Lost in the Floss Aisle? Here’s How to Choose the Right Dental Floss for You In Kitchener, ON
You are standing in the pharmacy aisle, staring at an overwhelming wall of dental floss. Waxed, unwaxed, tape, picks, expandables, and something called “PTFE.” Your hygienist’s voice rings in your ears: “You need to floss.” And now, the decision feels harder than choosing a Netflix show on Friday night.
But flossing doesn’t need to be complicated—or intimidating. Let’s unravel the “floss jungle” into something simple, practical, and even a little fun. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to pick for your teeth, gums, and sanity.
Why Flossing Matters (More Than Brushing Alone)
Brushing is essential, but it only cleans about 60% of your tooth surface. The remaining 40%—the tight spaces between your teeth and under your gumline—are prime real estate for plaque and bacteria. Left alone, these areas become breeding grounds for cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Flossing is the tool that sneaks into those hidden crevices. It removes food debris, disrupts plaque, and prevents gum inflammation. In fact, if you skip flossing, you’re leaving almost half of your mouth uncleaned.
Yes, it can feel awkward at first. The technique takes time to master, and your gums may bleed initially (a sign of existing inflammation). But consistency pays off. With practice, flossing becomes second nature. Some people get so skilled they claim they can floss while driving (not recommended!). Others go so far as to ask their partner to floss their teeth for them, romantic, perhaps, but not exactly best practice.
Types of Dental Floss (and What They are Good For)
- Waxed Floss
- Nylon floss coated in wax to help it slide more easily between teeth.
- Popular in mint, wintergreen, or cinnamon flavors.
- Ideal for tight contacts, but may fray with heavy use.
- Unwaxed Floss
- Thinner nylon without coating.
- Gives a satisfying “squeaky clean” feel.
- More prone to shredding in tight spaces.
- Dental Tape
- Wider and flatter than regular floss.
- Great for people with wider gaps or dental work.
- Feels gentler and easier for beginners.
- PTFE Floss (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
- A single filament floss, same material as Gore-Tex.
- Extremely smooth, shred-resistant, and perfect for tightly packed teeth.
- Super Floss
- Designed for braces, bridges, and implants.
- Comes pre-cut with a stiff end, spongy middle, and standard floss section.
- Floss Picks & Holders
- Pre-strung floss on a handle.
- Convenient for travel, dexterity issues, or beginners.
- Available in disposable or reusable forms.
- Expanding Floss
- Expands when wet, adapting to different spaces.
- Soft, textured clean ideal for mixed spacing.
Packaging & Flavors
- Dispensing Boxes: Compact, refillable, pocket-friendly.
- Single-use Holders: Pre-threaded tools for convenience.
- Flavored Options: Mint, wintergreen, cinnamon, even coconut—for the adventurous.
How to Choose What’s Right for You
| Dental Needs | Recommended Floss Type |
|---|---|
| Tight contacts | Waxed, PTFE, or expanding floss |
| Wide gaps / bridgework | Dental tape, expanding, or super floss |
| Braces or implants | Super floss or floss threaders |
| Dexterity issues | Floss picks or pre-threaded holders |
| Sensitive gums | Dental tape or soft waxed floss |
Flossing Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t saw back and forth aggressively—it’s not lumberjack training. Use a gentle sliding motion.
- Don’t just floss the front teeth. Every tooth deserves attention.
- Don’t stop if you see bleeding. That’s often inflammation, and flossing helps reverse it with time.
A Brief History of Floss
The concept of cleaning between teeth dates back centuries. Ancient cultures used thin sticks, horsehair, and even silk threads. In 1815, a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly popularized the idea of using silk thread for interdental cleaning. By the 1940s, nylon replaced silk, offering more strength and consistency. Today, floss comes in countless varieties—evidence that something so small has had a massive impact on oral health.
Fun Fact
If you floss once a day, by the end of the year you’ll have removed about five pounds of plaque and debris from your mouth. Not the kind of weight loss program anyone advertises—but certainly worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to floss every day?
A: Yes. Daily flossing helps prevent gum disease and cavities in areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
Q: Should I floss before or after brushing?
A: Either works, but many dentists recommend flossing first so fluoride from your toothpaste can reach between your teeth more effectively.
Q: My gums bleed when I floss. Should I stop?
A: No. Bleeding usually indicates gum inflammation. With consistent flossing, bleeding typically decreases within a week or two.
Q: Is water flossing a replacement for string floss?
A: Water flossers are excellent for gum health and cleaning around braces or implants, but they’re most effective when combined with regular floss.
Q: What’s the best floss?
A: The one you will actually use. Consistency is more important than the brand or type.
Conclusion – The Best Floss Is the One You Will Use
Flossing may feel tedious, but it is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth and gums. Whether you prefer waxed, unwaxed, PTFE, or a floss pick, the key is to use it daily. With time, the technique becomes second nature, and the benefits—healthier gums, fresher breath, fewer cavities—speak for themselves.
At MI Dental, we encourage you to experiment with different floss types until you find your favorite. Remember: flossing isn’t just about removing plaque, it’s about giving your smile the care it deserves every single day.
