Because good oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy mouth, dentists recommend daily brushing and flossing. However, many find the latter task uncomfortable, so they only clean between their teeth occasionally. Choosing a different type of dental floss can eliminate this problem. With the following guide, discover the style that works best for you and helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What Are Different Kinds of Dental Floss?

1. Unwaxed

An unwaxed alternative is the most common type of floss. It consists of multiple nylon strings twisted together to create a single thin thread. The material can slip easily between teeth, including those with little space between them. However, it sheds and breaks more easily than other types of floss.

2. Waxed

This option gets made the same way as unwaxed varieties, but it has an additional wax coating. The extra layer helps prevent breakage and allows the string to glide between the teeth more easily. It can also be flavored, making the dental practice a more pleasant experience. 

Dentists often caution patients with narrowly spaced teeth against using this kind. The wax layer makes the floss thicker, so it's harder to reach narrow spaces. Additionally, it can be more challenging to hold if you have limited dexterity.  

3. Specialty

For those with braces, bridges, or wide gaps, a dentist will recommend a specialty or super floss to clean in between teeth safely. Depending on your needs, you may also have to use the string with a threading device. This tool helps maneuver the floss between a brace's brackets or around bridges.

Sometimes, you may need to combine the super floss with a regular string. This approach is necessary since the threading device cannot fit between the gaps of narrowly spaced teeth. 

4. Dental Tape 

This variety of floss is the thickest type available. It's also flat, like other kinds of tape, but it's only recommended for patients with plenty of room between their teeth. Otherwise, it will be hard to get the material between crowded spaces. If you have wide gaps in your smile, the dental tape will make it easier to remove debris and plaque.

Keeping your smile healthy and bright requires regular visits to the dentist. Families in Kenai, AK, rely on James Julien, DDS, and his team for a wide variety of oral care services, from comprehensive cleanings and exams to veneers and whitening treatments. No matter what dental problem you need to address, they will find the right solution, all in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Learn more about their general dentistry services online, and call (907) 283-4857 to make an appointment.