Popular Types of Floss and Tips for Flossing

floss

There are varying types of floss and tips for flossing, and there is no standard way that is best for everyone. In fact, there is no rule that states you cannot have more than one type of dental floss product in your home.

Each serves its own purpose. For example, dental tape is a great tool to carry about, as it provides a way to floss whenever the need arises. On the other hand, an electric flosser is something that is best kept in the home.

Finding the right types of floss and tips for flossing

As with many things in life, it sometimes takes a little bit of trial and error for people to figure out what works best for them. With so many different products to choose from, making a choice can be overwhelming.

The reality is, the type of floss a person chooses is not really that important. What matters is actually flossing at least once each day.

Research conducted by the Journal of Clinical Dentistry indicates that an electric flosser is no safer or more effective than standard types of floss and tips for flossing. What differentiates the various devices used to clean the tight crevices around a person's teeth is how comfortable the process is.

Older people are more likely to have problems manipulating their fingers to floss their teeth, so they could benefit from an electric flosser that does all the work for them. Older children and teenagers tend to find electric flossers to be more fun, and that is something parents should consider if they are still trying to instill proper dental hygiene habits in their children.

Dentists recommend starting young kids off with regular flossers, but as they grow older, they should be allowed to transition to an electric flosser if that is their preference.

Dentists are here to help

When looking for the right floss to use, it is often a good idea to talk to a dentist. Dentists have extensive knowledge about the different issues each type of floss is best for, and that can simplify the decision-making process.

Here are a few things dentists are likely to tell their patients:

  • Dental tape is great for those with large gaps between their teeth
  • Wax floss slides into tight spaces easily
  • Spongy floss is great for people with dental prosthetics like braces and bridges
  • Floss picks are sometimes easier to use than regular floss

When it comes to dental floss, the most important part is getting it done each day. While many assume brushing alone is enough to keep teeth decay free, the truth is that it is not. Leaving plaque on the sides of a tooth and only cleaning the back, front and biting surface still leaves it vulnerable to decay.

Contact one of our dentists to learn more about picking the right dental floss.

Here’s what you need …

Call (626) 472-2178 today to reach Okamoto and Bigley Dentistry.

Recent Posts

Do Medications Impact Dental Health?

Many medications have negative impacts on your dental health. Aside from prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements can cause dental issues such as inflamed gums, dry mouth, taste changes, and bone loss.Saliva helps clean your mouth, but when its flow is changed, and your mouth gets dry, gum infections and tooth decay…

Flossing Needs To Be A Regular Routine

Floss before brushing to remove food from places that the bristles never reach and prevent plaque from forming.We will go over oral hygiene basics during a cleaning and examination to ensure that the patient knows how to keep proper hygiene at home. Dental care at home is crucial for healthy and clean teeth.Oral Hygiene BasicsAt…

Don't Let Dental Infection Spread To Other Teeth

You need to keep up the oral hygiene basics, which will keep your teeth healthy and prevent infection.We will go over oral hygiene basics during a cleaning and examination to ensure that the patient knows how to keep proper hygiene at home. Dental care at home is crucial for healthy and clean teeth.Oral Hygiene BasicsAt…

Don't Be Caught Unawares By Dental Infection

People often fall for false dental information and miss out on the chance for proper dental hygiene.We offer helpful dental information such as the fact that you need to floss before brushing for any real effect. The flossing releases food particles from between teeth that the brush cleans up.Helpful Dental InformationAt Okamoto and Bigley Dentistry…


Recent Posts

What Is A Dental Crown And When Do You Need One?

What Is A Dental Crown And When Do You Need One?

Curious about dental crowns? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. If a dentist determines that you need a dental crown, there are several reasons why they may make that suggestion. A crown is a common dental restoration to cover and protect a tooth with compromised structural integrity. Their natural appearance and…

Caring For Your New Smile After A Smile Makeover

Caring For Your New Smile After A Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can completely transform your oral cavity and give you the confidence and self-assurance that you have been seeking. However, you might be a bit nervous after getting your smile makeover: After all, what happens if you ruin the results? The good news is that the effects of a smile makeover are built…