You are standing in the pharmacy aisle, staring at an overwhelming wall of dental floss. Your hygienist was crystal clear, “you need to floss“. Now you are here, faced with waxed, unwaxed, tape, picks, expandables, and something called “PTFE”… What now?
Let us break down the floss jungle into something you can actually navigate, so you can pick the right one for your teeth, gums and sanity.
Types of Dental Floss (and What They are Good For)
1. Waxed Floss
- Standard nylon floss coated in wax to help it glide more easily between teeth.
- Comes in popular flavors like wintergreen and cinnamon.
- Ideal for tight contacts and people who find regular floss shreds too easily.
- Note: Waxed floss is easier to slide but may fray more than unwaxed varieties.
2. Unwaxed Floss
- Plain nylon floss with no coating.
- Feels thinner and gives that “squeaky clean” feeling some people prefer.
- May shred or break more easily, especially in tight spaces.
3. Dental Tape
- Flatter and wider than traditional floss, available in waxed and unwaxed options.
- Great for people with wider gaps between their teeth or dental bridgework.
- Feels gentler on gums and easier to handle for beginners.
4. PTFE Floss (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
- A single filament floss (same material as Gore-Tex).
- Super smooth, shred resistant and excellent for tightly packed teeth.
- Glides effortlessly without catching or fraying.
5. Super Floss
- Designed for braces, bridges and implants.
- Comes pre cut with three parts: a stiff end, a spongy middle and standard floss.
- Lets you thread floss under appliances and clean more thoroughly.
6. Floss Picks & Holders
- Pre-strung floss on a plastic handle, convenient and beginner-friendly.
- Great for those with dexterity issues, arthritis or who dislike wrapping floss around fingers.
- Widely available in single use packs or reusable versions with replaceable heads.
7. Expanding Floss
- Expands slightly when wet or as you floss.
- Adapts to both tight and wider spaces.
- Offers a soft, textured clean and good coverage for varied spacing.
Packaging & Flavors
- Dispensing Boxes: Most floss comes in compact, refillable boxes for easy use.
- Single-use Holders: Pre-threaded tools or flossers help people with limited mobility.
- Flavored Options: Mint, wintergreen, cinnamon, and even coconut, whatever helps you stick with it!
How to Choose What’s Right for You
| Dental Needs | Recommended Floss Type |
|---|---|
| Tight contacts | Waxed, PTFE, or expanding floss |
| Wide gaps / bridgework | Dental tape, expanding, or super floss |
| Braces or implants | Super floss or floss threaders |
| Dexterity issues | Floss picks or pre-threaded holders |
| Sensitive gums | Dental tape or soft waxed floss |
Flossing Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t saw back and forth like you are cutting a tree, instead use a gentle sliding motion.
- Don’t just floss the front teeth, every tooth needs love.
- Don’t stop because of bleeding, that is a sign of inflammation, and flossing can help reverse it over time.
Final Thoughts: The Best Floss Is the One You will Actually Use
Dental floss comes in many materials, colors, flavors and formats but the goal is always the same: clean between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Start with one that feels comfortable and convenient. You can always switch it up as your technique improves.
Just remember: flossing daily matters more than which floss you use.
