Different Types of Dental Floss
Everyone knows you should be flossing at least once a day. Flossing helps remove food lodged between teeth and plaque buildup that can be missed by brushing alone. Thoroughly cleaning between teeth can assist in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Floss is available in many forms and types. Let’s take a closer look at the differences in the three types of dental floss.
Regular floss
Traditional floss is available in a variety of forms. There is unwaxed floss, waxed floss, dental tape, polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE), super floss, and flavored floss. Many people may prefer waxed coated floss because it tends to slide in and out between teeth easier than unwaxed floss. Dental tape is a wider and flatter compared to regular floss. PTFE is a high-tech material that makes sliding between teeth easily and less likely to shred than traditional floss. Super floss is made from yarn-like material that has stiffer sections used mainly to clean around braces and dental bridges. Flavored floss with mint can promote fresh breath and make flossing more pleasant. The determining factor for the level of effectiveness is your flossing technique. To floss, slide the floss gently up and down between your teeth forming a “C” shape around each tooth down to your gum line.
Floss picks
A popular option to regular floss is the use of floss picks. There are a variety of floss, shapes, colors, and sizes of floss picks. Floss picks hold the floss and are convenient since it can be used with only one hand. However, it does not clean all the crevices and angles around teeth as well as traditional floss. Floss picks are able to slide between teeth and go up and down, but cannot form a complete “C” shape around the tooth.
Oral irrigators
Oral irrigators, also known as dental water jets, include a water reservoir that connects to a toothbrush like device. Water is pumped to the flossing device to form a stream of water to clean your teeth. The water is pulsated in between teeth and around the gum line. When using the device, you should lean over the sink and place the device in your mouth. After turning it on, close your mouth to prevent splashing. Aim the tip of the device to clean between your teeth and above the gum line by holding the device at a 90 degree angle. Allow the water to flow from your mouth to the sink. Cleaning your teeth with an oral irrigator should take about 2 minutes.
Flossing is just one way to help keep your teeth and mouth clean. Remember to brush your teeth and contact California Dental Group for your regular cleaning as well. Call (800) 407-0161 to make your appointment today to keep your mouth clean!
