How we pick our products
Concern for oral health has increased over time and more and more people are turning to dental floss as part of their daily cleaning routine. Therefore, in this article we will delve into everything related to such a valuable product.
Nowadays you can find a large number of models and brands of dental floss, so it can be difficult to find the right one for you. If you only go for the model of your choice, you may end up with lesions on your gums or teeth or you may simply get the cleaning you want.
There are manual and automatic flossers on the market and each one has unique features and specifications. In addition, they have designs that are easy to use. We will tell you what they mean, the most important purchasing factors, where to get them and even their value. We hope you find it useful.
Summary
- Dental floss, commonly called dental floss, is a product made of fine nylon or plastic filaments that together make the ideal complement to a toothbrush. Its purpose is to remove very small food debris that gets lodged between the teeth.
- The most commonly used models of dental floss are nylon filaments and Teflon, and each one has properties that make them very different from each other. On the other hand, they are used depending on the degree of cleanliness sought, so it is important to know what each one offers.
- The purchasing factors that are necessary to consider when buying dental floss are: manufacturing materials, with or without wax and flavourings. Finding the right one for you will give you a very clean mouth and at the same time you will feel comfortable and safe using it.
The Best Floss: Our Picks
Buying guide
If you like to show off your smile and want it to speak well of you, you need to have dental floss among your cleaning accessories. To do this, it is essential to know everything about this valuable product, as well as taking into account the relevant factors to make your purchase decision a success.
What is dental floss and what are its advantages?
Nowadays there are different types of dental floss and each one has its own unique characteristics, however, they fulfil the same function of complementing the toothbrush in oral cleaning. In addition, they offer the security of keeping teeth free of any infection such as gingivitis.
Filament or teflon floss – what should you pay attention to?
Filament floss. It is a product made of small strands or filaments that together form the ideal complement for oral hygiene. It can be made of nylon or plastic. It is currently the most common and the most widely used, especially when the space between teeth is reduced.
The main problem with this type of dental floss is that with use the filaments start to come loose, so it can easily become frayed. However, it has the advantage of trapping food debris or hard plaque easily. Plus, you only need 35 to 45 cm of floss per use.
Teflon floss. Compared to the filament floss, this product is made of teflon, so it is only one piece, i.e. it is only one filament. It is widely used by children or beginners for its ease of use, and is also a great option for those who suffer from sensitive gums.
As it is a single piece, it breaks more easily than the previous one, and it requires a larger amount of thread, usually from 45 to 55 cm. On the other hand, it has the advantage of going through the teeth in a delicate and efficient way.
| Filament | Teflon. | |
|---|---|---|
| Floss required | 35 to 45 cm | 45 to 55 cm. |
| Composition | Large number of strands | Single strand. |
| Material of manufacture | Nylon and plastic | Teflon. |
| Usage | Young, adult and expert | Underage and beginners. |
How much does dental floss cost?
Filament floss. This type of floss can be found from 5 GBP to 10 GBP on average approximately. This value is per piece, as the packs vary in quantity, the price will increase proportionally.
Teflon. You can find them from 5 GBP and up to 15 GBP. This dental floss has such variable prices, as there are many more brands that manufacture and distribute them.
Buying criteria: factors that allow you to compare and rate different floss models
If we skip the floss models for a moment and focus on the important purchasing criteria, you need to analyse them carefully in order to make a perfect decision. Below we explain each one of them, thinking at all times that you can find the ideal solution for your oral health.
- Manufacturing materials
- Wax
- Flavourings
Manufacturing materials
There are 3 materials commonly used to manufacture dental floss and their use is determined, so each one has unique characteristics. It is therefore necessary to understand what each one offers.
Nylon. It is a synthetic fibre with a high elasticity and extremely resistant. This type of material is used for the production of filament dental floss. It offers a deep cleaning and is especially focused on children and those who are just starting to use this product.
Plastic. It is a very malleable material with which very thin and at the same time very strong strands can be made. It is ideal for filament floss and is usually accompanied by a wax treatment to aid oral hygiene.
Teflon. It is a polymer very similar to polyethylene that provides great support and resistance to dental floss. With this material a thick filament is made that provides high cleaning impacts when used between the teeth. It is recommended for young people, adults and people who have mastered flossing.
Wax
Determining whether or not your floss needs to be waxed depends on your mouth type and the structure of your teeth. As you understand where you can get the most benefit from this type of treatment, your choice will be the right one. We’ll explain in detail below.
Waxed dental floss. This treatment is intended to be able to slide this product between teeth with ease. It is ideal for those who have teeth very close together and where the holes are very small, for example, those who have crooked teeth or teeth in front of each other. It is generally recommended for children and beginners.
Wax-free dental floss. On the other hand, wax-free floss is only for those who have spaces between the teeth where floss can pass without any problem. For example, those who have perfectly aligned teeth, usually those who have already undergone dental treatments such as braces or braces. It is generally recommended for adults.
Flavourings
There are generally 2 flavours that are most commonly used in dental floss. Each one offers unique properties and benefits, so it is important to make sure which one is right for you, but above all for your oral health. Here is a list of them.
Mint flavour. It is the most used because it provides a freshness food fighting bad odour. It is usually the most sought after by teenagers and adults
Chewing gum flavour. It is ideal for children, obtaining gum cleaning benefits, as well as preventing gingivitis at an early age and leaving a pleasant taste
Toothpaste flavour. In addition to the flavour, it has benefits such as keeping teeth free of hard plaque and keeping gums free of bacteria that cause infections. It is suitable for everyone.
Featured image photo (thamkc/ 123rf.com)
Why you can trust me?
Most popular
Related posts
