Nobody looks forward to flossing their teeth. It’s not fun, but it’s a necessary step in your oral hygiene routine. Fortunately, there are endless types of dental floss out there — and even some alternative solutions — that can help you floss your teeth more efficiently, effectively, and comfortably.
At Eric Felt DDS, we understand the importance of personalized dental care, which includes your at-home oral hygiene habits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many options available in the world of dental floss, ensuring you make informed decisions about your unique oral health needs.
Thread Floss
Thread floss is what everyone pictures when they think of dental floss. It comes wound up in a little container, and when it’s time to floss your teeth, you cut the length you need and save the rest for later.
Waxed vs. Unwaxed
Typically, thread floss is made of about 35 strands of nylon wound together, and it’s available either waxed or unwaxed. Waxed floss glides smoothly between your teeth; however, it’s a bit thicker, so it may be hard to get into particularly tight spaces. Unwaxed floss is thinner, but less durable — it tends to fray and get caught on rough edges.
Flavored vs. Unflavored
In addition to choosing between waxed and unwaxed floss, you can also choose flavored or unflavored varieties. If your children are reluctant to floss their teeth, flavored dental floss might be the encouragement they need to build healthy habits.
Tape Floss
Tape floss is just like thread floss, but it’s wider, making it more effective for individuals with larger gaps between their teeth. Even if your teeth are close together, you may find tape floss to be more comfortable on your fingers.
Super Floss
Super floss is made of a length of yarn-like material, with thinner, stiffer sections on each end to make it easier to thread. It’s ideal for cleaning around dental appliances like braces, implants, or bridges. You can even use it if you have wide gaps between your teeth.
PTFE Floss
Premium floss is often made of PTFE — short for polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also known as Teflon — due to its ability to smoothly glide between teeth. However, PTFE is classified as a PFAS, which are “forever chemicals” that have been linked to a number of health concerns. Before opting for a PTFE dental floss, it’s best to talk to your dentist or doctor to determine whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Biodegradable Floss
If you prefer natural, renewable materials, try biodegradable floss made from silk, corn straw, or bamboo. These eco-friendly options often come in sustainable packaging, minimizing waste and protecting the environment while helping you keep your smile clean and shiny.
Alternatives to Traditional Dental Floss
There are many reasons why you may prefer an alternative to traditional dental floss. Perhaps you find it difficult to maneuver the thread where it needs to go, or maybe it’s uncomfortable to wind it around your fingers. Maybe you just prefer the convenience of one of these other options. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.
Flossing Stick or Dental Floss Holder
Flossing sticks go by many different names — dental floss holders, flossers, or floss picks. They consist of a short length of dental floss attached to a vaguely Y-shaped handle, making it easier to reach all the way between your very backmost molars. Some come with the floss already built in, while others are reusable — you just have to change out the floss every time.
Electric Dental Flosser
Similar to electric toothbrushes, electric dental flossers use gentle vibrations to loosen food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth.
Water Flosser
Rather than using a length of string or thread to clean between the teeth, water flossers use pressurized jets of water. They’re an excellent choice for people with braces or other dental appliances that make it difficult to keep everything clean.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes resemble a thin, flexible pipe cleaner with bristles like a toothbrush. They allow you to brush between your teeth rather than flossing.
Dental Care That Works for You
At Eric Felt DDS, we pride ourselves on providing dental care that works for you. Whether you need advice about what type of dental floss to use or it’s time for your semiannual cleaning and exam, we are your trusted partners in ensuring happy, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
