Looking for CHRISTMAS 2020 DENTAL FLOSS GUIDE & DEALS [Complete Guide]. We updated this page recently to help you find some of the best floss on the market.  We will also let you know about flossing history, and which user needs which type of floss. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me through my contact page.

Dental floss has been around since the 1800’s. Dental professionals consider floss to be essential in maintaining good oral hygiene. BUT, there have also been SOME STUDIES DISPUTE what the PROFESSIONALS are saying.

Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental Floss for Sensitive Gums, Oral Care, Mint, 50 Yards (pack of 4)

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Unfortunately, this Listerine gentle gum care Dental Floss is no longer available. 

Listerine Gentle Gum care floss alternative

Please refer to this website below for alternatives to Listerine Gentle GUm Care Floss. For your convenience, I have also added some great alternatives on this site below that you may enjoy.

7 Listerine Gentle Gum Care Floss Alternative Options

Unfortunately, Listerine gentle gum care interdental floss is no longer available on the market. I have checked amazon, Walmart and Walgreens, but have not seen anything available currently.

If someone is aware of where we can find this product, please comment below for myself and everyone else. Please check the below website or scroll down further for a list of alternatives to the Listerine gentle gum care interdental floss.

Woven Dental Floss VS Waxed Floss

Hayden WOVEN Dental Floss 

 

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• Polar Mint with Anti Tartar Actives for Gentle Care | 30 yards per unit
• EXPANDS BETWEEN TEETH FOR A DEEPER CLEAN: Hundreds of microfibers create a ‘loofah like’ mesh that traps and cleans plaque and stain deposits
• Vegan, No PFAs, No Animal Testing, No Teflon
• FITS TIGHT GAPS & SHRED PROOF: Knitted tightly and coated with microcrystalline wax, the woven floss fits even the tightest gaps so it’s easy to use for all smile types
• ULTRA GENTLE WOVEN FIBERS: The expanding microfibers are designed to be feather-y soft so they’re safe on sensitive gums and comfortable to use
• POLAR MINT + ANTI TARTAR ACTIVES : With a refreshing Polar Mint flavor and Anti Tartar Actives, Hayden Expanding Floss not only keeps breath fresh but it prevents the build up of harmful plaque

Listerine Ultraclean Dental Floss

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• Over 1900 reviews on Amazon. Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5
• Lots of Arguments on Amazon whether this counts as Woven or not.
• It doesn’t look like the Listerine Gentle Gum Care WOVEN  DENTAL FLOSS above. SEE PICTURE ABOVE
• Advertised at “Woven Cotton”

 

INTRODUCTION (Best Dental Floss):

Dental Floss helps prevent many diseases such as heart disease, dental carries, gum disease as well as many more, but many people refuse to floss on a daily basis.

Before we go any further, I’d like you to know the basics of floss types:

Floss usually comes in two different forms.

1. nylon (multifilament)

2. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – a single filament, extremely strong, stretchable and mixed with wax coating that eventually makes up some Dental Flosses on the market.

   • Flosses on the Market that contain PTFE: Glide Dental floss.

In the  Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology (JESEE), findings states:

“…all three of the Oral B Glide products included, plus three store brands, also tested positive for fluorine — a marker of PFAS — a finding also in line with previous reports that Glide is made using Teflon-like compounds”

• • PTFE is that it doesn’t break down over the long run, and it can accumulate over time in our environment.
  • PTFE can lead to low infant birth rates, cancer, thyroid issues, semen count issues and disrupt the immune system.

If you would like to read more about this product, please visit the EPA’s Website 

Oral-b glide pro-health comfort plus dental floss, mint, 40 m, twin pack

 

 

BUY ON AMAZON

 

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) 

 

is a chemical that is used on top of your pans, and is better knows as Teflon. PTFE is used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware.

This substance is found in in our cookware, house cleaning supplies, our workplaces, as well as our drinking supply. Because PTFE is difficult to destroy, this chemical can buildup in our own bodies, our pets and persist over time.

Oral-B Glide floss does use this in their waxed floss because it’s a non-stick chemical, which will help you get the floss under the gums.

But, you should know that there has been a study done where the Environmental Protection Agency and Center of Disease Control both consider PTFE a potentially harmful substance.

Stretchy Glide Floss

Glide Floss does contain the PTFA products and there is much controversy on the subject whether it is safe or not to use.

If you have every used Glide Floss, you would know that it is an extremely stretchy dental floss.  This stretchy Dental Floss helps slide between tight teeth, and then gets wider and fatter while cleaning the tooth surface.

Let us know how you feel about Glide Floss in the comments below.

 

Why Should we floss in the first place?

Food can get stuck between your teeth, bacteria can build up, and the long term risks associated with not removing them are expensive, painful and you can still end up losing tooth structure or the bone support around your teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss(or another interdental cleaner) once a day.

While brushing is only able to get the tooth surfaces that you can see, flossing helps to clean between your teeth where approx. 50% of food debris is missed. This can help eliminate cavity risks, periodontal issues, and other bad bugs that may start living in those areas.

YOUR FLOSS OPTIONS 

Since there are many different types of floss, and there is so much information for you to choose from, it can be a scary task even deciding on a floss for you to choose for your particular teeth.

• Natural floss –  Best Dental Floss***** 

Floss that is made of biodegradable products that won’t take long to decompose, compostable, free of toxins. This type of floss also should be free of any  glutens, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, GMOs, unnatural coloring, phthalates, parabens, or any other harmful additives. Free of PTFE.

• • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)which is a chemical that is used on top of your pans, and is better knows as Teflon. PTFE is used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware.
  • This substance is found in in our cookware, house cleaning supplies, our workplaces, as well as our drinking supply. Because PTFE is difficult to destroy, this chemical can buildup in our own bodies, our pets and persist over time.

Examples of Natural Floss :

Radius Natural Biodegradable Silk Floss (33yd) –

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

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• • 100% biodegradable, made of silk spun in candelilla plant wax (derived from candelilla shrubs in the Southwestern US desert), ensuring a smooth glide between teeth for total tooth and gum protection

  • They claim there are no glutens, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, GMOs, unnatural coloring, phthalates, parabens, or any other harmful additives in our floss
  • Fair Trade Co-op in Colombia, which supports more than 80 families.

Tom’s of Maine Naturally Waxed Antiplaque Flat Floss Spearmint Description (VERY POPULAR) –

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• • contains
    

    ADA acceptance, made from Beeswax, carnauba wax, natural flavor, jojoba wax, 

  • Reviews: Thick, Waxy, and feels like it cleans better than regular floss

• Flavored floss(such as mint or cinnamon – What’s your Best Dental Floss Flavor ?)

PROS of Flavored Floss:

Not everyone enjoys flossing, so flavored floss can give you that fresh minty clean freshness or a burst of cinnamon that just helps you feel clean.  It works well for everyone, but kids might like it because they will get a burst of bubble gum flavor, and that might just be enough to get your kids excited about flossing and going to the Dentist.

For adults who don’t like to floss, flavored floss can be a great way to get excited about flossing after lunch just to get a cupcake or coconut burst of flavor.

CONS OF Flavored Floss:

With different floss flavors, you may not be able to get the exact type of floss that you desire. It’s pretty much what that flavor is available on the market. If you’re into a woven type floss, and your floss flavor only is available in waxed or tape, then you might not be able to find what you’re looking for.

Please let us know what your favorite type of floss flavor is in the comments.

 funny and crazy Floss flavors on the market.

Just be sure to make sure there is an ADA approval on the floss flavor that you choose.

Some of them include:

• Cinnamon Flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon

• Mint Flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon

• bacon flavor – Buy on Amazon

• Absinthe flavor(yes the alcohol) – Buy at Urban outfitters

• Bubble gum flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon

• Coconut Flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon

• cupcake flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon

  Dr. Tung’s Cardamom Flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon

These other floss flavors are out there, but I can’t find them. If you are able to find any of these other floss types, please contact me and I will update this page.

pumpkin flavored, pickle flavor , Salad Flavor, ranch flavored, banana, cat food flavored

• Unflavored Floss – 

Unflavored floss is floss without the added flavor such as mint or cinnamon, but it usually does come waxed. Some people do not prefer the taste of the added flavor for their feeling of clean, so they will stick to the unflavored type of floss.

Some people believe that the added artificial flavors can cause their gums to have an allergic reaction, so they will stick to the unflavored type floss

This type can also come in a tape form such as this Reach Unflavored Floss which will be able to help those with tighter spaces between their teeth.

The REACH Dental Floss, Waxed, Unflavored 55 yds is accepted by the ADA, waxed so it can fit easily between tighter spaces, and is competitively priced.

For those individuals with extremely tight spaces between your teeth, you may prefer to get the DENTAL TAPE. Dental tape is extremely durable, stretchable and a great option.

Check out REACH Dentotape Waxed Tape, Unflavored 100 Yards (Pack of 6) – BUY ON AMAZON

• Woven Dental Floss – 

Woven Floss is made from many pieces of Nylon or cotton woven together into a thin string. The floss can be stretched to feel tight or feels very soft while shortened.

People either love it or hate it depending on whether they enjoy a very gentle feeling while flossing as well as how close their teeth are because this floss can tear or shred pretty easily.  This type of floss is generally more expensive, and harder to find in the stores.

Woven floss comes in two different forms

1. 1. Woven from multiple thin Nylon and looks like a very thin string

   2. Becomes a flat type of Dental Tape which is extremely stretchy

Please click the link If you would like a comparison of Woven Floss vs Waxed Floss. 

Pros and cons of Woven Dental Floss?

PROS on Woven Dental Floss:

• • Very thin, which allows it to reach hard to reach spaces between teeth
  • Softer than waxed floss, so it feels more gentle on your gums, and less likely to damage your gums
  • fits well into tightly spaced teeth
  • fits well into loosely spaced teeth
  • multiple flavors to choose from

CONS of Woven Dental Floss:

• • Woven Dental Floss shreds easier than waxed floss – may get more floss stuck in your teeth especially if you have tighter spaced teeth
  • it may not feel like you’re removing plaque if there is not enough force on each end of floss while doing the C_Shape floss method.
  • more expensive
  • more difficult to find in the stores.

What it comes down to when choosing the right floss for yourself when deciding between Woven Floss vs Waxed Floss is this:

• • Do you want a floss that contains Teflon (knowing the risks) ?

  • Do you prefer a softer vs harder type floss?

    • Softer – get the woven floss

    • harder – get the waxed floss

  • Whats you’re hand mobility like?

    • Woven Floss would work better for you if you have less mobility

  • Does Floss get stuck between your teeth regularly?

    • if yes, get the waxed floss

EXAMPLES OF WOVEN FLOSS:

Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental Floss for Sensitive Gums, Oral Care, Mint, 50 Yards (Pack of 4)Woven Floss – (if it contains PTFE, it’s not the Best Dental Floss)

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• Soft, springy and woven floss helps protect your teeth and gums by effectively removing plaque from hard to reach places that brushing alone may miss
• Mint-cinnamon flavored, interdental floss removes small food particles that get stuck between the teeth and around gums, and that can lead to bad breath, for a through clean

HOW TO FLOSS WITH WOVEN DENTAL FLOSS

 

WAXED FLOSS

Because floss tends to break very easily (especially between teeth tightly together), the Dental Floss companies decided to put a coating of wax on your floss to help the floss slide between the teeth easier. 

One big issue people have with waxed floss are the chemicals used in the wax coating of PTFE,  especially:

The negative issues with PTFE is that it doesn’t break down over the long run, and it can accumulate over time in our environment.

PTFE can lead to low infant birth rates, cancer, thyroid issues, semen count issues and disrupt the immune system.

Knowing what you know about PTFE,  your dental floss, and the importance of your health,  you should strive to find a NATURALLY WAXED FLOSS THAT IS ALSO BIODEGRADABLE.

Below are some choices of waxed floss options for yourself. I, personally would choose the biodegradable floss that is naturally waxed(Dr Tungs Smart Floss or Biodegradable Dental Floss With a Refillable Glass Holder | Naturally Waxed With Candelilla Wax).

Being biodegradable, I would assume that there is no PTFE,  and it is great for the environment. WIN-WIN for everyone –

• Dr Tungs Smart Floss – Lightly waxed with only natural ingredients including a blend of vegetable and bees wax (no petrochemical wax) Gluten-free. PTFE-free. BPA-free, Made of simple polyester fibers, BIODEGRADABLE container, made with EcoPure, biodegrades at a faster rate in a landfill compared to plastic  – BUY NOW AT AMAZON

  

• Biodegradable Dental Floss With a Refillable Glass Holder | Naturally Waxed With Candelilla Wax | 100% Compostable | 33yds/30m Natural Silk Spool | Eco-Friendly Zero Waste Oral Care | Mint Flavored – BUY NOW AT AMAZON

  

Examples of Waxed floss:

• • Johnson & Johnson Reach Mint Waxed Dental Floss, 5 Count – BUY NOW AT AMAZON

    

  • Biodegradable Dental Floss With a Refillable Glass Holder | Naturally Waxed With Candelilla Wax | 100% Compostable | 33yds/30m Natural Silk Spool | Eco-Friendly Zero Waste Oral Care | Mint Flavored – BUY NOW AT AMAZON

    

Unwaxed floss – Best Dental Floss *****

People prefer unwaxed floss over waxed because it is thinner and easier to use, so they think that it will be easier to get past the tight spaces between the teeth, but thats a myth.

Unwaxed floss is less likely to glide past tighter teeth, and can fray more easily compared to the smooth glide of the waxed floss or Tape.

Listerine also carries Listerine unwaxed dental floss, and it is located below.

Examples of Unwaxed Floss:

GUM Butler Weave Unwaxed 200 yards – BUY NOW ON AMAZON

GUM Fine Floss Unwaxed 55 M/60yd (6 pack)  – BUY NOW ON AMAZON

WAXED FLOSS VS. UNWAXED FLOSS

In their study on “The Effectiveness of Dental Floss in Reducing Gingival Inflammation,”

Paul Finklestein and Eli Grossman find that

Unwaxed and waxed dental floss were clinically evaluated for effectiveness in reducing gingival inflammation….Both types of floss…. were very effective, but no significant differences between them could be found.

Listerine Healthy White, Interdental Floss with Baking Soda, Oral Care and Hygiene, Mint,

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This shows that waxed and unwaxed floss are very effective in reducing gingival inflammation(gingivitis) which leads to bone loss.

Gingivitis is when the gums are enlarged from irritation from an accumulation of plaque, and it usually leads to tooth loss.

Many people can avoid losing their teeth and being forced to buy dental prosthetics if they start flossing consistently.

Although flavored waxed dental floss is preferred by many patients, unwaxed dental floss is known to be better for your dental health.

Unwaxed Dentek Triple Clean Floss Picks, 150 Count(Pack of 3)

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In the study “Patient preference for waxed or unwaxed dental floss,” Beaumont says

“The purpose of this study was to discover patient preference for waxed or unwaxed dental floss….An unsubstantiated belief in the superiority of unwaxed floss has persisted to the present time.”

This article shows that people believe that unwaxed floss is better for you compared to waxed floss.People prefer waxed floss because it is easier to glide between teeth that are closer together and less harsh on your gums, but unwaxed floss cleans the inter-proximal areas of the teeth and gingiva much better.

Even though unwaxed floss tends to break more often than waxed floss, the unwaxed floss removes mucous plaque much better than waxed floss.

Click this text to visit my article on HOW TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH CORRECTLY WITH AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Since there are many different types of flosses for people to choose from such as flavored(such as mint or cinnamon), unflavored, waxed and unwaxed floss, everyone should be able to find one that they like the best.

Flossingis a non-complicated procedure that can be accomplished in a few minutes, and only has to be done once a day before brushing.

If patients don’t want to use floss, they can use an interdental brush to reduce plaque.

Removal of plaque is very beneficial for you. It helps prevent many oral health problems such as gingivitis and heart disease. People should use unwaxed floss for the best results in removal of plaque.

• Dental Tape – Best Dental Floss for Bridges

Dental Tape is a wide, stretchy type of floss that is recommended for patients with tight spaces or wide spaces between their teeth as well as people with bridges.

Because this tape is much wider than regular floss, it is better at cleaning wider gaps to collect more plaque and bacteria. If you have wide spaces between your teeth, then this is the right type of floss for you.

For bridges, dental tape is used in conjunction with a FLOSS THREADER to get under the pontic(tooth with no root). The stretchable tape can easily slide through under the pontic if there is not enough room with regular floss.

EXAMPLES OF DENTAL TAPE:

REACH Dentotape Waxed Tape, Unflavored 100 Yards (Pack of 6) – BUY ON AMAZON NOW

• Tufted and Braided Dental Floss  (AKA SUPERFLOSS) – Best Dental Floss for Braces*****

Tufted Dental Floss is a mixture of Thick dental floss along the ends that make it easy to push through spaces that have tighter spaces such as bridge work or someone with braces.

The middle of the Tufted and braided dental floss has a nice, soft feeling, because it is made from with a piece of thinner floss. This area of the tufted and braided dental floss is great for cleaning the actual bridge as well as more open spaces

This type of floss is recommended for cleaning around crowns, braces, bridges, and wider spaces between teeth.

Please use caution when using this type of floss while pushing the stiff ends through gum tissue can cause trauma and bleeding if done forcefully and incorrectly.

Examples of Tufted and Braided Dental Floss

:

Oral-B Super Floss Mint Dental Floss Pre-Cut Strands 50 ea ( Pack of 2) – BUY ON AMAZON NOW

Oral-B Super Floss Pre-Cut Strands, Mint, 50 Count twin pack – BUY ON AMAZON NOW

Super floss is a very stretchy Dental floss which makes it extremely durable and easy to manipulate around places like braces and bridges. The stretchy dental floss works well in areas with large spaces, and it’s tuff ends really help poke through tight contacts or get under braces.

 

• Whitening floss – Not the Best Dental Floss, (WATCH OUT FOR THIS ONE – May Cause sensitivity)

Before considering a floss that can whiten your teeth, you have to realize what is actually on your teeth first, and when you had your last dental checkup / cleaning.

If you have not had your teeth cleaned in the past 6 months to a year, do not even consider this type of floss.

Why Whitening Floss will make your teeth Sensitive

You may have built up plaque bacteria that has calcified into Tartar or calculus.

No matter how much flossing you do, you won’t be able to get rid of the stain or non-white color yourself.

When tartar calcifies onto your teeth or between your teeth, you need to have it professionally removed. Leaving tartar on your teeth can develop into periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is the disease that can cause you to lose your teeth.

For this type of floss, there are a number of chemicals that can cause you to have sensitivity.

I would recommend that you seek the opinion of your Dental professional before trying any whitening product.

For more information on how to spot bacteria on your teeth yourself at home, check out this youtube video below:

Click this text to visit my article To figure out WHAT PRODUCT CAN HELP YOU FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH BACTERIA IS ON YOUR TEETH(above the gumline, NOT BELOW ) or watch the video below

• Fluoride Floss – Best Dental Floss to PREVENT CAVITIES*****

  A study was done on this, and it was found that the results of flossers that contained fluoride were significantly higher in the group that used the fluoride floss compared to the non-fluoride floss group.

In their study, “Fluoride uptake in situ after the use of dental floss with fluoride“, it was found out that results were 11.54 times higher after use of dental floss with fluoride in this study.water

EXAMPLES:

DenTek Complete Clean Easy Reach Floss Picks | Advanced Fluoride Coating, Mouthwash Blast Flavor | 75-Count | 3-Pack – BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Elgydium Clinic Dental Floss Fluoride Mint 35 m – BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Water Flossers – Best Dental Floss for the SHOWER, Elderly, Large Hands, Dexterity Issues, Braces*****

These Water Flossers Floss picks are a great choice  for people that have trouble using floss with their hands due to dexterity issues.

The Elderly and those with large hands benefit from Water Flossers because these devices help to reach difficult places.

Because Water flossers are great alternatives for those with braces, an extremely frustrating experience to a teenager that has enough to worry about is eliminated in seconds.

Imagine yourself with braces spending all day going under each bracket wire. It’s so frustrating, and the water Flosser water pik eliminates this issue in seconds.

I would recommend to keep this type of device away from smaller children because the amount of force that these devices shoot water out can be very strong.

Examples of Different Waterpiks:

Waterpik Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Oral Irrigator For Teeth – Aquarius Professional, WP-660 White – BUY NOW AT AMAZON

Cordless Water Flosser, Waterpik Cordless Freedom ADA Accepted Oral Irrigator, Battery Operated and Portable for Travel and Home, Waterproof with Travel Bag and 3 Jet Tips, WF-03 – BUY NOW AT AMAZON

Orthodontists really do recommend these for teenagers that are in braces.

Water Flossers can be used in the shower, and they also make portable ones.

For Braces there is a special tip you can use to has a tapered brush that is great for removing plaque and bacteria from the orthodontic device itself as well as flush food from the pockets.

If you have a lingual bar, this device head can also be used to help clean around those hard to reach areas.

HOW WATERPIK Water FLOSSER WORKS

 

WATERPIK Water flosser that has deeper pockets

there are different heads you can use to flush out the deeper pockets that normal floss and regular brushing can reach. If you have just had a deep cleaning, and your Dentist is concerned about you flushing out the deeper pocket, this might be a good product for you to use until the deeper pockets resolve.

Waterpik Water flosser for Crowns and Implants

For Dental work such as crowns and implants, a special tip with 3 tufts called The Plaque Seeker Tip helps to remove plaque.

How to use Waterpik Water flosser for Crowns and Implants

 

• Interdental Brush and Soft Picks 

Although Floss is very effective in preventing gingivitis when used consistently,  an interdental brush has been found to be more effective in removing plaque from between the teeth.

GUM Soft-Picks Original Dental Picks

ARE INTERDENTAL BRUSHES BETTER THAN FLOSS?

A comparison of proximal plaque removal using

floss and interdental brushes,

kiger et. Al says that,  …

interdental brush used in combination with a toothbrush is more effective in the removal of plaque from proximal tooth surfaces than a toothbrush used alone or in combination with dental floss.

This shows that plaque can be removed more efficiently using an interdental brush and a toothbrush compared to flossing and using a toothbrush. 

This means that if people do not like to floss their teeth to remove plaque, they can use an interdental brush instead.  Although interdental brushes are  effective in preventing gingivitis better  than floss, some people must  use floss because there needs to be enough room interproximally between teeth to use an interdental brush. 

Floss is thin, so it is easier to fit between the teeth compared to an inter-proximal brush.

 

Travel size dental floss

 

 

 

SIDE NOTE:

VIDEO: FIND OUT HOW MUCH BACTERIA IS ON YOUR TEETH(above the gumline, NOT BELOW ) 

FLOSSING INSTRUCTIONS – HOW TO FLOSS PROPERLY

People should floss on a daily basis at least one time per day(before brushing), and there is a pretty simple technique for flossing.  All you have to do is get an 18 inch  piece of floss that can be wrapped around your first fingers on both hands, and then slide the floss between the inter-proximal areas of each tooth . 

 Start by angling the floss up against each tooth using a C-shape in order to scrape off bacterial plaque. The floss should reach under the gum line of each tooth.

  Flossing can be very beneficial to your health when used properly. If floss is used in a rough manner, then gum tissue damage may occur.

Gingivitis can be prevented. If you floss daily, this will disrupt the accumulation of  plaque between the teeth and the gums.  

 

TOP TEN MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FLOSSING

1. What does bleeding while flossing mean ?

This is the first sign of Gingivitis aka bleeding gums. Then comes periodontal disease (bones that are holding your teeth dissolve). It’s time to set up an appointment with a Dental Provider. If you do not have Dental Insurance, check out this book below to help you find a DDS.

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2. How to remove shredded dental floss?

Floss between the 2 teeth where the floss got stuck.

If you have really tight teeth, and it’s pretty much impossible to wiggle the floss past where your teeth meet, then you will need to try Tom’s of Main Floss.

Floss easily glides between your teeth because of it’s naturally waxed nylon filaments. Naturally Waxed nylon filaments prevents Snapping or fraying.

 Tom’s of Maine Floss Flat-Anti Plaque Spearmint 32 yd String

Glide floss

 

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3. When should you floss your teeth?

Ideally 3X per day or after each meal, but most people don’t have the time or the patience for that.

So, you should do it before you go to sleep because thats when the germs are most active.

The reason for this is because you are not doing anything while you sleep to rid yourself of the bacterial plaque while you are sleeping.

Food stuck between your teeth becomes ideal for plaque to develop.

4. Why does my dental floss smell bad ?

If there is blood and a bad smell, it may be periodontal disease.

Most people do not floss between their teeth regularly.

Bacteria breaks down food trapped between your teeth. Depending on the plaque that has broken down your food as well as your family history, this can cause tooth decay or gum disease.

This can also cause a bad smell on the floss as well as a bad taste in your mouth.

Bleeding is the #1 sign of an infection present in your mouth, so you should definitely see your Dentist.

Speak with your Dentist to see what you can do to stop the progression of periodontal disease or gingivitis.

5. Why do you need to floss ?

Brushing alone only removes plaque on the visible surfaces of your teeth, but food can get stuck between teeth.

Eventually, this leads tooth decay, gum disease .

1. First, food gets stuck between your teeth
2. Then, bacteria starts breaking that food down.
3. Second, plaque forms (usually the main cause of periodontal disease).
4. Followed by calculus ( 48-72 hours),
5. More and more plaque followed by calculus.
6. This causes the gums to become inflamed – Gingivitis  – around 7-21 days
7. Over time can cause bone loss(the bones holding onto your teeth.

6. Should you floss or brush your teeth first ?

It really does not matter if you brush or floss first. Some people do have strong emotions about brushing vs flossing first.

Here’s the explanation:

When you go to get your teeth cleaned, the Hygienist will generally brush the outsides of your teeth with a polishing paste. Then, they floss your teeth last.

The grit in the polishing paste can get lodged between your teeth, just like the grit of the toothpaste. This is why some argue that it’s better to floss last.

On the other hand, some argue that flossing first is better because this will help dislodge the food and debris.

Then you can use the toothbrush.

It’s really up to you unless your Dentist tells you otherwise, or if you’re using a prescription toothpaste.

If you are using a prescription toothpaste,

1. you will want to floss first,
2. then use the prescription toothpaste,
3. spit and then don’t rinse before bed.
4. Read label to follow special directions.

Note: always follow the guidelines of your Dentist’s recommendation

7. How often should I floss?

At least 1X per day before you sleep.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss(or another interdental cleaner) once a day.

Some people build up plaque and tartar at a faster rate, so they may need to floss more regularly to keep these bacterial levels down.

9. How long should flossing take ?

A good flosser can finish flossing within 1-2 minutes, but there are many factors to consider for being a good flosser.

The following factors can affect the time of flossing

• Having Braces  and the device you use – Threader takes longer than waterpik,
• trouble with dexterity – Hand issues of any type including Parkinson’s Disease, any issue of uncontrolled shaking hands,
• age – easier for younger people that have better control of their hands and fingers compared to older individuals
• Type of Floss you are using – Water Floss Picks can really help decrease your flossing time, Read this Article 
• Plackers Floss for Braces AKA Orthopick Flossers, Floss picks for those with Braces can also decrease the amount of time it takes for people with braces and without braces.

ANATOMY OF Orthopick Flossers

 

The Orthopick contains three ends

1. One end contains This long stick ( AKA handle ).
2. The handle  is connected to two small plastic ends. Both ends hold the same one piece of floss.
3. One plastic end ( AKA arm) is thicker, and one plastic end is thinner.

The thinner end allows you to shimmy under the wire of your braces.

When you try & slide floss between teeth under the bracket wire, The two different plastic widths make huge differences

 

 

 

For more information on How to Floss with braces with Floss Threaders, or different options on How to floss with braces without floss threaders, please click the link here. 

Take these Plackers Orthopick Flossers on the Go anywhere and everywhere .

• Put them in Purses
• Backpacks
• Jean Pockets
• Car
• Bathroom
• Movie theatre
• The Mall
• To school
• to Work
• Tell us where you take your Plackers Orthopick !!

 

• Hand Size – people with larger hands should look into the REACH FLOSSER

Listerine ULTRACLEAN Access Flosser with 36 Refills, Mint Flavored (Original Version)

 

 

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Hand issues can make flossing very difficult, so this Flosser can help make it easier to floss between your teeth.

If flossing is an issue for you because you may not be able to hold the floss properly, you have large hands that don’t fit in your mouth, shaking hands, then a FLOSS HOLDER may help you.

10. Whats a Floss Holder?

A FLOSS HOLDER is a large plastic pre-threaded flosser that makes it much more simple to use than regular floss.  You don’t have to get your hands in your mouth, or master any complicated wrapping your fingers technique.

 

Who should get a Flossholder?

What’s amazing about them is that they allow people with large hands that can not fit in your mouth.

• Floss Holders work well for the following people:
• people with uncontrollable hands
• those with large hands
• Hands that constantly shake,
• elderly populations,
• kids with limited dexterity,
• Hard to reach 3rd molars

Listerine UltraClean Access Flosser (with 3 Refill Heads) (Pack of 3)

Because of it’s large handle, this Floss Holder will work great for people with large hands, 3rd molars, and shaking hands. It has a nice wide handle for grip and stability while it’s being used

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Plackers Kids Dental Floss Picks, 75 Count (Pack of 4)

This floss holder has fun designs for kids, which should make them feel excited about learning to floss their teeth.  It also has extra fluoride protection to help protect your kids teeth from cavities.

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10. Should floss go under gums ?

Yes, plaque grows under the gums so you should floss there using the c-shape flossing technique. Using the C-shape technique, be careful that you do not go straight down and through the gums.  Your goal should be to “hug” the tooth with the floss. Try to follow the root structure of the tooth to the base of the gum.

If you are not flossing the tooth below the gumline, bacteria will continue to accumulate. This will cause bad breath, gingivitis, Cavities, and eventually periodontal disease.

11. Why does it hurt when flossing ?

 

Possible Causes of Pain when Flossing include:

• not a regular flosser
• bleeding while flossing –  possibly gingivitis or Periodontal disease or not following tooth root with floss
• Flossing too aggressively, floss cutting into gums

Bleeding is the number one sign of Gingivitis.

If you have been flossing regularly, but recently it has become painful to floss, check your gums to see if there is a Stillman’s cleft, which is a small straight cut on the papilla between your two teeth.  It is basically cutting your gums by pressing the floss down too aggressively.

See your Dentist to see if there is also periodontal disease.

12. Flossing too much or incorrectly?

This can lead to Stillman’s cleft which is a tear or v-shaped groove in the gum. Flossing too fast can cause this as well.

If you have been flossing regularly, but recently it has become painful to floss, check your gums to see if there is a Stillman’s cleft, which is a small straight cut on the papilla between your two teeth.  It is basically cutting your gums by pressing the floss down too aggressively.

13. How to start flossing again ?

Watch the video above. Focus on proper technique using the C-shape method, remember to keep the floss on the tooth, not the gums. There are key techniques that can help you.

14. Why is flossing important ?

Flossing is an important part of removing plaque and bacteria build up from your teeth that your toothbrush will miss.

If this plaque bacteria builds up on your teeth, you can develop an infection of your gums called gingivitis. Uncontrolled Gingivitis can lead to the destruction of the bones and ligaments holding your teeth in place, called periodontal disease.

Brushing & flossing help protect your teeth against gingivitis.

But these are not substitutes for going to the dentist regularly.

Key fact: Brushing and flossing alone only removes about 60% of plaque build up. You have to visit the Dentist regularly to ensure good oral health.

What is the  difference between A regular cleaning, a deep cleaning and a Periodontal maintenance cleaning?

The regular cleaning – Prophy

Prophylaxis is a preventative treatment which helps to prevent periodontal disease

The Deep Cleaning

The Deep Cleaning procedure is performed after periodontal disease is diagnosed. This procedure can take anywhere from 2 – 4 appointments. Because the provider is going deeper than normal, anesthesia, local anesthesia may be required. A

The goal of a deep cleaning is to prevent the spread of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is the destruction of bone and connective tissues holding in your teeth.

 

How your Teeth Cleaning change once you have Periodontal Disease – it’s no longer JUST two visits per year

 

Once someone has periodontal disease, they will need ongoing care called periodontal maintenance.

Deep cleanings stop the progression of periodontal disease.

Periodontal Maintenance involves a deeper cleaning than the normal Prophy aka regular cleaning.

People diagnosed with periodontal disease can no longer benefit from a regular type of cleaning anymore.

They now require Periodontal Maintenance, which requires treatment up to four times a year.

How much does it cost to have Periodontal Maintenance vs a regular Cleaning?

The price of maintenance will be much more than someone that needs just a basic cleaning twice a year, so the patients should know why.

People should have a thorough understand why and how periodontal maintenance is important to maintain after their first root planing.

Periodontal disease can lead to systemic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Research shows this evidence is just a correlation, so future studies should check for actual causation.

15.How to floss dental implants ?

Use the c-shape flossing technique, which is similar to a regular tooth.

 

16.In your opinion, what is your favorite best floss?

I believe that everyone is different, and that there is no one best choice of floss for everyone throughout their lifetime. As you age and grow, your teeth shift, break, have braces, and there is a best floss for each category. We want to know what category you are in, and want to know what your best floss is.

17. Is it OK to reuse dental floss?

It is not recommended to reuse dental floss because the floss was previously used may contain bacteria that are still living as well as blood.  If you put this Dental Floss back into your mouth, you may infect other teeth with the bacteria from the original floss.

17. How many inches of floss should you use?

18-24 inches of Dental Floss should be used.

17. Travel Size Dental Floss Options

These Travel Size Dental Flosses are great to bring when traveling. You can store them in your pant or shirt pocket, or even throw them in your purse. They are all pretty small, and will all do the trick.

Whether you are going on a date or a Road Trip on an RV or Camping Trailer, this tiny floss is perfect for traveling.

Glide Oral-B Pro-Health Original Floss, Small Size 4 meters (4.3 yards) – Pack of 12

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• Great for Travel: SMALL SIZE ONLY 4 METERS
• Very thin floss, so it’s great if you have tight teeth. But, also it is very strong, tough and reslient.
• shred resistant
• Slides more easily in tight spaces between teeth for a thorough clean

Gum Expanding Dental Floss, 4yd / 3.6 m Travel Tub Pack of 12

 

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Another great option for traveling. This one comes in a tiny circular shaped holder, and the floss expands during use which helps it remove more plaque.

This floss is made of nylon, and is very gentle.

GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss Travel Size, Mint, 2 Count (Pack of 12)

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REFERENCES

1. 1. Journal of Dental Research[internet], Vol. 58, No. 3, 1034-1039 (1979) [cited 2009, November 13] available from http://jdr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/58/3/1034

1. 1. Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Volume 18 Issue 9, Pages 681 – 684 Published Online: 13 Dec 2005 [cited 2009 November 13] Available from: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119354455/abstract

1. 1. Journal of Clinical Periodontology[internet]

1. J_Periodontol[internet] 4th Medical Group, Seymour Johnson AFB, NC

61(2):123-5. 1990 Feb [cited 2009 November 13] Available from: http://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/ebm/record/2313529/full_citation.Patient_preference_for_waxed_or_unwaxed_dental_floss_

 

 

What is the thickest dental floss?

Tufted Dental Floss is a mixture of Thick dental floss along the ends that make it easy to push through spaces that have tighter spaces such as bridge work or someone with braces. The middle of the floss has a nice, soft feeling, because it is made from with a piece of thinner floss. This area of the floss is great for cleaning the actual bridge as well as more open spaces This type of floss is recommended for cleaning around crowns, braces, bridges, and wider spaces between teeth. Please use caution when using this type of floss while pushing the stiff ends through gum tissue can cause trauma and bleeding if done forcefully and incorrectly.

Is it better to use waxed or unwaxed floss?

Unwaxed floss - Best Dental Floss ***** People prefer unwaxed floss over waxed because it is thinner and easier to use, so they think that it will be easier to get past the tight spaces between the teeth, but thats a myth. Unwaxed floss is less likely to glide past tighter teeth, and can fray more easily compared to the smooth glide of the waxed floss or Tape.

Why is Glide floss bad?

Glide floss uses PTFE. Because PTFE is difficult to destroy, this chemical can buildup in our own bodies, our pets and persist over time. Oral-B Glide floss does use this in their waxed floss because it's a non-stick chemical, which will help you get the floss under the gums. But, you should know that there has been a study done where the Environmental Protection Agency and Center of Disease Control both consider PTFE a potentially harmful substance.

Is woven floss better?

What it comes down to when choosing the right floss for yourself when deciding between Woven Floss vs Waxed Floss is this: Do you want a floss that contains Teflon (knowing the risks) ? Do you prefer a softer vs harder type floss? Softer – get the woven floss harder – get the waxed floss Whats you’re hand mobility like? Woven Floss would work better for you if you have less mobility Does Floss get stuck between your teeth regularly? if yes, get the waxed floss

Who makes woven floss?

Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental Floss for Sensitive Gums has been discontinued. Different Manufacture's are: 1. Listerine Gentle Gum Care by Johnson and Johnson 2. Dr. Tungs Woven Dental Floss

Is Waxed or unwaxed floss better?

People prefer unwaxed floss over waxed because it is thinner and easier to use, so they think that it will be easier to get past the tight spaces between the teeth, but thats a myth. Even though unwaxed floss tends to break more often than waxed floss, the unwaxed floss removes mucous plaque much better than waxed floss.

 

Want to know if you should floss or brush first? This question has been around for ages. I have scoured the internet searching for hours. The debates are endless, and I’m really not sure who is giving their opinions.

I decided to check out a couple of different articles, and show you what I have found. If you have been debating your Dentist for years or your family, let them check out the research articles below.

WHAT THE PROS SAY ABOUT BRUSHING OR FLOSSING FIRST: brush or floss first

 

Under the FAQ section, the ADA says flossing or brushing first are both “ok” as long as you’re doing a thorough job of each.

 

RESEARCH on brushing or floss first

 

In this article done by the Journal of Periodontology published in 2018, they led a study on the subject of testing subjects on flossing before brushing vs brushing before flossing. They tested the amount of fluoride on their teeth along with plaque levels on 25 dental students.

The results of the study show that flossing before brushing led to plaque levels lower in those that floss before brushing. Not only this, but there was a greater amount of fluoride in the plaque of the group that flossed before brushing.

Even though this was a small sample study, it brings a whole new level of information into the “brushing or flossing first” debate.

 

Related: Best Dental GADGETS OF 2021

 

“FLOSS BEFORE YOU BRUSH” ARGUMENT

There are arguments among many about why you should floss first. Let us know where you stand on the debate in the comments below, or you can let us know in the Dental Products Guy forum section.

The biggest and most important argument is that you should floss first because you might be “too lazy to floss after you brush”, and never get to it. If you make it a priority to floss first, then you’re still stuck with that odor in your mouth, which brushing helps to eliminate.

One reason you might want to floss first is that you will remove the plaque between the teeth first. Then, when you brush after flossing, the fluoride from the toothpaste will be more likely to get between the teeth.

Some people also argue that brushing after flossing will help clean away the plaque and food that flossing dislodges creating a cleaner mouth.

The toothpaste used after flossing also helps to remove the bad taste in your mouth.

 

Related: Complete Guide to Finding Your Best Toothbrush [10 Best Electric Toothbrushes on the Market today]

 

“BRUSH BEFORE YOU FLOSS” ARGUMENT

 

The benefits of brushing before you floss are that you get to remove all the plaque on the teeth, and then the floss will come in to clean between the teeth.

If you have fluoride on your floss, then that fluoride will be able to get onto the teeth.

Related: 7 Floss Picks That Are Amazing & ADA Approved 2020

 

 

 

What is the correct order to brush and floss?

In this article done by the Journal of Periodontology published in 2018, they led a study on the subject of testing subjects on flossing before brushing vs brushing before flossing. They tested the amount of fluoride on their teeth along with plaque levels on 25 dental students. The results of the study show that flossing before brushing led to plaque levels lower in those that floss before brushing. Not only this, but there was a greater amount of fluoride in the plaque of the group that flossed before brushing.

Are you supposed to brush your teeth before or after?

The biggest and most important argument is that you should floss first because you might be too lazy to floss after you brush and never get to it. If you make it a priority to floss first, then you're still stuck with that odor in your mouth, which brushing helps to eliminate.

Is it bad to drink water after brushing your teeth?

It's ok to have water after you brush your teeth if you rinse out your regular toothpaste first. If you are on a prescription fluoride toothpaste, you should not drink water because you will swallow the toothpaste. With prescription Fluoride toothpaste, you should not drink water until rinsing your mouth

Should I brush before I floss?

Research has found it to be more effective to floss before you brush. It leads to higher fluoride concentrations in the subject's plaque as well as less plaque on their teeth overall.

 

Flossing braces properly is an incredibly time-consuming activity that causes frustration and fear among kids and their parents.

Flossing is important way kids or teens keep their teeth healthy in the long run, but the food they consume while wearing braces is important as well.

Avoid Foods that Can Harm Your Braces – How to Make Flossing Braces Easier 

 

Some foods are tougher to clean or are hard enough to break braces. For example, biting into an apple or hard toast could potentially cause a braces bracket to pop off. It’s best to try to avoid any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.

Foods that would make flossing braces more difficult are sticky foods such as caramel or bagels or gum. Having lots of acidic foods and soft drinks can cause discoloration of teeth as well as cavities, so these items should be rarely consumed with braces.

Why is Flossing Braces important?

 

According to AAO, not brushing and flossing regularly can cause “….  cavities, swollen gums, bad breath and permanent white marks on the teeth“.

Paying 2,000 – $7,000 for braces is expensive.  Neglecting your brushing and flossing can cause white marks called decalcification, which is the beginning stages of a cavity.

Some people have to live with these white marks for the rest of their lives and can become very self-conscious about them.

How To Get Rid Of White Spots on teeth From Braces?

The best way to avoid developing these white spots on your teeth is to keep your teeth clean and start your braces journey with great home care.

This includes visiting your Dental Hygienist/Dentist as needed regularly for cleanings,  using a powered toothbrush after every meal, and having a flossing routine that is consistent.

If you do end up with the white spots on your teeth, you will notice a big white hollow square-like appearance on the front surfaces of your teeth. White Spots can also develop between your teeth, so it’s extra important to keep your teeth clean.

Your Dentist will want to know the extent of the damage, and if severe, veneers may be needed down the road.

Most of the time, fluoride varnish or Calcium phosphate will be given to the patient for mild cases of discoloration.  It’s important to ask your Dental provider if a prescription fluoride treatment could be beneficial before, during, and after treatment to help prevent caries.

Avoid using whitening products while wearing braces because whitening agents usually remove minerals from teeth, and this can cause white spots.

Flossing Braces With Floss Threaders

Floss threaders are the ideal choice for flossing with braces because of the amount of plaque that can be removed between your teeth.

With floss threaders, you can thoroughly do the recommended C-shape flossing technique as demonstrated with the video below.

 

What is a Floss Threader?

A Floss threader is similar to a needle and thread where the thread is the floss and the needle is the blue floss threader.

Floss threaders can be used with braces, implants, and Lingual bars after braces.

How to Floss with Braces with Floss Threaders

Thread an 18-24 inch piece of Dental floss into the eye hole of the floss threader.

Point the pointy end of the floss threader under the braces wire and grab the floss threader with the opposite hand.

Then remove the floss threader.

After this, you want to wrap the floss around your first fingers of each hand.

Then attempt to floss using the floss with the C-shape flossing method.

 

How to use Floss Threaders with Braces

 

 

 

If you have a permanent retainer, visit this related article on how to use floss threaders with permanent Lingual bar retainer.

Pros of Flossing Braces With Floss Threaders

 

• Achieves the C-shape flossing technique. It’s wonderful that you are able to really achieve the C-shape that is required to clean the plaque and bacteria between the teeth
• Ability to floss under the gums to remove plaque
• You can use any type of floss that you like. Whether you prefer woven floss, waxed floss, taped floss, Listerine floss, you can use any type of floss with the threader. I would recommend you to use waxed floss because it’s the easiest to glide through the teeth smoothly and remove plaque as well.

Cons of Flossing Braces With Floss Threaders

 

• Should not be re-used because the plastic material can carry bacteria. IF you reuse the floss threaders over a period of time, you may create a super bacteria which can cause cavities.
• Very time-consuming. This type of Flossing technique can cause a lot of time and frustration. Most kids or parents don’t have time to spend pushing these floss threaders between their brackets
• Requires hand dexterity that kids may not have developed

Flossing Braces  with Harp Flosser

 

The Harp Orthodontic Reusable Flosser 4 pack Multipack

 

The Harp Flosser claims that it not actual Dental floss. It is actually braided nylon material which does not stretch much, so it’s great to resist stretching and breaking.

Pros of Flossing Braces With Harp Floss

• No floss threading needed
• The speed of flossing your teeth increases tremendously
• Either end of the harp Flosser can be used to floss between the brackets and under the braces wire
• Cuts flossing time in Half – Because there is no threading involved, you can floss thru all your teeth in less time compared to the floss threader
• BPA Free, so this floss is environmentally friendly.
• Uses Braided Nylon Dental Floss, which is shred resistant and great for removing plaque
• Can be bent so it’s easier to reach back teeth which makes kids with braces lives much easier.
• This product is a great value for the price, and there are over 600 positive reviews on Amazon for the Harp Flosser.
• Great time saver and money saver in the long run.
• Comes with floss attached, so you can’t choose the type of floss that you use with the Harp Flosser. If you don’t like braided floss, then you’re out of luck if you prefer waxed floss.
• Seems like a reputable company with many positive reviews.

Cons of Flossing Braces With Harp Floss 

• Threaders should not be reused for more than 1 week.
• You may be unable to get the full C-shape flossing technique compared to the floss threaders.
• If the space between the wire and tooth is very small, the Harp flosser May not fit under the braces wire.
• Some people may get confused about how to use the Harp Floss properly due to dexterity issues.
• May be confusing to use if you don’t have a mirror present. It isn’t the best choice for traveling unless you are bringing a pocket mirror.
• More expensive than floss threaders, and does not carry the ADA seal yet.

 

Harp Floss – How to Floss With Braces

 

 

 

Flossing Braces with Waterpik Water Flosser

Currently, Waterpik has 4 Waterpik water flossers that have the ADA seal of approval for providing scientific data, clinical studies that show that their waterpiks safely and effectively removes plaque and bacteria.

Waterpiks are safe and effective as an alternative for flossing braces if waterpiks are used properly.

Special Precautions For Waterpik (Flossing with Braces)

Because of the intense amount of pressure that these devices use, it can be dangerous if used improperly.

According to the Ada website, damage can result if used with oral jewelry(tongue piercings), open wounds in the mouth, under the tongue, use with iodine or bleach.

Flossing braces without floss threaders really does make life easier for everyone. It makes life easier for mom’s as well as their kids. If these water flossers only had a way of tracking your teens usage of the waterpik, then you could be certain about how much your teen has been cleaning between their teeth.

 

Waterpik WP-667 Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional

 

 

 

 

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Pros of Waterpik WP-667 Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional

 

 

• This waterpik has the ADA seal of Approval which means it is safe and effective for remove plaque and bacteria from the gum line as well as hard-to-reach areas.
• Waterpik is the only water flosser brand to have the ADA seal of approval
• Waterpiks are the fastest way to effectively clean your teeth when compared to Platypus floss, Floss threaders, and the harp floss.
• You don’t have to deal with string floss or any type of Dental String.
• You don’t have to worry about getting saliva on your fingers using the Waterpik while flossing braces.
• Great for reaching hard to reach areas.
• You don’t need a lot of manual dexterity to maneuver the Waterpik while trying to clean your braces.
• There is a Waterpik floss head that is ideal for removing plaque and bacteria while wearing braces.
• Easy to find replacement heads for the Waterpik unit.
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
• The reservoir is huge. It has a 22-ounce capacity so you don’t have to refill the unit as often as the shower Waterpik or the travel Waterpik
• Compatible with 120VAC/60Hz outlets, so it’s great for the USA.
• The Waterpik head can rotate 360 degrees to accommodate hard to reach areas
• Comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty which is great because most braces span about 3 -4 years.
• Comes in multiple attractive colors, so it’s great for boys or girls.
• Includes 1-minute timer, so you know how long you are using the unit.

 

Cons of Waterpik WP-667 Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional

 

 

• You must have a large countertop to place the Waterpik.
• If you have a tiny sink area with no place for storage or to lay this unit, the portable water pik might be your best option.
• Only works in the USA, the product is not compatible with other country’s outlets at the moment.
• The price of one of these units is much more expensive compared to the floss threaders as well as the Harp Flosser.
• The flosser head attaches to the Waterpik reservoir, so you have to be close to the unit while you’re using it.
• Some people report this Waterpik being noisy. Other people have no complaints regarding the sound.
  

 

 

 

 

Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser Designer Series, White, WP-670

 

 

 

 

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Pros of Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser Designer Series, White, WP-670

• With 1400 pulses per minute of Water, the plaque is sure to come off your teeth with the Waterpik 670.
• This water Flosser contains the ADA seal of Approval.
• 90 seconds of water capacity, so you don’t have to mess around refilling the unit every 15-20 seconds like the shower Waterpik.
• 10 different water pressure settings ranging from 10-100 psi.
• 7 different water flossing tips that come with the Waterpik water flosser.
• This unit has 1 Specialized “floss mode” which helps remove plaque and bacteria, and there is also a “massage mode” which can help stimulate the gums. This one is great for someone with braces.
• 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
• Works well with implants as well as lingual retainers after braces as well.

 

 

 

Cons of Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser Designer Series, White, WP-670

• Priced much higher than Floss threaders, so usually over 90$.
• It can get messy if you lose control of the handle.
• It can be dangerous if you accidentally spray yourself in the nose, eye, ear, etc.
• 3-year warranty from the manufacturer, but there are some Amazon comments saying they have had some trouble with the manufacturer. Some customers on Amazon recommend letting Amazon know if you have any issues with your product before the warranty runs out instead of the manufacturer. Let us know in the comments below.
• Can be messy/dangerous and ineffective for removing plaque if used improperly.
• Some people say that this Waterpik is noisy, and should be placed on a silicone mat to lessen the noise produced.
• Can not be used in the shower because it plugs into the wall.
• Too bulky for travel or a suitcase

 

Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser Rechargeable Portable Oral irrigator for Travel & Home – Cordless Advanced, Wp-560 White

 

 

 

 

 

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Pros of Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser

• ADA approved, Safe, and effective for people with braces.
• Great for use in the shower
• You don’t have to deal with any cords.
• Great for travel. It’s small enough to fit into a suitcase, but it’s not so small that you have to fill the water reservoir too often.
• This Waterpik offers 3 pressure settings ranging from 45-75 PSI.
• This unit includes its own travel bag and 4 different heads
• Comes with a 2-year warranty.
• Waterpik gets charged with a magnetic charger which makes it really easy to charge in only 4 hours.
• Has a LED display which indicates when you should charge the Waterpik cordless flosser.
• 360-degree head tip rotation available which makes cleaning both sides of your teeth convenient.
• Removes up to 99% of plaque and bacteria.
• The water reservoir offers about 30-45 seconds of cleaning per fill up.
• The lightweight and large handle which works great for people with manual dexterity issues.
• Great for smaller bathrooms with little sink space.
• No cords to worry about like the models above.

Cons of Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser

• Only comes with a 2-year warranty instead of a 3-year warranty like the water flosser picks above
• Water Resevoir is not as large, so you have to refill it much more often compared to the larger Waterpik units.

 

 

How To Floss with Braces with Waterpik Water Flosser

 

1. Fill your Waterpik Reservoir with lukewarm to warm water. If you don’t have any sensitivity, you can use cold water.
2. Select a tip and place it in the water flosser unit until you hear a click.
3. Your mouth should be partially closed and you should be in front of a mirror and over a sink.
4. Start with the lowest setting by aiming the tip 90 degrees just above the gumline of the cheek side of your back tooth.
5. Following the gumline, you want to let the water eject onto the tooth surface.
6. Try not to aim the water pressure under your gums. Plaque bacteria is located on the tooth so you should only be aiming at a 90-degree angle at the tooth following the gumline. You should not hit the gums with the pressurized water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

There are many choices when it comes down to keeping your teen Flossing Braces regularly, and it is also very frustrating. The Waterpik is my favorite choice because you only need to refill them with water, and they can sit on your counter or in a cupboard. The harp flosser is also a good choice, but I will always prefer the item with the ADA seal the most because there have been clinical trials and tests for safety and efficacy.

When you’re on the go or traveling, I would definitely choose the harp flosser.

After the braces come off, the Orthodontist will offer you the choice to get a lingual bar retainer or a clear plastic aligner. For any choice you decide on, these devices will also be helpful after braces.

The Waterpik does not have to be limited to an Ortho patient or a teen with braces. they are great for adults too!

The truth is that there are more devices to use for braces, and you can get a breakdown of them in this article which compares which floss is the best for braces updated in 2020.

Flossing is tough, especially for kids under 10. Then, when they get braces they have to use a floss threader, which makes things even tougher. Floss picks make your life easier whether you’re a kid or an adult.

You don’t have to get your fingers wet with your saliva, either. For some people, it’s tough to wrap their fingers around the floss, and for others, it’s being grossed out by the blood from flossing.

Some people don’t feel like they have time to floss ever. No one wants to pull out floss after lunch and get their hands messy when they just went on the bus or are in public.

It’s really just not socially acceptable or sanitary to wrap your fingers with floss and cleaning your teeth at a restaurant or on your lunch when you’re with friends. Regular flossing is also time-consuming.

Floss picks are great because you can travel with them, and they are easy to use.  They are great for keeping your fingers clean because you don’t have to wrap them around your fingers.

The one limitation with floss picks that you will hear about it how they can not get as much of a C-shape that’s needed for cleaning.

DENTEK FLOSS PICKS HAVE THE ADA SEAL OF APPROVAL

 

The ADA has given floss picks their seal of approval, which has been published in 2018. This means that floss picks are now recognized by Dentists to be safe, effective when it comes to helping patients reduce signs of inflammation.

The Following Floss picks have received the ADA seal of approval.

In order for a product to get the ADA seal of approval, they must demonstrate their effectiveness in a scientific lab where they conduct tests and trials. In an ADA approved lab, products get tested against other ADA approved products for effectiveness.

Floss Picks Versus Toothpicks

Floss picks are usually made of plastic and are usually disposable. They contain floss between 2 plastic edges. One end is either sharp or rounded. If it is sharp, then it’s usually for using similar to a toothpick.

With this sharper edge, you can use it at a 90-degree angle to trace the gum line with a delicate touch just like a toothpick. If you don’t have steady hands, it’s very possible for you to poke yourself and it can be painful.

Both Floss picks and toothpicks are great for remove plaque or food particles between your teeth. With toothpicks, make sure to wet the end with your saliva before using it to make it somewhat less sharp.

 

Floss Picks Vs WaterPik

Because both products end with the word “pik” or “pick”, there tends to be some confusion. Waterpik is the same as a water flosser.

The Waterpik shoots water towards the plaque near your gum line, and does not contain any floss or anything similar to a Floss Pick or toothpick.

Waterpiks are great for people with deeper pockets or for people with braces because it helps remove food particles between teeth. There is much debate about whether waterpiks actually clean plaque off teeth, but there are ADA-approved Waterpiks, which means they’re safe and effective.

In 2017, Waterpiks were given the ADA seal of Approval for actually being safe to use as well as removing plaque and decreasing inflammation(gingivitis).

 

For more information on Waterpiks: Best Dental Floss Guide 2020

DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Picks, Silky Comfort Floss

 

 

 

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This flosser floss pick really helps for those with sensitive gums as well as tight teeth. If you’re looking for a floss pick specifically for your back teeth, don’t get it confused with the “Dentek Comfort Clean Floss picks for back teeth“.  This floss is silky smooth, so it can easily glide between tight teeth.

This floss pick uses a tape type floss as opposed to the Dentek Triple clean Flosser which uses Ultra Silky floss. Both are great for tight teeth. Both have a fluoride coating on the floss, which helps slide between the teeth and get under your gums.

 

Similar Article: Find out How You Can Fix Bad Breath

DenTek Comfort Clean Easy Reach Floss Picks FOR YOUR BACK TEETH

 

 

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This floss pick is great for people with large hands or small hands or anyone that just can’t reach their back teeth.  If you don’t like using regular floss or you’re just not able to reach your back teeth with regular floss, then this will help you reach those far back molars.

These flosser floss picks are Y-shaped so there is an equal amount of force and it makes a comfortable angle to reach back teeth. It has a minty flavor, ADA accepted, and also uses Taped floss.

This floss has over 1000 reviews on Amazon and a cumulative score of over 4 stars which makes this a great option.

Similar Article: 5 Best Subscription Toothbrush Boxes 2020

DenTek Fresh Clean Floss Picks | Silky Comfort Floss

 

 

 

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This mint flavored and textured floss pick has an extremely comfortable green handle, which makes flossing on the go really fun. It contains an ultra-silky floss tape that easily slides through tight teeth.

The textured Floss pick handle makes it a great option for those who don’t like the floss picks that are constantly sliding between their fingers. One floss pick is about 3 inches long.

On Amazon, this floss pick has over 2,000 ratings and an average rating of over 4 stars.

 

Similar Article: Want to Find out How Dirty your teeth are, and how well your Oral products are cleaning your teeth?

Dentek Triple Clean Picks 

 

 

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This Floss Pick is known to be great for getting between tight teeth because of its super-strong floss. Their strong floss is also guaranteed not to break on you. The floss is fluoride coated, which means that you’re getting the fluoride between your teeth. Bacteria that cause cavities love to hide between your teeth because these areas usually don’t get flossed/cleaned often.

While the fluoride will help strengthen your teeth and decrease your chances of getting cavities, the action of flossing with the floss pick will help remove the plaque.

 

Read my Review: PRO’s and CONS about the  Dentek Triple Clean Picks

DenTek Complete Clean Floss Picks

 

 

 

 

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Don’t get this Floss picks Confused with the DenTek Comfort Clean Easy Reach Floss Picks FOR YOUR BACK TEETH.  This floss is great for your back teeth as well. This floss has string floss. The Dentek Comfort clean floss pick has tape type floss.

The main difference between these two floss picks is not with the type of floss or the ability to make it easy to reach your back teeth.

With these floss picks, they have the string type floss as opposed to the tape type floss found in most other flosses above.  Some people prefer the string type floss because they believe that it can remove more gunk. It’s true that it does, and for teeth that have a little more space between them, this is a great option.

The main difference comes in the straight edge handle. The tip of this handle has a tapered end that you can use just like the gum soft picks. It’s a great feature that adds more benefit to you in addition to flossing.

 

Similar Interesting Article: Which PLACKERS Dental FLOSS PICKS should you use?

DenTek Kids Fun Flossers Wild Fruit 

 

 

 

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This Floss pick offers parents a safe (ADA Approved),  convenient, fun flavors ( Wild fruit flavored ) product to help their kids start flossing at an early age. It’s tough to be there flossing your kid’s teeth every night, but this offers a great solution for kids that want to learn.

The small flosser works well for kid’s tiny hands because it contains a wide handle which makes it easy to grip.

IT’s best you show them how to use these Flossers first in front of a mirror, and then supervise them as they are using them. Kids should not be allowed to run around with these in their mouths because they can fall and hurt themselves.

These floss picks come in some fun colors, and have a fun little design on them.

Similar Article: How to use Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces

 

Didn’t Find What Your Looking For? Let us know in the comments.

Similar Article: Learn about all your Flossing Options with the Best Dental Floss of 2020 [Complete Guide]

 

Are floss picks better than floss?

Floss picks are great, and they are ADA approved. With regular floss you are able to wrap the floss around the tooth, and this means you can get deeper under the gums without injuring your gums. This does make regular floss the more ideal choice compared to floss picks. But, many people just can not floss due to various reasons. some people don't like to floss, some have large hands, some don't have the manual dexterity.

Can floss picks be reused?

It's not the best idea to reuse floss picks because there is bacteria on the floss that you use the first time. Reintroducing that bacteria between your teeth at a later time allows the bacteria to grow into a super bacteria.

Do dentists recommend floss picks?

Floss picks are ADA approved so they are safe and effective for use. Although they are not superior to regular floss due to a multitude of reasons, they help those that can not floss with regular floss.

Can a toothpick replace flossing?

Toothpicks are a great tool to remove plaque and bacteria, but they should not replace your normal flossing routine. Floss is able to reach areas that toothpicks can not, such as the back of most people's back molars.

Is it bad to floss twice a day?

No, but if you are flossing 2x a day incorrectly, this is not good for you as you can traumatize your gums.

 

 

 

 

Wanna learn How to use a Floss Threader with Permanent Retainer ?

Flossing your teeth with braces can be one of the trickiest and most frustrating experience for any teenager, so that’s why this article is going to teach you exactly how to floss with braces with a floss threader as well as floss picks !!

Flossing your teeth as a child or teenager without floss can be extremely difficult and frustrating all by itself, and floss threaders can take forever to do.

As a teenager or adult with braces, time is important, and you don’t have all day to floss your teeth. You probably have sports, family dinners, friends to hang out with, homework, projects, Doctor appointments, etc.

Flossing a Lingual bar can be tricky, so here are 3 easy steps to help you out.

3 Steps to use Floss Threader with Permanent Retainer

1. Get the floss threader and a piece of floss.
2. Loop the floss through the floss threader, and tie a knot with the dental floss onto the floss threader
3. Gently push the Non-looped end of the floss threader between the crevice of your tooth, and use your tongue to push the non-looped end towards the front of your mouth.
4. Grab the end of the floss threader, and floss normally under the gums, and then pull the floss threader and floss out from between the crevice of your tooth.

Here is a great video that will teach you :

How to use a Floss Threader with Permanent Retainer

Heres a video of flossing with floss threaders to see how much more difficult it is compared to the platypus flossers

If there are any kids/teens/adults that can do this everyday, and have a normal life, they should be getting a medal because normal people won’t even floss their teeth everyday without floss.

In the Dental Products Guy opinion as well as some Orthodontists opinions , the best option would be the a water flosser. The choice is really up to the teen as to what they are most comfortable doing.

If you are interested in trying out these floss threaders, here’s a link below:

DenTek Floss Threaders | | Works with Braces, Bridges, and Implants | 50 Count with Case | Pack of 6 

For people that have bridges or implants, this is a great option and sometimes one of their only options. They only have one or two implants or one or two bridges, so they only have to use the floss threader to get under once or twice.

But it’s a cruel practice to expect a teen/child/adult to floss using the floss threader every single day.  It would be very time consuming which is like torture for a teenager.

 

 

How to floss with braces without floss threaders?

If I were to get back into braces, I would just get a Waterpik(aka: Waterflosser).  These devices allow you to use the pressure of the water to get under the gums and really help flush food and bacteria out of the gum pockets.

This device can help rid your mouth of gingivitis and it’s quick too! There are waterpiks that you can use in the shower, while using it across your teeth and strengthening up your gums at the same time.

If you want to read more about water Flossers, check out this article on Best Dental Floss of 2019 [Complete Guide]

You won’t have to deal with the blood on the floss either.

Here’s another funny thing about Dental Floss picks that I never really got an answer from anyone on, so please leave a message in the comments if you know.

Dentists , Hygienists and Orthodontists promote the use of floss picks right? For sake of argument, let’s say YES, YOU’RE RIGHT

They also say that when you floss your teeth, you’re supposed to change up the part of the floss when moving from one tooth to another because you will introduce bacteria from one tooth to another.

BUT!

What about with Disposable Floss picks having just a small area that you are cleaning every tooth surface between your teeth.

Technically, you are using the same piece of floss in the same areas.

SO,

Technically you are spreading bacteria from tooth to tooth using these floss picks right?

I could never get an answer for this, so if you know , please let me know.

How to Floss with braces with Floss Picks?

Here is a link to get some of these special flossers if you have braces, but never got yourself some.

Platypus Orthodontic Flossers for Braces 

These Platypus Floss picks can be a real time-saver because you don’t have to fiddle around with the floss threaders trying to reach under and through your braces.  As a teenager/child, there is already a limited amount of dexterity, and the expectation to get in there with floss threaders is insurmountably ridiculous!

In order to do this correctly, you want to gently slide the platypus floss slowly down between the bracket and the tooth. Once you get past where the tooth contacts each other, you want to do the C-shape flossing method. This is where you will gently hug the tooth, and go up and down on each side of the tooth.

In my opinion, this is even an annoying idea for a teenager.

 

How to use a Floss Threader with Permanent Retainer ?

Get the floss threader and a piece of floss. Loop the floss through the floss threader, and tie a knot with the dental floss onto the floss threader Gently push the Non-looped end of the floss threader between the crevice of your tooth, and use your tongue to push the non-looped end towards the front of your mouth. Grab the end of the floss threader, and floss normally under the gums, and then pull the floss threader and floss out from between the crevice of your tooth.

Is it tough to floss your teeth with braces?

Flossing your teeth with braces can be one of the trickiest and most frustrating experience for any teenager, so that's why this article is going to teach you exactly how to floss with braces with a floss threader as well as floss picks !!

Is it difficult for a teenager to floss their braces?

Flossing your teeth as a child or teenager without floss can be extremely difficult and frustrating all by itself, and floss threaders can take forever to do. As a teenager or adult with braces, time is important, and you don't have all day to floss your teeth. You probably have sports, family dinners, friends to hang out with, homework, projects, Doctor appointments, etc.

How to floss with braces without floss threaders?

Waterpiks allows you to use the pressure of the water to get under the gums and really help flush food and bacteria out of the gum pockets.

How Does Platypus floss help save my teenager time and frustration?

These Platypus Floss picks can be a real time-saver because you don't have to fiddle around with the floss threaders trying to reach under and through your braces. As a teenager/child, there is already a limited amount of dexterity, and the expectation to get in there with floss threaders is insurmountably ridiculous!

How do you use Platypus floss to floss braces?

In order to do this correctly, you want to gently slide the platypus floss slowly down between the bracket and the tooth. Once you get past where the tooth contacts each other, you want to do the C-shape flossing method. This is where you will gently hug the tooth, and go up and down on each side of the tooth.