Dental floss is an interdental cleaning tool designed to remove plaque and food debris from the spaces between teeth and beneath the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. Daily flossing prevents gingivitis and periodontal disease, which are caused by the accumulation of bacterial biofilm. Choosing the right tool depends on your specific dental architecture and personal preferences. This comparison explores the distinct types of floss and interdental cleaners to help you make an informed decision.
Comparing String Floss Materials
String floss types are differentiated primarily by their material composition, affecting friction and durability. Unwaxed floss is a thin nylon strand composed of multiple twisted filaments. While it fits into extremely tight contacts, this construction makes it prone to shredding or breaking against sharp edges or rough fillings.
Waxed floss uses the same nylon but is coated with wax, which improves its strength and resistance to breakage. The wax coating allows the floss to slide more smoothly, making it a good choice for beginners or those with moderately close teeth. However, its slightly thicker profile can be a tight squeeze in certain areas.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) floss is a single-filament material highly resistant to fraying. PTFE slides easily between teeth, even in crowded mouths, because of its low-friction surface. This durability makes it an excellent option for anyone who frequently experiences shredding with nylon floss.
Flossing Solutions for Fixed Dental Work
Specialized tools are required to navigate around non-removable dental appliances that block access to the gumline. Floss threaders are flexible, needle-like plastic tools used to guide standard string floss under bridges, around orthodontic wires, or beneath fixed retainers. They allow cleaning with preferred floss, though the process can be time-consuming.
Superfloss combines three sections into one strand tailored for complex cleaning. It features a stiffened end for easy threading, a spongy middle segment to clean large gaps and around brackets, and a standard floss end for cleaning below the gumline. This design makes it versatile for cleaning fixed bridgework and orthodontic braces.
Floss picks are small plastic handles with a pre-strung section of floss, offering a convenient alternative for on-the-go cleaning. While less effective than manual string floss for wrapping around the entire tooth surface, they are useful for individuals with limited dexterity or those who struggle to reach back teeth. They are a practical adaptation for increased compliance.
Mechanical and Water-Based Alternatives
Interdental cleaning also includes mechanical devices that use water or air pressure to dislodge plaque and debris. Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use a pulsating stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gumline. The pulsating action is effective for removing plaque and is often superior for reducing gingivitis and cleaning around implants and orthodontic hardware.
The pulsating water stream can reach deeper into periodontal pockets than string floss, which is an advantage for those with gum issues. Air flossers provide a faster cleaning method, using compressed air to accelerate micro-droplets of water or mouthwash between the teeth. These devices take less than a minute to use and are chosen for their speed and lower mess factor.
While these mechanical alternatives are excellent supplements, they may not always completely replace the physical scraping action of string floss on the tooth surface. Electric or vibrating flossers also exist, offering a motorized alternative to manual string flossing. The best mechanical tool is ultimately the one an individual will use consistently as part of their daily routine.
Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Floss
Selecting the best floss involves matching the product’s characteristics to your mouth’s unique needs. The appropriate choice depends on specific dental conditions:
- If you have very tight contacts and frequently experience shredding, use smooth, single-filament PTFE floss.
- For individuals with braces, bridges, or permanent retainers, specialized tools like Superfloss or floss threaders are necessary to bypass fixed appliances.
- If you struggle with manual dexterity, a water flosser offers a highly effective method.
- Water flossers are also recommended for sensitive or inflamed gums, as the water stream provides a gentler experience.
- For convenience and portable use, floss picks are a simple tool to keep in your routine.