How Waxed and Unwaxed Floss Differ
Waxed floss is exactly what the name suggests, regular string floss with a wax coating. Is waxed or unwaxed floss more effective? The good news is no reputable research has found differences in the effectiveness of either. Both waxed and unwaxed floss are great choices for most!
At the end of the day, we recommend using the floss that feels best to you. Because the biggest contributor to flossing's effectiveness is based on doing it as a part of your daily routine, you should select the type you’re most likely to use. We recommend trying out both and seeing which one you prefer.
Some differences between waxed and unwaxed floss:
- Feel: You may have a strong opinion about how waxed or unwaxed floss feels in your mouth.
- Maneuverability: You might find waxed floss easier to slide up and down the side of your tooth for an effective clean.
- Thickness: You may find waxed floss to be too thick or normal floss to be easier to slide in between your teeth.
- Braces: If you have braces, you might have an easier time positioning waxed floss between braces. Some find that their braces fray unwaxed floss more easily than the waxed variety. You might also prefer to use a floss threader for an easier time moving between the wires and brackets of your braces.
- Adverse reactions: In rare cases, some have an adverse reaction to the materials used in treated floss, so it’s best to avoid these if you do.
Fun fact: Floss was originally made from strands of silk fibers.
It can be challenging to navigate the incredible variety of dental products available; floss is no exception. When it comes to waxed vs. unwaxed floss, both are fantastic options as long as you take the time to use them properly every day. You’re now prepared to make great use of your dental routine to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.