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WHAT TYPE OF FLOSS IS THE BEST
WHICH TYPE OF FLOSS SHOULD YOU USE
Floss is an essential tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It helps remove plaque and food particles that get stuck between your teeth and gumline, where your toothbrush cannot reach. But with so many flossing options available like floss picks, satin tape, super floss, ribbon floss, and more, it can be confusing to know which one is the best for you. The type of floss you choose will depend on your individual needs, such as your dexterity and whether you have any orthodontic devices. Your dentist can recommend the best type of floss to use for optimal oral health and provide advice on the proper flossing technique.
COMPARING DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL FLOSS: FLOSS PICKS, SATIN TAPE, SUPER FLOSS, RIBBON FLOSS
Among the various types of floss available on the market today, which type would your dentist recommend? Daily flossing is an important part of a good oral hygiene routine, and dentists typically agree that any flossing is better than no flossing. The question os thus not which type of floss is the best, but rather which type is most suited to you in helping you maintain your oral health. Below, we take look at the various types of floss available and who they are most suitable for.
1. Nylon Floss
Traditional nylon floss is the most common type of dental floss and is made from thin nylon strands that are woven together to form a flexible, yet sturdy, floss. It comes in a variety of flavours and widths, effectively removes plaque, and is suitable for most people.
2. Floss Picks
The small, disposable, plastic tools with a piece of floss attached to one end and a handle on the other, are called floss picks. They are a convenient option for those who struggle with traditional flossing methods, such as those with arthritis or limited dexterity. Floss picks are also a great option for those on-the-go, as they are small and easy to carry. However, some dental specialists argue that floss picks do not effectively clean between teeth and gumline as they do not allow for proper flossing technique, which requires you to curve floss around your teeth.
3. Satin Tape
Satin tape is a wider and flatter version of traditional floss, making it easier to use for those with larger spaces between their teeth. It is also smoother, making it gentler on sensitive gums. Compared to traditional floss, some people find satin tape to be less effective at removing plaque, as it does not clean as deeply between the teeth and gumline.
4. Dental Tape
A wider and flatter type of floss, designed for people with wider gaps between their teeth, is dental tape. Dental tape is more comfortable in its usability than traditional floss, and is well-suited to people with limited dexterity.
5. Super Floss
Super floss is a type of dental floss that is designed to clean between orthodontic appliances, such as braces and bridges. It is thicker and stiffer than traditional floss and has a spongy texture that is effective at removing plaque from around orthodontic appliances. Super floss may not be as effective at cleaning between natural teeth as traditional floss or satin tape, as it was designed with orthodontic devices in mind.
6. Ribbon Floss
Compared to traditional floss, ribbon floss is wider and more durable. It is a great option for those with larger spaces between their teeth, as it can effectively clean these areas without breaking. However, some dental specialists argue that ribbon floss is not as effective at removing plaque compared to traditional floss, as it does not clean as deeply between the teeth and gumline.
7. Water Flosser
A water flosser uses a stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline. This type of floss is particularly useful for people with braces, dental implants, or other orthodontic devices.
Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which type of floss is the best. Traditional nylon floss is the most common type of floss, and is a reliable floss for effectively removing plaque as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. For people with wider gaps between their teeth, satin tape or ribbon floss might be a better solution. During your next dental check-up at Woodbourne Dental, remember to ask your dentist for advice on the best type of floss for you.