It makes us really happy that you are asking this question. Well . . . okay . . . we know you aren’t really asking it. But if you clicked on it, at least you are interested, and that makes us happy, too.
There are several different types of floors, and we recommend the various types in order to meet different needs. However, in the end, any floss is better than no floss.
Why is Flossing Important in the First Place?
Ask your dentists this question: “If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have either a toothbrush or floss, which would you pick?” Most dentists would answer “Floss!” Flossing is the only way to clean the plaque from between the teeth. A lack of flossing leads to cavities and gum disease.
When you skip flossing, you also have a much higher risk for bad breath. Some studies show that flossing daily gives you a six-year increase in life span over a person who does not floss. Flossing reduces your risk for heart disease and helps diabetic patients control their blood sugar.
What Kind of Floss Should You Use?
The easiest way to answer this question is to ask your dental hygienist. Staci, Kenneth, and Carli floss patients’ teeth as part of their professional teeth cleaning procedures. After cleaning and flossing your teeth, they are able to determine which specific needs you have, and which types of floss would provide the best cleaning ability.
Thick-fiber Floss and Floss Tape
If you have small spaces between the teeth that allow consistent food packing, you should opt for thick-fiber floss (like CocoFloss) or floss tape. This is also the best type of floss for people with openings between the teeth and gums (often called black triangles) that frequently collect food. If you have significant gum recession, a larger thickness of floss will clean the open spaces and exposed root surfaces better than very thin floss will.
Patients with sticky plaque that is more difficult to remove would benefit from thicker floss, especially the CocoFloss with fibers that can remove any plaque from the teeth. This type of floss also cleans really well around dental implants.
Glide and Satin Floss
Many people have crowded teeth that make flossing difficult. In these cases, you would not want to use a very thick floss or tape. Instead, you should choose a silky smooth floss like Glide or Satin Floss. Both “glide” between the teeth more easily than other brands and make flossing between crooked teeth simpler.
Some people have teeth that are not crooked, but they are tightly pressed together, making flossing very difficult. If you feel that you have to put a lot of pressure on your floss to get it to pass between the teeth, it’s time to switch to a smoother floss.
Certain types of dental work make flossing difficult. Not impossible but definitely more labor-intensive. Some people have trouble with the manual dexterity required to floss. There are many accessories available over-the-counter to make flossing easier.
Floss threaders and Super floss are tools we use to thread floss underneath dental work that connects teeth together, like bridges and orthodontic wires. Because they prevent you from flossing between your teeth, you can use this type of tool to pass the floss underneath the dental work and clean the sides of the teeth that are connected.
Floss picks are pre-loaded floss on a handle that allow you to reach between the teeth without having to manipulate the string of the floss. These are great for patients with physical challenges, like arthritis. They are also good for those who feel like their hands are too big to fit inside their mouth with the floss.
More Questions about Which Type of Floss is Best for You?
Call 972-347-1145 today to schedule a visit with our dental hygienists, Staci, Kenneth or Carli. They can answer any questions and recommend the most effective floss for your personal needs.