Interdental cleaning is a necessary step in a complete oral hygiene routine, reaching surfaces a toothbrush cannot effectively clean. Brushing cleans the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth, but leaves the tight spaces between them vulnerable to plaque accumulation. Dental floss and dental tape were developed to mechanically remove debris and bacterial film from the space between teeth and beneath the gumline. While both serve the same fundamental purpose, their physical construction and material composition lead to distinct differences in application and user experience.
Defining Standard Dental Floss
Standard dental floss is characterized by its thin, generally rounded profile, designed to slide into very narrow spaces between teeth. It is commonly constructed from multiple strands of material, usually nylon or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which are twisted or bundled together. This multi-strand structure gives the floss a cylindrical shape, allowing it to navigate tight contact points where teeth touch.
The nylon version of floss can be purchased either unwaxed or coated with wax. Unwaxed floss is thinner and effective for the tightest spaces, though it has a higher tendency to shred or fray. Waxed floss is slightly thicker but offers improved strength and glide, making it easier to maneuver. PTFE floss, often marketed as “glide floss,” is a single-filament material that is highly resistant to shredding and slides very smoothly.
Defining Dental Tape
Dental tape is an interdental cleaning tool defined by its distinct physical shape, resembling a flat, broad ribbon. Unlike the rounded strand of traditional floss, the tape presents a significantly wider surface area to the tooth. It is typically made from nylon or a similar polymer fiber, structured to maintain its flattened profile. This flat configuration makes dental tape substantially wider than standard floss. It is almost always waxed, which helps the material maintain its shape and provides a smooth coating to facilitate passage between teeth.
Structural and Material Distinctions
The primary structural difference lies in the cross-sectional profile: floss is rounded, while tape is broad and flat. Dental tape is generally much wider than traditional floss, which impacts its suitability for different mouth structures. The width of the tape allows it to clean a greater area on teeth with larger surfaces or those that have wider gaps. Materially, traditional nylon floss is a bundle of fine filaments that can sometimes separate or shred when forced through tight contact points. In contrast, the wider, more robust construction of dental tape provides superior resistance to shredding and breaking.
Guidance on Selection and Usage
The decision between dental floss and dental tape should be guided by the unique spacing and structure of an individual’s mouth. Individuals with very tight contacts between their teeth typically find the thinner, rounded profile of standard dental floss easier to insert and use. For these users, waxed or PTFE floss is often preferred to prevent the issue of shredding that can occur with unwaxed nylon.
Conversely, dental tape is beneficial for those with wider interdental spaces, as the broad, flat surface provides more thorough cleaning coverage. Patients with existing dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or veneers, may also find the smoother, more robust structure of dental tape easier to navigate without catching or tearing. The best choice is the one that an individual can use comfortably and consistently every day, as recommended by a dental professional.