By Nicole
Who knew there were some many different types of floss out there? Waxed, unwaxed, dental tape, superfloss..... how are you supposed to know which one is best for you?
Whether you are an avid flosser or just introduced flossing into your home care routine, choosing the right floss can be challenging. The following are some guidelines that will hopefully help when choosing the right floss for you.
Tight Teeth
People who have tight teeth will often find flossing very challenging as they tend to break or shred floss easily. They may also have to apply more force to the floss causing injuries to the gum tissues, making flossing a very unenjoyable experience.
The best floss for tight teeth is unwaxed floss as it is the thinnest of flosses. Unwaxed floss is a thin nylon floss made of strands twisted together. It fits into tight spaces but it can be prone to shredding or breaking. A stronger alternative is waxed floss as the coating makes the floss more resistant to breaking and allows it to fix easier between the tight teeth. Another good option for tight teeth is glide floss as it is specially woven with a light wax coating making it strong, shred resistant and easier to slide between teeth.
Wide Spaced Teeth
Flossing is just as important for people with wide spaces as it is for tight spaces. Wider spaced teeth are likely to trap food between them increasing the risk for cavities and gum disease. The best floss for wide spaced teeth is dental tape. Dental tape is broader and flatter than standard floss and is often more efficient/ comfortable for wide spaced teeth.
Braces
Floss while in braces can be very challenging and time consuming. However, there is floss out there to help make it easier. The best floss for braces is Superfloss. Superfloss has a stiff end that you can easily thread beneath the wire of your braces and a spongy component that slides between the teeth. Another great additive to flossing while in braces is a waterpik. A waterpik blasts water around each bracket to remove food and bacteria.
Dexterity Limitation
People with hand mobility limitations can find floss very challenging as they are unable to use standard floss. However, there are many aids to help assist them in flossing such as floss holder/ wands. They work by wrapping the floss on a plastic or wooden holder instead of your fingers. Dental floss holders are threaded each time and can be used multiple time. You can also purchase pre-threaded disposable flossers.
There are many types of dental floss and there is no right floss for everyone. Finding the right dental floss for your oral care needs might take some trial and error but I hope this blog steers you in the right direction. No matter what type of floss you choose, the most important thing is to floss daily.
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