Flossing is an essential part of any oral care routine. Brushing and rinsing on their own are not adequate to remove food debris or clean the areas between your teeth. Using a flossing device to clean between your teeth removes plaque while preventing cavities and gum disease.
If your dental routine does not regularly and adequately remove plaque, it can harden into tartar that requires professional help to remove.
Helpful tip: Even when you practice proper oral hygiene, it's important to schedule regular appointments with your dental health professional.
The most important part of using a flossing device in your dental routine is that you actually use it. No matter what type of floss you prefer, making it a daily habit and doing it correctly will be great steps for your oral health.
Some helpful tips for effective flossing:
How to floss, according to the American Dental Association:
Helpful tip: Flossing can be uncomfortable for some but should not be painful or cause excessive bleeding when done regularly. If you experience pain when flossing, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with a dental professional.
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:
Fun fact: Floss was originally made from strands of silk fibers.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.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
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ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine