Dental floss – Types
Generally, two different materials are used to make dental floss: On the one hand, manufacturers use nylon for the production of single or multi-threaded dental floss, on the other hand, so-called PTFE threads are often used. Nylon-containing products are produced in waxed and unwaxed form. In addition, nylon dental floss is produced in several flavors.
The disadvantage of multi-threaded dental floss is the fact that it can easily fray and/or tear during interstitial cleaning. This problem is especially true for very narrow interdental spaces. In contrast, single thread PTFE floss has the advantage that it glides easily between the teeth and is practically tearproof even in very narrow interdental spaces (tooth spaces).
The correct handling by the user is always fundamental for the evaluation of a dental floss. Based on this assumption, both the nylon and PTFE floss is perfectly suited to remove soft plaque from the tooth surface. For patients with very wide interdental spaces, the use of so-called superfloss dental floss is recommended, since it can take up a larger space between the teeth to be cleaned.
Advantages of waxed dental floss
Waxed dental floss is coated with a thin layer of PTFE, which is either Teflon or Gore-Tex. This coating makes the floss generally softer to the touch and easier to insert into the space between the teeth. This type of dental floss is especially recommended for sensitive gums, which are prone to bleeding and irritation, as the floss glides gently along the tooth walls in the interdental space without irritating or damaging the gums.
Another advantage is that the waxed version of the floss is more resistant than the unwaxed one, so it does not tear as quickly and is split into its individual fibers. Therefore the dental floss cannot get caught in the interdental space so quickly and always glides out of the interdental space well. Furthermore, the waxed dental floss is proven to be just as good and effective in terms of cleaning power as the unwaxed dental floss.Which dental floss suits the respective user better is purely a matter of taste.
Unwaxed dental floss is probably one of the most popular ways to clean the spaces between teeth. Because the floss is not coated, it is firmer and does not slip easily from the fingers. It is easier to guide and can be quickly inserted into the interdental space.
Due to its fibrous nature, it removes even food residues that have become wedged up without the user having to apply a lot of force. The unwaxed dental floss is well suited for relatively large interdental spaces for thorough cleaning. If the spaces between the teeth are very small, there is a risk that the floss will split into its fibers or even tear.
In general, unwaxed floss cleans just as well and thoroughly as waxed floss, which has been proven in scientific studies. Therefore, the use of unwaxed floss is a matter of taste and users should try out which floss is the easiest and most comfortable to use. The fluoride on the floss is not crucial for cleaning and has no chance of having a positive effect on the enamel due to the short contact time of the floss with the interdental space. Therefore, a dental floss without fluoride is considered just as effective and good as a fluoridated one.
