Dental Flossers

Dental flossers have increasingly become famous the world over. That is because of the growing need for proper oral health, care, and hygiene. People slowly realize that brushing alone is not 100% effective against bacteria, plaque, and tooth decay. You must be ready to do more to guard your teeth against these harmful agents. One of the different ways to help keep your teeth and gum healthy is by flossing.

The various types of dental flossers, how to use dental floss, and the pros and cons of flossing, are significant issues for those who want to try this method of oral health care and will be among the points of discussion in this article. Keep reading the article for better insights on the subject.

According to oral health experts at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic, dental floss is a thin film or cord used to clean the spaces between your teeth or other places that a toothbrush does not easily reach. Traditionally, dental floss was made from nylon or other readily available material like hardened cotton. Still, with technological advancements in the subject, there are alternatives to using cords, films, or tapes for flossing, like water. Whatever floss you use, the objective is still to improve and maintain oral health.

Types of Dental Floss

Dentists at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic agree dental flossers do not suit all people equally and that before deciding on the flosser to use, you should consult your dentist. The following are the significant kinds of floss available:

1. Unwaxed floss

Unwaxed floss is made from thin nylon strands and is not flavoured. It fits in small spaces and has a non-grip property that makes it easy to hold, making you use less floss. It is usually recommended for those with tightly packed teeth. However, this floss is not very strong, cannot handle high pressure during flossing, and will likely break during the process.

2. Waxed floss

Waxed floss is made of thin nylon strands and coated with a thin layer of wax, usually laced with mint or cinnamon flavours. It is the most common type of floss available. The wax makes the floss easier to enter into small spaces within your teeth and protects it from fraying or breaking. The downside of this floss is that the wax makes it thicker, which may become a problem entering small gaps. The wax makes gripping the floss difficult, which may pose a challenge to some users.

3. PTFE floss

PTFE dental flossers are made using polytetrafluoroethylene, the same material found in high-tech Gore-Tex fabric. This floss effortlessly enters the small spaces between your teeth and other dental works in your mouth. The floss is also strong and does not shred or break easily. The most considerable flow of this floss is that the material used in its making is known to affect your immunity and hormone levels negatively. Therefore, you should only use this floss after it has been allowed by your dentist.

4. Dental tape floss

Dental tape flossers are flatter and broader than regular string-type dental flossers. They come in different varieties and can be waxed, unwaxed, flavoured, or unflavored. This floss is sturdy and harder to break, and it is usually encouraged for those with bigger spaces between their teeth. However, this floss will not be practical for those with small spaces between their teeth.

5. Super floss

Super dental flossers come in pre-cut segments that look like regular flossers but have a thick and fluffy center. The center part contains nylon or cotton with a thick coat of wax, while the ends are simple threads coated with wax. This floss is the best for cleaning bridges, braces, and implants since regular floss risks damaging dental work. However, this floss will not work well for those with small spaces between their teeth.

6. Electric flosser

Electric dental flossers are made of a strong nylon material that vibrates between your teeth to remove food particles and plaque. It is recommended for those who find it challenging to manoeuvre floss between their teeth or those with physical limitations like arthritis. However, you should limit how you use this floss to avoid injuries to the gums.

7. Biodegradable natural floss

Biodegradable natural dental flossers are made from environmentally friendly materials that can decompose quickly. Most of them are made using silk, which is smooth and gentle to the touch. Although environmentally conscious people prefer this floss, animal lovers and activists are worried about the insects used in its production.

8. Water floss

Water flossing is an alternative to regular string-type flossers. It contains a device that shoots water at an increased pressure on the teeth and gums. It is easy to use and produces no waste compared to the other flossers. Water flossers are the most recommended for those people with dental works like braces and bridges since it makes it easier to remove food particles and plaque. However, water flossers are expensive and will not work without a steady water supply or electricity.

How to Use Dental Flossers

Besides water flossing, using other flosses can be challenging, sometimes resulting in flossing the wrong way, breaking the floss, or hurting yourself. Flossing can be divided into two, flossing without braces and flossing with braces. Both ways are explained below:

1. Flossing without braces

Flossing without braces is the easiest way to floss. The following are the recommended steps:

• Cut a floss length of 18-24 inches. Wrap each end of your floss to the middle finger and leave only 1-2 inches which is enough to use. Winding the floss ends to your middle fingers ensures a firm grip which will be helpful when flossing.
• Hold the floss tightly between your index fingers and thumbs. That will make it easier for the floss to enter between your teeth.
• Gently insert the floss between your teeth and move it around slowly in an up-and-down motion. Ensure the floss does not rub the gum too much to avoid injury.
• Keep repeating the process for all your teeth until the last back molars are sufficiently cleaned.
• Fresh floss should be used whenever plaque builds up on the one you are using.

2. Flossing with braces

Flossing with orthodontic devices is tricky since you risk hurting yourself or damaging the orthodontics (braces). You are advised to use the following steps:

• Cut 18-24 inches of floss. It is highly recommended that you use super floss, or at least your floss should be waxed.
• Ensure that you floss in front of a mirror so the floss can go to the intended place.
• Ensure you thread the floss between the primary wire of the braces and two teeth. Wrap the floss in your index fingers to make it movable.
• Slowly press the floss between your teeth and move up and down in a gliding motion.
• After ensuring that the teeth are adequately cleaned, unthread the floss from the back of the primary wire, taking care not to dislodge the wire.
• Do that for all the teeth until you are satisfied.

Using a Floss Holder

Floss holders or pre-threaded dental flossers are devices that make flossing easier for you. They usually are recommended for those who have a problem in manoeuvring floss, are new to flossing, or are caregivers who floss other people. Floss holders hold the floss between the plastic or wooden ends of the device, making the process easier for those who have a problem doing it alone. You can use these holders several times, but others are for one-time use only, after which you should dispose of them.

Advantages of Flossing

Flossing has distinct advantages regarding oral health, and understanding these advantages is a better way to know why your dentist will insist you floss at least once daily. The following are the main advantages of flossing:

• Prevents plaque and tartar buildup. When you brush your teeth, there will generally be places the toothbrush does not reach. These are the breeding grounds for bacteria, which eventually lead to plaque. When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar which is very hard to remove and causes the beginning of teeth decay and gum diseases.
• It prevents teeth from falling out. Flossing is the ultimate way to ensure that you will not have tooth decay, resulting in losing your teeth. Therefore, by flossing and cleaning your teeth properly, you are ensuring your teeth will be safe.
• Prevents gum diseases. Plaque buildup stains your teeth and leads to tooth decay, and it is also the leading cause of gum diseases. Gingivitis is the initial form of gum disease that can be reversed. Still, when it progresses into periodontitis, the problem can only be managed, which leads to a lifetime of pain.
• Prevents foul breath. The process produces terrible breath when bacteria convert food particles into harmful acids. Sometimes, the breath gets so bad that even brushing alone cannot help. To help prevent this, you should floss so that you can get rid of any food particles between your teeth.
• Helps save dental costs. As it has been established, plaque is the root cause of most dental problems like tooth decay and gum diseases. Some of these problems are very expensive to treat or manage. Therefore, if you floss well and avoid these diseases and problems, you will save on dental expenses for dental treatments and procedures.

Disadvantages of Flossing

Although flossing has no clear-cut disadvantages, some problems may arise due to not knowing how to use dental flossers properly. The following are such problems:

• Risk of harming the gums. The leading problem of using dental flossers is bruising of the gums. It arises when you don’t follow the flossing guidelines or overuse the floss. Some types of floss, like electric flossers, produce a soothing vibration that can easily addict people to floss even when there is no need.
• Risk of damaging braces. Dental flossers are one of the leading ways to loosen orthodontics or dislodge them. Once braces are damaged or dislodged, you will need to have them repaired or replaced. Patients should be careful when flossing with braces or have a qualified dental hygienist do it.

FAQs About Dental Flossers

The Bottom Line

Flossing is a great way to help prevent teeth and gum problems. Brushing alone is not effective, and without flossing, you still risk developing dental diseases. Not every teeth flosser will suit you, therefore, before deciding on the kind of floss to use, you should consult your dentist. Remember that what works for others may not necessarily be good for you.

Here in Kenya, you can consult Royal Smiles Dental Clinic, for the type of floss that will suit your needs by booking an appointment here or visiting one of the following physical branches:

Greenspan Branch Greenspan Area (Donholm Phase 8 ) Opposite Greenspan Mall Gate A.

Embakasi Branch Somo Plaza, Embakasi.

Garden City Branch Garden City Business Park, 1st Floor, Block A, Suite A-103 Thika Road.

Ruaka Branch Ruaka Square Mall 4th Floor, Suite 409, Kiambu County.

Dandora Branch Dandora.

Kitengela Branch Wandu House Second Floor.

Machakos Branch Machakos Doctors Plaza, Ground Floor, Machakos Town.

Nakuru Branch CK Patel Building 5th Floor, Suite 5A, Nakuru Town.