Though buying dental floss may seem to be a simple task, there are some things to consider before making a purchase. Choosing the right kind of dental floss can be important for caring for your mouth properly. The right dental floss can also make your oral hygiene routine pleasant, instead of frustrating.
When buying dental floss, always take the time to consider the spacing of your teeth. Your teeth are unique and you want to make a choice that will work best for you. For example, waxed dental floss seems to work best for individuals with closely spaced teeth. Waxed floss tends to be easier to guide between teeth that are very close together. This type of floss also tends to be sturdier and less likely to break off between your teeth.
If you have wide gaps between your teeth, it may be wise to choose a tape dental floss. Tape dental floss is thicker than other types of floss. As such, it is generally better suited to flossing between widely spaced teeth.
When you’re buying dental floss, you’ll find both flavored and unflavored floss from which to choose. Selecting flavored or unflavored floss is really just a matter of personal preference. However, flavored dental floss may be good to have at times when brushing or rinsing your mouth is not possible. Flavored dental floss can help you to have a clean tasting mouth at such times.
If you have limited dexterity or you suffer from a condition that makes manipulating regular floss difficult, consider buying dental floss that is preloaded in a holder. This type of dental floss has a plastic handle, allowing you to floss your teeth without much maneuvering. You can even purchase power flossers designed to make your job even easier.
You’ll find lots of variety when you’re buying dental floss. You’ll likely find polymer and cord floss, as well as nylon varieties. Some floss is made of space-age materials, offering a particularly smooth flossing experience. When considering your options, be aware that most dental floss studies show no difference between the cleaning efficiency of the available varieties.
When in doubt, ask your dentist for suggestions about buying dental floss. He or she may be able to advise you on buying dental floss that is well suited to your mouth. Your dentist can also provide you with tips for perfecting your flossing technique.
