Best Dental Floss: Top Tips for Choosing the Right Floss (2024)

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Standing in the dental aisle feels like traversing a maze, right? Don’t fret, we’ve got your back.

Selecting the best dental floss doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With an array of options available—like Oral-B Glide, DrTungs Smart Floss, and more—it’s essential to find the right fit for your oral health needs.

This guide will guide you through the top types of dental floss and tips for making the optimal choice for a healthier smile.

Types of Dental Floss

When selecting dental floss, it’s crucial to contemplate choices like Oral B Glide Pro Health Original Floss, OralB Super Floss Braces, and Cocofloss Dental Floss. Other excellent options include DrTungs Smart Floss, Nudge Pure Silk Dental Floss, and Biodegradable Dental Floss with Refillable Holder.

1. Oral B Glide Pro Health Original Floss

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Oral B Glide Pro Health Original Floss is a dentist-recommended brand that offers a silky-smooth, shred-resistant texture. It has the perfect thickness for gliding smoothly between teeth, especially those tightly packed together, without getting stuck or hurting your gums.

The flat design is ideal for tight spaces, and it effectively removes food particles, like meat and fruit, and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.

Best For: Those seeking a dentist-recommended, smooth, and effective floss for removing plaque and food particles.

2. OralB Super Floss Braces

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OralB Super Floss Braces is a unique floss designed specifically for people with braces or other dental appliances. It comes with 100 pre-cut strands, each with a stiffened end to help you easily guide the floss under your appliances.

The spongy-floss section effectively cleans around your appliances and in wide spaces, while the regular floss helps remove plaque under the gumline, leaving your teeth and gums feeling fresh and healthy.

Best For: People with braces or other dental appliances.

3. Cocofloss Dental Floss

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Cocofloss is a textured floss infused with coconut oil. It’s designed by a dentist and features a weave of 500+ interwoven threads that expand to reach and remove plaque from between your teeth. The floss is naturally scented with spearmint oil and also contains cleansing coconut oil and vegan wax. Cocofloss is spun from ~85% recycled water bottles, making it a more eco-friendly option.

It’s free of parabens, sulfates, and PFAS, and it’s also cruelty-free. While it may be more expensive than other flosses, some users have reported issues with shredding, and it might be too thick for smaller mouths.

Best For: Individuals looking for an eco-friendly, dentist-designed floss that effectively removes plaque.

4. DrTungs Smart Floss

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DrTung’s Smart Floss is a natural, expanding, waxed dental floss that’s clinically proven to clean teeth 55% better than other flosses. It’s strong yet gentle on your fingers and gums, and it’s cardamom-flavored with no allergens, BPA, PTFE, or petrochemical wax.

This floss is designed to be gentler on gums than traditional floss, and it’s endorsed by dental hygienists. While it’s more expensive than some other options and the packaging isn’t waterproof, it’s a great choice if you’re seeking a natural and effective floss.

Best For: Individuals seeking a natural, effective, and gentle floss.

5. Nudge Pure Silk Dental Floss

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Nudge Pure Silk Dental Floss is an excellent choice for those seeking a natural and eco-friendly option. This floss is crafted from pure silk and candelilla wax, offering a revitalizing mint flavor. It’s particularly gentle on sensitive gums and effective for cleaning wider spaces between teeth.

The silk design conforms to your teeth, ensuring a thorough clean. You’ll also appreciate that it’s PFAS-free, non-toxic, and made with natural ingredients. While it may experience some fraying, it’s a sustainable and reliable option for your oral care routine.

Best For: Those seeking an eco-friendly and natural dental floss option for sensitive gums and wider spaces.

6. Radius Silk Dental Floss Unscented

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Radius Silk Dental Floss Unscented is a great option if you’re looking for a soft and smooth floss. It’s coated with candelilla plant wax, which gives it a nice feel, and it’s also free from a lot of harmful additives you might find in other flosses, like PFAS, glutens, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners.

It’s a little more expensive and may not be as durable as some other options, but it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a natural, plastic-free floss.

Best For: Those looking for a soft, smooth, and natural floss.

7. Biodegradable Dental Floss Refillable Holder

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If you’re environmentally conscious, you might want to think about a biodegradable dental floss refillable holder. This option reduces waste and is an eco-conscious choice.

The floss itself is compostable and made from natural materials like silk and plant-based wax, ensuring no artificial ingredients or toxins.

While it’s thicker than regular floss and prone to breakage, it’s a sustainable and PFAS-free alternative.

Best For: Eco-conscious individuals seeking a sustainable and biodegradable dental floss option.

8. Silk Dental Floss with Refillable Holder

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Silk dental floss is a natural and biodegradable option, and when paired with a refillable holder, it greatly reduces waste compared to traditional floss. This eco-friendly choice is made from 100% natural silk and coated with vegan wax, offering a gentle and effective way to remove plaque and bacteria.

The natural mint flavor provides a rejuvenating touch without the use of artificial ingredients. While the floss may tear more easily than some alternatives, it’s a good choice for those seeking a natural, sustainable, and effective dental floss solution.

Best For: Individuals seeking a natural, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly dental floss solution.

9. Dental Floss Picks

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If you’re after convenience, dental floss picks are a great option. These combine floss and a small plastic handle, making it easier to reach the back teeth.

The DenTek Triple Clean Advanced Clean Floss Picks are ADA-approved and feature a micro-textured pick to remove food and plaque. They’re thin, strong, and mint-flavoured, but some users report issues with shredding and a sharp end.

With 150 floss picks for $3.51, they’re a cost-effective choice.

Best For: Those seeking convenience and affordability in their dental hygiene routine.

Choosing the Best Floss

Choosing the best dental floss involves considering your oral health needs, gum sensitivity, and the spaces between your teeth. Whether you have tight spaces, sensitive gums, or simply prefer a particular texture or flavor, there’s a floss suited for you.

Oral Health

Maintaining good oral health is vital for a healthy smile and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you choose the best dental floss for your oral hygiene routine:

1. Assess your oral health needs: Consider the spaces between your teeth. If you have tight spaces, opt for waxed or tape floss. For wider gaps, unwaxed floss can be a good choice.
2. Flossing methods: Choose a flossing technique that suits your needs. Different techniques, such as the "rubbing motion" or using water flossers and interdental brushes, can provide a gentler approach.
3. Dental hygiene for kids: When choosing floss for children, opt for natural fiber options like silk or cotton. Avoid PFAS and choose natural coatings, such as beeswax or plant waxes, to guarantee safety and gentleness.
4. Enamel protection: Select a floss that glides smoothly and effectively removes plaque without being too abrasive, especially if you have sensitive enamel. This will help protect your enamel and guarantee a comfortable flossing experience.

Gum Sensitivity

If you have sensitive gums, it’s important to choose a floss that’s gentle and won’t irritate your gums further. Gum sensitivity can be a real pain, and choosing the right floss can make all the difference.

Here’s a table with some tips and tricks to help you out:

Tip	Recommendation	Reason
Soft, Waxed Floss	Opt for soft, waxed floss if you have sensitive gums.	The wax coating helps the floss glide smoothly between teeth, reducing the risk of irritating your gums.
Specialty Floss	Consider specialty floss designed for sensitive gums.	These flosses often have added ingredients to soothe and protect your gums, like natural herbs or mild antiseptics.
Flossing Technique	Be gentle when flossing and use a soft, gentle motion.	A gentle touch can help prevent further irritation and improve your overall flossing experience.
Floss Picks	Try using floss picks for better control and ease of use.	This gives you more control over the pressure and motion, reducing the chance of accidentally hurting your gums.
Flossing Frequency	Floss at least once a day, but don’t overdo it.	Regular flossing helps prevent gum disease and improves overall oral health. However, too much of a good thing can irritate sensitive gums, so find a balance.

Tight Spaces

If you have tight spaces between your teeth, waxed floss or dental tape can help you reach those tricky spots. Waxed floss, with its smooth coating, can slide easily between teeth without getting stuck or shredding. Dental tape, a wider and flatter option, can cover more surface area and get into those narrow gaps.

You can also look for flavored floss, which adds a burst of freshness to your routine and comes in both waxed and unwaxed varieties. It’s all about finding the right tools to navigate those tight spaces and keep your teeth sparkling!

Flossing Techniques

Flossing is a vital step in maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to tartar formation and gum disease. Flossing also reduces the risk of bad breath, cavities, and even more serious health issues like strokes, diabetes, and heart disease.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to proper flossing:

1. Cut off a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
2. Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a gap of about 3-4 inches between your hands.
3. Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Avoid snapping the floss down onto your gums, as this can cause irritation.
4. Curve the floss into a C-shape and carefully slide it into the space between your gum and tooth.
5. Move the floss up and down, gently scraping along the tooth’s side and under the gum line. Repeat this motion for each tooth, using a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Flossing should be done once a day and is most effective when combined with regular brushing and other oral hygiene practices. Remember, good oral health is essential for a healthy smile and overall well-being.

Floss Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional floss, here are some options to explore:

1. Water Flosser: This is a gentle and thorough option that uses a stream of water to clean between your teeth. It’s an excellent choice if you want something that’s both effective and gentle on your gums.
2. Interdental Brushes: These small brushes are ideal for wider gaps between teeth. They’re reusable, cost-effective, and easy to use on the go.
3. Floss Picks and Holders: For those hard-to-reach areas, floss picks and holders can be a convenient and portable option.

Importance of Flossing

While flossing might seem like a chore, it’s an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. Here’s why:

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, which prevents cavities and gum disease. It’s also key to maintaining fresh breath. But did you know that flossing also has benefits beyond your mouth? It reduces your risk of strokes, diabetes, and heart disease.

Benefits of Flossing
Removes plaque and food particles
Prevents cavities and gum disease
Reduces risk of strokes, diabetes, and heart disease

Flossing is especially important because it reaches 40% of your teeth’s surfaces that brushing alone can’t access. This makes it an essential step towards achieving and maintaining a healthy smile.

Now, let’s move on to the different types of floss available, starting with nylon floss.

Nylon Floss

Nylon floss is a durable option that effectively removes plaque and is available in a range of widths to suit your needs. It comes in both waxed and unwaxed varieties, giving you control over your comfort and preference. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Shredding: Nylon floss has the potential to shred, especially when caught between tight teeth or dental work. This can be frustrating and may discourage regular flossing.
• Sensitivity: If you have sensitive gums, nylon floss may be too abrasive and cause discomfort or bleeding. Opt for a softer, gentler alternative like PTFE floss, which glides smoothly without being harsh on your gums.
• Eco-Friendliness: While nylon floss is durable, it isn’t biodegradable, so it may not be the most eco-friendly choice. Look for floss made from natural, biodegradable materials like silk or cotton if environmental impact is a priority for you.
• Safety: Nylon floss is generally considered safe for oral use and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. However, always check the ingredients and choose reputable brands to confirm the floss is free from potential irritants or allergens.

PTFE Floss

PTFE floss, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene floss, offers a smooth glide and is highly effective at removing plaque. It’s also gentle on gums and resistant to shredding, making it a popular choice for those with tight spaces between their teeth. However, PTFE floss has come under scrutiny due to potential health and environmental concerns:

	PTFE Floss
Pros	Smooth glide, effective plaque removal, gentle on gums, shred-resistant, suitable for tight spaces
Cons	PTFE safety concerns, potential health and environmental impact, chemical composition, eco-toxicity

While PTFE floss has its advantages, there are growing concerns about its potential impact on health and the environment. Some studies have linked PTFE to health problems, and it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits. Natural fiber flosses, such as silk and cotton, are biodegradable and provide an eco-friendly option without compromising on effectiveness.

Dental Tape

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional string floss, dental tape could be a good option. It’s wider and flatter, which makes it easier to handle and ideal for covering more tooth surface. Here’s what you need to know about dental tape:

1. Dental Tape vs. String Floss: Dental tape is a wider, flatter version of traditional string floss. It’s a good alternative if you find string floss difficult to work with or if you have wider spaces between your teeth.
2. Dental Tape for Implants: Dental tape is an effective option for cleaning around dental implants. Its wider surface area can help you reach and clean the larger spaces that are often present around implants.
3. Dental Tape for Sensitive Teeth: Dental tape is worth considering if you have sensitive teeth or gums. Its smooth, wide surface can help you clean effectively without causing discomfort or irritation.

Dental tape is a versatile and effective alternative to traditional string floss. It’s ideal if you’re seeking an easier way to floss, especially if you have wider spaces between your teeth or sensitive gums.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)