease with which it glides between teeth. Tape floss is the thicker variety most suited for those with wide spaces between teeth. Tape floss also has an added advantage in that it is least likely to break or fray, ideal for newbies to the flossing world. It is also smooth and, like Teflon, glides between teeth easily.
- The way in which floss is produced provides another choice for you to make. There is flattened floss, ultra floss, round floss and super floss to choose from, the difference being the shape of the finished product. Flattened floss is made of several strands woven into a wide, thin ribbon providing more surface contact with the tooth. Ultra floss is made of light, interlocked fibres making a soft, spongy strand. The purpose of this is so that the floss can compress to fit into tight spaces and when they spring back they trap plaque within the strands. This form is also the best choice for sensitive gums because you can clean with minimal pressure. Round floss is made from nylon twisted and braided together. Round floss is extremely thin but is tightly bonded to prevent fraying and is designed to fit into the tightest of spaces removing the finest of plaque particles in the mouth. And finally superfloss; this is made up of segments combining the previous three floss shapes. It is standard floss, spongy floss and stiffer floss all rolled together, combining all the benefits into one floss. This is the perfect choice for those with irregular gaps between the teeth or for those with dental fixtures.
- Dental floss can be waxed, lightly waxed or unwaxed. Unwaxed floss has the advantage of absorbing food particles more easily than waxed floss and is much better at reaching those tiny spaces but, on the other hand, is much more prone to fraying or breaking. Waxed dental floss is less likely to break and it glides between the teeth much more freely. However, waxed floss does not fit into the tiniest gaps so easily. Furthermore, dentists believe that waxed floss leaves a film on the teeth that acts as a magnet for plaque, making your flossing as much of a hindrance as it is beneficial.
- The final choice to make is between flavoured and unflavoured varieties. This is a choice based on personal tastes rather than effectiveness of cleaning. Popular flavours include: mint, cinnamon and bubblegum. The benefit is purely the fact that it will leave a pleasant taste in the mouth and will leave you with a clean feeling, fresh breath. However, you may not like the taste these flosses leave in your mouth and in this case you should opt for an unflavoured variety. Unflavoured dental floss is no less effective at doing the job. There is also a type of floss with a fluoride coating; fluoride coated floss offers extra protection against tooth decay and gum disease.
Whoever knew that choosing something as simple as dental floss could require so much thought? It is a trial and error process to find the right one for you but with so much available it is a given that your perfect match is out there somewhere. If you feel confused by the vast range available then your dentist will be able to advise you on the most suitable choice based on the structure of your teeth. Nevertheless, it is without doubt that choice is only a secondary concern to engaging in a regular and effective flossing routine. Even if you are yet to find your soul mate in dental floss, flossing once daily with a second best will be more beneficial for your oral health than spending the next six months considering your options.