Most dentists are really picky about what type of dental floss their patients choose – just as long as they are using it every day! There are lots of different choices of dental floss on the market and it can be a bit confusing but it all can be used to prevent gum disease.

Nylon floss is the most common and least expensive type of floss. Nylon floss has been around for many years and if you buy the generic brand of floss it will usually be nylon. Nylon and silk floss are considered “multifilament floss”. Nylon floss comes in various thicknesses and flavors and may be waxed or unwaxed.

The choice between waxed floss or plain is completely up to the patient. The best floss is the one you are going to use! Many people find that the waxed floss glides more smoothly between teeth. Most floss comes plain or flavored with mint. If you want to get exotic you can look online and find everything from bacon flavor to bubblegum.

A newer type of floss on the market is monofilament, usually made of some type of plastic or rubber. This floss is very strong and won’t rip or tear like the nylon or silk floss and it seems to glide very easily between teeth.

Both types of floss come in different thicknesses. Which thickness is right for you depends upon the spacing of your teeth. Try a few and figure out which seems most comfortable and effective for you. Remember if you have to “snap” the floss between your teeth you should tell your dentist.

There are also specialty floss products like floss threaders that are used to floss around braces and under dental bridges. Lots of people like the little floss picks that consist of a small handle with a short piece of floss attached. Keep a back of these in the car and you can floss when stuck in traffic!

Good home care, including flossing, is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Contact Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your next dental hygiene visit.