How To Choose The Right Dental Floss

If you've never really got into the habit of flossing and your dentist is encouraging you to start, then you have to choose which floss to use. If you make the right decision here, you'll find it easier to floss every day.

Think about the following questions to help you choose the right flossing product for your needs.

Waxed Or Unwaxed?

Regular flosses are usually either waxed or unwaxed. Both of these options have their pros and cons.

Some people find waxed floss easier to use. The wax coating on these products encourages smooth movement between the teeth. It also makes the floss stronger, so it is less likely to fray or break when you use it.

However, you might struggle to get a waxed floss between your teeth if they are tightly packed together. Unwaxed floss is thinner. It gets through tighter gaps more easily.

Floss Or Tape?

While some people like to use regular floss, others prefer to use floss tape. Regular floss looks like a thin piece of string; tapes are broader and flatter.

You might need to experiment with both these options to find the one that suits you best. Some people find floss string easier to use, while others prefer the way a tape slides down the tooth.

Floss tapes are also usually more effective if you have larger gaps between your teeth. They are wider, so they fill these gaps more comfortably and effectively. Regular floss might not have a tight enough fit here. It might not have enough grip to clean between your teeth as effectively as it should.

Manmade Or Natural?

If you prefer to use natural products on and in your body, then you need to choose your floss carefully. If you simply want to minimize contact with manmade substances, then an unwaxed floss might be the best fit for your needs.

If you want a more organic solution, then you won't want to use any nylon floss. Here, you might want to look out for organic flosses made from natural materials such as silk. Waxed natural products should also use organic coatings such as beeswax or plant-based waxes.

If you're a vegan, then you can also buy vegan flosses. These products are normally made from plant-based materials such as corn starch.

For more advice on how to choose floss for your teeth, talk to your dentist. They can recommend products to try and give you tips on how to floss effectively.

Share