Why floss in the first place? “Flossing is the process by which you remove
plaque between the teeth using a fibrous string material. This allows you to
get to areas of your teeth your toothbrush misses,” says Dr. Denine Rice from
her Riverside Periodontal and Implant Practice. “And it should be part of your
daily routine.”
Dutifully, we go to the market or pharmacy to purchase our
floss and suddenly we are met with an aisle of different flosses to choose
from. Which floss is best?
“The best floss will be the one that is most comfortable for
you to use,” says Dr. Rice, “but here are some tips to help you decide.”
1. There are generally two types of flosses: Multifilament
(ex: nylon or silk), and Monofilament (ex: rubber, plastic or
polytetrafluoroethylene).
2. Nylon floss is the most common floss used and tends to be
the least costly.
3. Nylon floss can be waxed or un-waxed. Some patients have
reported liking the feel of the waxed better, but no marked difference in
effectiveness has been established.
4. Dental tape is basically a wide, flat ribbon of nylon.
Many people find, because the ribbon is thinner, that dental tape is easier to
use. This is often a good floss for a beginner to use.
5. Monofilament floss (usually has the word ‘glide’ in its
name) moves between the teeth easily. It is a new type of floss and, unlike
nylon, doesn’t rip or tear.
6. Both types of floss come in a variety of flavors. Find
one you like.
7. Thickness of floss does matter. “Use a floss that goes
easily between your teeth,” says Dr. Rice. “You don’t want one that ‘snaps’ against the
tissue.
“Many of my patients ask for a recommendation on floss.
Sometimes I will suggest one I think will work best for them, but honestly, the
best floss to use, it the one you feel comfortable using daily.”
No comments:
Post a Comment