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)
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.
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.
Hayden WOVEN Dental Floss
- 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
- 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.
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nylon (multifilament)
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Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – a single filament, extremely strong, stretchable and mixed with wax coating that eventually makes up some Dental Flosses on the market.
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Flosses on the Market that contain PTFE: Glide Dental floss.
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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”
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- 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.
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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.
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- 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) –
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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.
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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
- contains
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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:
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Cinnamon Flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon
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Mint Flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon
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bacon flavor – Buy on Amazon
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Absinthe flavor(yes the alcohol) – Buy at Urban outfitters
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Bubble gum flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon
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Coconut Flavored Floss – Buy on Amazon
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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
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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
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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
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Woven from multiple thin Nylon and looks like a very thin string
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Becomes a flat type of Dental Tape which is extremely stretchy
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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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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Do you want a floss that contains Teflon (knowing the risks) ?
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Do you prefer a softer vs harder type floss?
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Softer – get the woven floss
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harder – get the waxed floss
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Whats you’re hand mobility like?
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Woven Floss would work better for you if you have less mobility
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Does Floss get stuck between your teeth regularly?
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if yes, get the waxed floss
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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)
- 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 –
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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
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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:
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Johnson & Johnson Reach Mint Waxed Dental Floss, 5 Count – BUY NOW AT AMAZON
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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
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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,
BUY ON AMAZON
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)
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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:
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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
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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.
![how to floss back teeth properly - [ using Unwaxed floss /or Waxed Floss ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2bM0sf6IPos/hqdefault.jpg)
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.
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
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 .
- First, food gets stuck between your teeth
- Then, bacteria starts breaking that food down.
- Second, plaque forms (usually the main cause of periodontal disease).
- Followed by calculus ( 48-72 hours),
- More and more plaque followed by calculus.
- This causes the gums to become inflamed – Gingivitis – around 7-21 days
- 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,
- you will want to floss first,
- then use the prescription toothpaste,
- spit and then don’t rinse before bed.
- 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
- One end contains This long stick ( AKA handle ).
- The handle is connected to two small plastic ends. Both ends hold the same one piece of floss.
- 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)
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)
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.
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
- 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
BUY ON AMAZON
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)
REFERENCES
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- 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
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- 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
- J_Periodontol[internet] 4th Medical Group, Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
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.
