A flosser is any tool designed to clean tooth surfaces that a toothbrush cannot reach. Toothbrushes effectively clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces, but they miss the tight spaces between teeth. When food particles and bacterial film, known as plaque, are not removed from these gaps, they can lead to gum irritation, decay, and other health issues. Utilizing a flossing tool for this interdental cleaning is a necessary step in a complete oral hygiene routine. The term encompasses a variety of physical and mechanical devices developed to accomplish this task.
Manual String and Tape Floss
The most recognized form of interdental cleaner is manual string floss, typically packaged in a dispenser that allows users to cut a length for each use. This traditional floss is commonly made from fine nylon strands twisted into a single string. Another option is dental tape, a broader, flatter version of string floss that some people find easier to manage, especially if the spaces between their teeth are wider.
The material’s composition affects its performance and feel. Some floss is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a slick material that allows it to glide easily and resist shredding, making it a good choice for tight spaces. Floss is categorized as either waxed or unwaxed. The wax coating adds durability to the nylon and helps it slide between contact points. Unwaxed floss is often thinner and may fit into tight gaps more easily, but it is more susceptible to tearing or fraying.
Floss Picks and Specialized Holders
Floss picks represent an evolution of string floss, designed to improve convenience and simplify reaching difficult areas. These tools feature a small segment of floss tensioned between two prongs on a plastic handle, creating a simple, ready-to-use device. The handle is often ergonomically shaped, with an angled head that makes it easier to navigate and reach the back molars.
While most floss picks are single-use and disposable, specialized holders allow the user to thread a fresh length of bulk string floss onto a reusable handle. These holders incorporate a clip or tensioning mechanism to secure the floss, providing the same easy-to-grip handle as a floss pick. This design provides an alternative for individuals who struggle with the dexterity required to use loose string floss.
Water and Air Flossing Devices
Oral irrigators, often called water flossers, offer a non-contact method of interdental cleaning. These powered devices use a motorized pump to create a pressurized, pulsating stream of water directed through a nozzle. The combination of water pressure and rhythmic pulsations dislodges food debris and disrupts bacterial plaque found along the gumline and between teeth.
A typical water flosser unit includes a reservoir, a motor, and a handheld wand with a replaceable tip. An alternative technology, the air flosser, employs a similar mechanism but releases a micro-burst of air and small water droplets. Both devices clean using fluid dynamics rather than a physical filament, offering an option for people with braces, implants, or other dental work where traditional string floss is challenging.