Flossing – you know, that important part of your daily oral care routine that protects you from cavities, reduces inflammation and easily removes food from in between your teeth. But with all the different types of floss on the market, what kind of floss is right for you? Waxed, unwaxed, dental tape, floss picks, flavored, we know it can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve put together a simple survey below to help you find your perfect match. Answer the questions below, and then be sure to visit with your dentist for their professional recommendation as well.

 

Do you have trouble trying to reach your back teeth?

If so, you may want to try using a floss pick. Floss picks are individual pieces of plastic with the floss threaded in between two posts. The long handle can be used to get a better grip so you can get to those hard to reach teeth more easily. Proven to be effective and they can sometimes be easier to use.

 

Do you have braces, implants or dental bridges?

Then you may want to try super flosses. Ideal for braces and dental bridges, super flosses are soft and woven with stiff sections on each end. Pre-threaded and pre-cut into sections, it allows you to clean around appliances and effectively remove plaque around the gum line more easily.

 

Do you have teeth that are very close together?

If your teeth are spaced closely together, then you may want to choose glide floss. This material will move easily between the teeth and will prevent the floss from shredding. You may also try using unwaxed floss, which is a thin nylon floss that fits into tight spaces if your teeth are close together, but it can be prone to shredding or breaking.

 

Do you have more space between your teeth?

Then you may want to try using dental tape. Dental tape is broad and flat, making it more comfortable to move between teeth with larger spaces. You can also try using waxed floss, a standard nylon floss with a wax coating. The wax makes the floss more durable, but it is also more difficult to move into tight spaces.

 

Do you usually floss on the go?

If you have difficulty finding time to floss, then floss picks may be a good option to keep on hand. Floss picks are easy to carry around and convenient since the device holds the floss for you. There is even a plastic pick on the end that can be used instead of a toothpick to remove food along the gum line.

 

 

Whichever floss you choose, according to the American Dental Association, you should be sure to incorporate flossing into your daily oral care routine. And if you need a refresher on tips for better flossing, be sure to check out our five favorite tips here.