Perhaps you floss every day (we hope you do!), or perhaps you don’t. If you’re in the second camp, do you know what’s holding you back? It could actually be the floss that you’re using. Contrary to what you might think, flossing doesn’t have to be tricky or painful. After experimenting with different types of floss, you’ll discover which type is the best for you.
Types of Floss
For Anti-Shedding: Waxed Floss
Waxed floss is a very common type of floss because it’s widely available and easy to use. It’s made out of nylon and coated with a thin layer of wax to add durability. Out of all the types of floss, this one is the least prone to shredding in tight spots. However, getting waxed floss to fit between extra tight spots can pose a challenge because the extra wax layer might make it a tight squeeze. If you have crowded teeth, waxed floss might not be right for you.
For Tight Teeth: Unwaxed Floss or Dental Tape
Having tight teeth can make flossing a challenge. If you spend your nights trying to wiggle thick floss between crowded teeth with no avail, it’s time to try unwaxed floss or dental tape. Unwaxed floss is made out of nylon, and it is just thin enough to fit into hard-to-get-to spots. If you’re finding that this traditional floss is breaking too much or gets stuck between your teeth, try dental tape. Just like unwaxed floss, it glides between your teeth easily, but it can also glide out easily. Dental tape is flatter than traditional nylon floss, and its smooth surface makes for easy, pain-free flossing.
For Dental Work and Wide Gaps: Thick and Soft Floss
While some people struggle with having tight teeth, others deal with having extra space in their mouths. If you have wide gaps in your teeth, reach for floss that is thick and soft. Oral B makes a yarn-like floss called Super Floss. It has stiff, thin ends that are perfect for holding between your fingers or maneuvering through rigid dental appliances, like braces.
For Convenience: Floss Picks
If you avoid flossing simply because it isn’t the most convenient task in the world, switching to a floss pick just might be the trick you need to start picking up the habit. With floss picks, you don’t have to mess around with gripping a long section of floss. However, since you are using the same floss section between each set of teeth, it can spread bacteria. To avoid this dilemma, simply rinse off the floss pick during use, and never reuse the same one. If you want to cut back on using so much disposable plastic, look for a biodegradable floss pick set.
For Clean Gums: Water Flossers
Flossing doesn’t just keep your teeth cavity-free; it also keeps your gums healthy. If you want to remove even more plaque between your teeth and underneath your gums, use a water flosser. These devices use water pressure to remove hidden food debris and built-up plaque. Bonus: They are also great for cleaning between tight spots.
