Choosing the Right Dental Floss for Your Teeth

There’s no question that flossing is an essential step to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. By removing food particles and plaque between teeth where your toothbrush can’t get, you’re reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you find flossing to be uncomfortable, challenging, or even worry about the environmental impact, our Fuquay-Varina dentist, Dr. Hamby, is sharing some tips on how to choose the best dental floss.

Dental Floss for Crowded Teeth

If you struggle to get the floss between your teeth, you have to yank and pull it upward, or it gets caught and tears, you may worry that you simply can’t floss. Fortunately, there are fine or thin options that are designed for close or crowded teeth, such as GUM Fine Floss. Available at most drugstores and groceries, this is designed to fit into the crowded spaces between teeth. You may also find a waxed floss works better. Its safe, non-toxic wax coating allows it to glide more easily between the teeth, helping it to resist getting stuck or shredding.

Dental Floss for Sensitive Gums

If your gums are sensitive and bleed easily when you floss, consider dental tape instead. It works in the same manner as floss, only instead of a rope-like round shape, it’s flat. Also, there’s some stretch to the dental tape so it glides between teeth and it doesn’t snap or strike the gums when it gets between. This helps make it a gentler option and less likely to cut or abrade your gums.

You may also want to consider a water flosser that doesn’t put any pressure on your gums while it cleans in between your teeth. We do want to note that bleeding gums can be a sign there is something wrong so if you do experience this issue, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Flossing with Mobility Issues

For people with joint pain, mobility issues, and other concerns, traditional flossing can be difficult, if not impossible. If you struggle to hold and maneuver dental floss, a floss pick may be the best option for you. A small plastic pick with a two-pronged tip has a small piece of dental floss tightly strung between the two end pieces, and the user just has to work the small piece in between their teeth. Children also have more success with floss picks when they’re just starting out as they can learn the method of proper flossing before they learn how to use traditional floss, and people on the go find them incredibly convenient.

If a floss pick is still challenging, a water flosser may also be the right option as it puts little strain on the hands and is gentle on gum tissue.

Choosing an Eco-friendly Dental Floss

If you’re worried about tossing a nylon or plastic-based floss in the trash every day, there are several sustainable options available. Made from plant-based materials, such as corn fibers and bamboo fibers, these eco-friendly flosses are biodegradable so they won’t end up in landfills or waterways where they can harm the wildlife.

Schedule a Dental Checkup Today

While flossing and brushing are necessary for keeping your teeth clean and healthy, so is getting a dental checkup every six months. If you’re seeking a dentist in Fuquay-Varina who provides quality care for the whole family, reach out to us today at  919-552-2431 or fill out the form below to get started.