Dental Floss - Essential Tool for Interdental Cleaning

Dental floss is a thin cord used to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. It helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath by promoting good oral hygiene.

Dental Floss FAQ

Image credit: hermeslondondentalclinic.com

What is dental floss used for?

A picture demonstrating the use of floss to remove dental plaque between the teeth Dental floss is a cord of thin filaments used in interdental cleaning to remove food and dental plaque from between teeth or places a toothbrush has difficulty reaching or is unable to reach.

What is dental floss made of?

As mentioned, many standard flosses is made from nylon – some made from multiple strands twisted together. There is also ribbon floss made from nylon such as the dental tape. There is also Teflon floss (mentioned above as polytetrafluorethylene. Dental tape can also be made from Teflon.

What are the different types of dental floss?

Various dental flosses are commonly used in many forms, including waxed, unwaxed monofilaments and multifilaments. Dental floss that is made of monofilaments coated in wax slides easily between teeth, does not fray and is generally higher in cost than its uncoated counterparts.

How do you use dental floss?

Hold the floss so that the string is tight and use your thumbs and index fingers to control it. Gently slide the dental floss between the teeth. Use a gentle up and down motion to rub the floss along the side of each tooth. The floss will be able to go slightly under the gums to remove the plaque from this area also.

What is a dental floss pick?

These picks have become more popular over the years as they are a handheld dental tool that can be used to floss your teeth. Dental floss picks is usually made from plastic, with a curved end that holds a piece of dental floss taut. Usually, the other end forms a toothpick to remove larger food pieces from your teeth or gums.