een your teeth – hence the name ‘Glide’.
This is made from nylon and works in the same way as any other type of floss.
Flavoured and unflavoured floss
A flavoured type of floss, for example mint or cinnamon, is more pleasant to use and leaves a nice, clean taste in the mouth. There is also a type of floss which is coated in fluoride which may protect against tooth decay.
The unflavoured type of floss is as the name says.
Tape floss (dental tape)
This is thicker than conventional types of floss and is often preferred by people who have widely spaced teeth. It is an ideal type of floss for people new to the habit and has the advantage of not breaking or fraying.
It also has a smooth action when sliding between the teeth and for that reason, is often chosen instead of the thread type floss.
An example of this is Colgate Dental Tape.
A flossing aid is designed to help people who find flossing awkward or difficult to do. However there are several types of aids which are designed to make this easier to do. These include:
- Vibrating dental flosser
- Dental floss holder
- Flossing stick
Vibrating dental flosser
A vibrating flosser is easy to use and has the additional benefit of massing your gums at the same time. But they are more expensive than the conventional flosser.
Dental floss holder
A floss holder is available in a particular form, e.g. a ‘Y’ shape and is effective at helping to clean between the teeth. The floss is attached to the holder and used in the same way as someone using their hands.
Floss holders vary in length and those with the shorter handle are more difficult to use.
These are ideal for people with dental implants, a bridge, orthodontic brace or crowns.
These resemble a common or garden stick and are most effective when the floss is wound tightly onto them. Basically, the tighter the floss the greater its effectiveness.
Are there any alternatives to dental floss?
Toothpicks or ‘interdental’ brushes are an option although floss is great at accessing those tricky areas between your teeth and under your gum line.
- The Complete Guide to Dental Floss
- What is Dental Floss?
- Why should you floss?
- How should you floss?
- Flossing and Dental Hygiene
- Types of Dental Floss and Aids
- Dental Floss FAQs