23 Mar What is the Best Floss for Healthy Teeth?

Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash with fluoride. If there was a holy trinity for a quality daily personal oral hygiene routine, this would be that triumvirate. For some folks, these are an easy enough set of daily goals to attain, but for others, there are a host of poor excuses that we hear when they come in for their routine check-ups as to why their gums are bleeding so much. Lack of flossing can be a tremendous detriment to a healthy mouth. Things like gum disease, inflammation, bleeding and even bigger problems like receding gums and even bone loss can lead to permanent damage in your mouth.

Fortunately, there are a variety of options that you can choose from when it comes to floss, and we’re going to go over a few today in an effort to help those that need it to save and maintain their gums and overall oral health.

Basic floss is usually available in two main forms: either waxed or unwaxed. Unwaxed floss is great for folks who have tight spaces between their teeth. It can really get up in those tight spaces to help dislodge any bits of food that are trying their best to hide in all the little nooks and crannies between your teeth. While this is a plus, it also tends to shred into bits faster than its smoother sibling, waxed floss. Waxed floss is just the same as regular unwaxed nylon floss, except (you might have already guessed) it has been coated in a thin coat of wax. While this keeps the floss from shredding and breaking as quickly, it also presents the problem of being a little thicker and therefore tougher to get between tight spots between teeth.

Another option is dental tape. Just like floss, it comes in waxed and unwaxed options. Dental tape is used in the same way as traditional floss, it is just flatter and wider, which can be more comfortable for those who have larger gaps between their teeth.

If you want something a little more utilitarian, you can try floss picks. These handy dandy little pieces of dental cleaning equipment are useful for those who like to floss or just want to pick something out of their teeth. One end usually contains a C-shaped gap with a small piece of floss or dental tape, the other generally has a small talon-like pic for getting those annoying little poppy seeds or bits of food that get stuck in your smile.

Whatever you choose, flossing has been backed up by countless trials with clinical evidence that all say flossing removes more plaque than brushing alone, and keeps gums healthy and clean as well. Don’t neglect this crucial part of your daily oral health care regimen. Your mouth and your bank account will both thank you in the future!