Dental Floss is a great tool to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it can also be used for so much more! Did you know that dental floss is an excellent sewing thread in a pinch? It’s strong enough to cut through most fabrics and small enough to fit through the eye of a needle. So if you ever find yourself without any thread, just grab some dental floss – your project will thank you!
Dental Floss isn’t only useful when it comes to crafting projects – it’s also perfect for cleaning tasks around the house. If there’s something stuck between two tight spots, unravel some dental floss and get scrubbing – it’ll make short work out of even the toughest messes!
Dental Floss, Dental Tape, and Floss Picks
Though many people brush their teeth at least twice a day, very few make a point of flossing as recommended by dental health professionals. What many of these non-flossers don’t realize is that they are missing out on a lot of benefits by ignoring this important step that is key to a great dental health routine. Flossing helps clean the tight spaces that lie between the teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach, removing the bacterial film that causes tartar formation, bad breath, cavities, periodontitis, and other serious conditions.
If you are one of those non-flossers and want to avoid the dental problems associated with tartar buildup, flossing is an oral health procedure that you should never skip. With one of the top 10 best dental floss products 2021 on this list, you can easily and effectively remove any existing plaque as well as prevent future plaque formation.
Keep in mind that there are a wide number and extensive variety of dental floss kinds. In the markets, you will find the numerous number of dental cleaning products and here is the explanation for you about them.
It is true that drugstores offer and serve a mindboggling variety and range of these dental cleaning tools.
When was dental floss invented?
Long before toothpaste, floss was invented, and many people don’t realize how far back flossing goes. While it is hard to pinpoint the exact date it was discovered, historians believe that dental floss was being used as early as 3000 BCE by the Ancient Egyptians. Despite this, however, there’s no definitive answer as to when exactly it was invented – but we do know one thing: Floss has been around a looooong time! So next time you pull out your floss for a nightly cleaning, just think of all the ancient civilizations who have gone before you perfecting the art of taking care of those pearly whites.
Different Types of Floss
When it comes to dental floss, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different types of floss are available in the market, each offering its own unique benefits.
Waxed floss is coated with a thin layer of wax that helps it glide more easily between your teeth and under the gums.
Unwaxed floss consists of nylon filaments strung together for an extra-strong grip on plaque and food particles.
Flavored floss adds a refreshing twist to your oral care routine by infusing mint or other flavors into the fibers.
Best Dental Floss: Top Types & Brands Reviewed
One of the most important aspects of good oral health is flossing. If you are trying to figure out what might be causing some killer breath, the likely culprit is that you aren’t flossing regularly (even if you are using a toothpaste specifically designed for bad breath).
When you munch down on a hamburger or have a few crackers throughout the course of the day, little remnants will get stuck between your teeth. Even if you might not be able to feel it with your tongue, that food you ate is slowly decaying.
As the food decays, first it will give off a foul odor that could perhaps knock over a horse. But beyond the smell, the bacteria is multiplying and will start to form a film on your teeth and gums.
This film will eventually form into plaque.
Sure, brushing might do a great job at getting your teeth to look pearly white, and even with a top-of-the-line water flosser you can blast food out between your teeth, the fact remains – you need to get one of the best flosses outlined below between your teeth.
When flossing, whether its a traditional floss or tape (not sure what a dental tape is – we will get to this in a minute), you will be able to scrape away plaque before it forms into tartar (that can only be removed by a dentist).
Even if you have one of those fancy electric toothbrushes – you still need to floss.
Therefore, we wanted to help our fellow men (and gals) by putting together this comprehensive review of the best dental floss on the market that will keep your teeth in pristine shape for years to come.
Comparing The Dental Floss in 2023
Dr. Tung’s Smart Dental Floss
Known primarily for their world-class tongue scraper, Dr. Tung’s is expanding their market focus by also creating a highly touted dental floss.
Constructed from a fiber that is akin to cotton, this lightly cardamom-flavored floss will leave you with a bright fresh feeling that shouldn’t prove to be too terribly strong.
The multifilament floss has been coated not with a synthetic wax as so commonly found in some of the other flosses on the market, but from a blend of vegetable and beeswax for extra peace of mind.
While we don’t go too in-depth about the construction of the containers for most dental flosses we reviewed, it is worth mentioning that the Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss does come packaged in a biodegradable container that will breakdown faster in landfills when compared to typical plastic.
So what makes this floss ‘smart’?
When holding the floss tightly the floss will be relatively narrow making it easy to be placed between your teeth. However when loosening your grip slightly, given its multifilament design, will expand providing a fuller coverage on the sides of your teeth.
Dr. Tung’s claims that their Smart Floss when compared to traditional flosses, will remove up to 55% more plaque.
This is an environmentally friendly floss option designed by a real doctor who wanted to give users a choice. It comes as a professional-grade pack of 6 30-yard floss manufactured from biodegradable material, which expands into interdental spaces to provide thorough cleansing. Because of its ability to expand into interdental spaces, it’s able to cover a larger surface area and remove more plaque compared to your regular floss. This allows it to deliver superior results whilst still being gentle on gums. To make things even better, it is naturally cardamom-flavoured and this gives you a cool and refreshing breath after use.
Overall though, this floss is great for those who are looking for a less abrasive filament that should serve those with sensitive gums.
Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental
Known for their mouthwash, Listerine makes an incredibly affordable mint flavored floss that should serve men well who are on a budget.
With its wax designed, when using this floss by Listerine, you will instantly notice a bright splash of mint flavor every time it glides between your teeth.
If this floss by Listerine isn’t your cup of tea, they do offer 3 other different varieties including a woven floss for sensitive gums (Cinnamon flavored), Healthy White that contains baking soda for a brighter smile, and finally an Ultra Clean variant that is designed to capture more plaque with each stroke between your teeth.
From the onset, many may think that this is a monofilament floss, however, its actually an incredibly thin multifilament. Therefore, it should prove effective at scraping the plaque from your gums.
If you have tight teeth and sensitive gums that often see you avoiding flossing because of the discomfort, then the Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental Floss is the solution that you need. This floss features a cushioned design that makes it gentle on sensitive gums, yet very tough on stains. Its soft, springy construction allows it to clean effectively and thoroughly at the gum line. With this floss, you can remove all plaque on your teeth and along the gum line so you can enjoy improved oral health. You’ll also be able to enjoy a fresh breath, thanks to its mint flavor. What’s more, its lightweight carry size means you can conveniently store and carry your floss to use it while on the go.
Oral-B Complete Satin Floss Mint – stretchy dental floss
Perfectly made for those with dental work including bridges, implants, or braces, this threaded floss by Oral-B will be effective at loosening food between your teeth and dental work, but also gently scrape away any plaque build up.
With its shred-resistant filament, you won’t have to worry about the floss fraying or simply breaking when rubbed up against a bracket.
After the threaded tip, this floss has an incredibly smooth texture that is lightly waxed to break plaque free with each pull of the floss.
While the useful life of the product is at about a month, compared to other flosses we reviewed, this is about 50% less in life span (others average about 2 months worth of flossing per container). Being that this is a specially designed floss for dental work, we aren’t necessarily surprised by this and still consider it to be of great value.
This unwaxed stretchy dental floss features a satin-like texture that facilitates easy and comfortable flossing. In fact, with this product, you can even floss your teeth with only one hand. It helps remove plaque, germs and food particles between your teeth and just below the gum-line where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and problem-free. Also, by releasing a burst of mint flavor freshness onto the mouth, this floss product makes your breath smell good all the time.
RADIUS Vegan Xylitol Soft Floss – Best for braces
This 100% vegan floss by RADIUS is a nylon sponge floss that is not only great for those who like all-natural products, but also those that have sensitive gums and experience severe bleeding when flossing.
The nylon fiber itself is coated with vegan candelilla wax that will help to gently and naturally remove plaque from your teeth in a safe and effective manner.
Behind the wax coating rests a natural mint doubled with tea tree oil for a refreshing and clean feeling once you are done flossing.
To further help out with your gum health this product also contains tree-based xylitol to help reduce the occurrence of gingivitis.
While the filament is rather rounded and sponge-like, this product may be difficult to use for those with small gaps between their teeth.
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free dental floss product that uses only vegan, natural ingredients, then the RADIUS Vegan Xylitol Soft Floss would be a perfect choice for you. This vegan floss features natural ingredients such as xylitol, tea tree essence and naturally-derived mint to enhance oral and dental health. These ingredients contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight germs and soothe gums. Bu utilizing this easy-to-use floss product, you can effectively fight plaque, enhance your overall dental health and make your small contribution toward saving our planet.
Reach Dentotape Extra Wide Waxed Tape
This waxed dental floss is designed to give you the extra cleaning surface that you need for removing plaque build-up in larger areas. Being extra wide, it is the best choice for cleaning whose large spaces between teeth. It’s also very comfortable to use, ensuring you have a perfect tool for your daily flossing routine. Unlike the regular floss, the Reach Dento tape Extra Wide Waxed Tape is able to clean and remove plaque from a wide area. This allows you to achieve optimal tooth cleaning results faster and with minimal effort on your part.
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Threader Floss
This is another top quality floss product from the best-selling toothbrush brand in the world, which is not only highly practical and convenient but also affordable. The Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Threader Floss is one of the few products that offer effective results for both people with only natural teeth and those with dental appliances such as bridges, implants, crowns and braces. It combines floss and built-in threader to facilitate the removal of plaque and accumulated food particles on dental appliances, in between teeth, and below the gum-line. It is dentist-recommended and comes with an easy-to-use, shred-resistant design that makes it ideal for regular flossing after meals.
DenTek Complete Clean Easy Reach Floss
This dental floss is highly functional, practical as well as easy to use. It features a uniquely designed handle and angled floss head that make it easy to clean those hard-to-reach spaces, including those tight spaces between teeth and at the back of the mouth, promoting overall oral hygiene. The flosser pick has a triangulated, textured surface that facilitates optimal effectiveness when it comes to removing plaque and tartar build-up. Being a break-proof scrubbing floss that offers silky comfort, it slides smoothly between teeth and moves gently over gums to scrub plague and food off leaving you with a cleaner, healthier mouth. You’ll find it very comfortable to use even on sensitive teeth.
Reach Mint Waxed Dental Floss
This is a top notch, easy-to-use dental floss that removes plaque easily and effectively to prevent the formation of tartar between cleanings. It’s stretchy and features a wax coating that allows it to slide smoothly between teeth without tearing, fraying or shredding while also making flossing much easier. This capability makes it probably one of the best dental flosses for removing plaque and tartar from in between teeth and along the gum-line. Through the use of this product, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay and protect your gums, not to mention a fresh breath.
Gum Eez-Thru Flossers Mint
If you’re looking for a high-quality, yet affordable dental floss that you can use while on the go, then look no further than the GumEez-Thru Flossers Mint. This floss features a comfort grip handle with a thump pad and nonslip surface – all of which allow for easy, on-the-go flossing. It is shred-resistant, and not only does it remove plaque and tartar, but is also specially designed to stimulate gums for better oral health. It is no wonder that GumEez-Thru Flossers Mint is a dentist-recommended product. Its fresh mint flavor will leave your breath smelling good every time.
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Mint Flavor Floss
Oral-B makes an incredibly highly rated by both peers and our experts when it comes to their dental floss.
The Oral-B Comfort Plus is a wider filament that will move between your teeth with relative ease during each stroke. What is noteworthy about this filament is that since it’s a bit wider (although not as wide as a traditional dental tape), it does contain a light wax coating that will provide an additional grip to pull away plaque buildup on your teeth.
While the floss itself is pretty smooth, some folks have reported that there may be some difficulties in making this floss work in tight spaces.
Therefore, if you have slightly wider gaps in your teeth, this floss should work tremendously well.
From a cost perspective, this is one of the most affordable options that currently exist on the market and should work for just about any man’s budget.
This floss from the No.1 dentist and hygienist recommended brand is our top pick in our guide to the ten best dental floss. Unlike those tape flosses that tend to feel sharp on gums, the Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Mint Flavor Floss is designed to be extra soft and very gentle on gums. But this doesn’t mean it’s any less effective. It cuts through plaque, removing even the toughest tartar that has hardened on teeth and along the gum line; and that’s not all. What makes it really outstanding is its ability to navigate tight spaces between teeth. It features a silky-smooth, shred-resistant texture that allows it to slide up to 50% faster, better, and more easily compared to regular floss products. What’s more could you ask?
Tom’s of Maine has been crafting all-natural products for years. Not to be confused with TOMS shoes, this company has a wide array of products that will get any naturalist man out there excited.
This dental floss by Tom’s could nearly be mistaken for dental tape given its wide filament. While it’s advertised as being a flat floss, this product is more aimed at those out there with wide set teeth or perhaps if you have bridge work.
While this product does say that it doesn’t contain any animal testing or animal ingredients, the wax coating on the filament comes from beeswax. While not necessarily harmful in the collection process, it is worth noting that the wax isn’t chemically derived.
Beyond the beeswax coating, this product does also contain carnauba wax, natural flavor that is akin to spearmint, along with a few other natural extracts.
While many flosses on the market that cater towards a natural audience will usually command a higher price tag, this floss by Tom’s of Maine is just slightly north of average market prices. A pack of this floss should come in at just under $5.
Floss for Bridges Implants and Braces
Making flossing around braces and dental work easy.
DenTek Floss Threaders take the difficulty out of cleaning around bridges, braces, and implants. Keeping your braces and dental work clean is tough, but a very important part of oral health.
DenTek Floss Threaders are designed to aid in daily flossing with rolled floss. The simple loop can be paired with any rolled floss. DenTek Floss Threaders take the difficulty out of flossing around any oral devices including braces, bridges, and implants. The flexible tip easily slides into small spaces in a snap. A convenient travel case helps keep floss threaders secure and sanitary.
NO NEED FOR SEPARATE THREADER LOOP – ProxySoft’s built-in stiff threader conveniently guides the strand to clean dental bridges and implants. Each strand has 2.5-inch plastic threader on each end and a 5-inch spongy filament brush in between (24.50 cm/10 inches total length).
FOR CLEANING DENTAL BRIDGES AND IMPLANTS – ProxySoft Bridge and Implant Cleaner is a special-use, interproximal dental cleaner that features an extra-thick brush section to clean around dental implants and under bridgework. This spongy brush section is thicker compared to other yarn proxy brushes, making it a perfect daily cleaning device for care of moderate to severe gum disease.
RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYDAY USE – ProxySoft products not only clean dental implants but also work between bridges and promote everyday dental hygiene for braces and other dental orthodontics. This product is beneficial for individuals suffering from periodontitis, gingivitis, gum inflammation and gum recession.
TO USE: Carefully insert the stiff threader tip in between teeth, implants, bridgework or braces. Pull out the thread to allow the brush section to sweep out food debris and plaque deposits.
TIP FOR BETTER FLOSSING: Instead of pushing and pulling the soft yarn brush thread back and forth, just insert in one side then pull out on the other side in one motion to evacuate debris and bacteria that cause plaque and other tooth and gum diseases. With this method, you avoid pushing back and redistributing unwanted particles.
Best Dental Floss Holder
Similar to floss picks they hold a length of floss for you. Unlike floss picks that are designed to be used once, a floss holder is reusable. You normally cut a piece of floss to length and thread it on the floss holder. In some instances replaceable or one-time use floss heads are available for more convenient and faster use. Despite being reusable they also give the benefit of allowing you to reach more effectively to gaps and areas of the mouth. They cost just a few pounds and can last for many years.
DENTAL FLOSS REVIEW – BEST PICKUPS OF 2023
| Product Name | Length | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Oral-B Complete Satin Floss Mint (Editor's Choice) | 30 yards | Check Price |
| RADIUS Vegan Xylitol Soft Floss | 55 yards | Check Price | |
| Dr. Tung’s Smart Dental Floss | 32 yards | Check Price |
 | Reach Dentotape Extra Wide Waxed Tape | 55 yards | Check Price |
 | Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Threader Floss | 30 yards | Check Price |
 | DenTek Complete Clean Easy Reach Floss | 55 yards | Check Price |
 | Reach Mint Waxed Dental Floss | 30 yards | Check Price |
| Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental | 55 yards | Check Price | |
| Gum Eez-Thru Flossers Mint | 32 yards | Check Price |
Dental Floss Buyer’s Guide
Flossing is a crucial aspect of dental health and including it as a regular part of your dental hygiene routine has been proven to be highly beneficial. Flossing regularly helps prevent plaque build-up, cavities, gingivitis, and in some cases, even helps prevent oral cancer potential. It also stimulates your gums, increasing blood flow, and polishes your teeth, which makes both teeth and gums healthier and less prone to issues.
So you already know that flossing and staying on top of your dental hygiene is important. But when it comes to knowing which type of dental floss is best for you needs is important as well. There are a variety of floss types, from the flavored kind, floss made from synthetic materials, and motorized water picks. Let’s take a look at the different types of dental floss and what situation each is best for.
Dental Tape Vs Floss
When deciding on the type of floss that you want to use between your teeth, you largely have to types to choose from: tape and traditional floss.
Dental tape is considered by many to be more effective at getting the plaque between your teeth removed. With a broader filament line, it can glide along the entire height of your tooth to fully clear out the most stubborn plaque buildup.
Most experts agree that dental tape, while effective, is geared towards those that have broader spaces between their teeth or if they have dental work (bridge, implants, or braces).
Traditional floss (or just simply known as floss) will be a filament that is significantly thinner and a smaller diameter.
Floss is better suited for a wide range of mouths for both people with normal or narrow spacing. Even if you have slightly wider gaps between your teeth, simply folding over floss can be nearly effective as dental tape at removing plaque.
Many of the products reviewed in this post will fall under the floss category. However, its of course important to know of the options that exist within the marketplace.
Waxed Vs. Unwaxed Dental Floss – Does It Really Matter?
Upon browsing the best dental flosses on the market, you will notice that the filament can be either waxed or unwaxed.
Waxed dental floss will be able to effortlessly glide between your teeth making the flossing experience. In addition, waxed dental floss will also come in flavored varieties that can prove to be refreshing when you are done flossing.
Waxed flosses may contain industrial-based chemicals such as PTFE. In this case, some men that may want a more natural experience will go with the unwaxed varieties.
For unwaxed floss, men may prefer this option if they want no flavoring and have tightly cramped teeth. Since the filament doesn’t contain a wax coating, you will be able to place this easily between teeth with little discomfort or frustration.
Unwaxed floss may be susceptible to breakage given its lack of coating on the filament.
Many experts may claim that waxed floss will be more effective at removing plaque between the teeth. A common misconception is that if floss is wax coated it can easily ‘pull’ away the plaque from the teeth given its slightly rougher texture when compared to unwaxed floss.
But check this out:
When it comes to the effectiveness of waxed vs. unwaxed floss, they are largely indifferent. As proven in this study posted on the NIH (National Institutes of Health) website, researchers found no significant difference in plaque removal between the floss types.
Therefore, it comes down to your personal preference.
Types of Dental Floss
Tufted & Braided (Superfloss) Dental Floss
Coupled with a stiff end and a softer middle, tufted and braided floss is terrific for those that are battling braces and bridges. With the rigid end, you can easily maneuver this floss between the hardware to get any stuck food free. The softer middle is great for open spaces between teeth (such as bridge work).
Natural
For men that want to get a floss that doesn’t contain any chemical ingredients or waxes, there are makers that rely on natural ingredients or essential oils to get your plaque free. Instead of floss being chemically coated with a waxy mint residue, natural floss makers will typically use a peppermint essential oil.
Picks
Found typically in bulk packs, picks will have a floss holder (equipped with floss) on one side along with a slender pick that acts as a tooth pick on the other. While the floss isn’t swappable with picks like a traditional dental floss holder, picks are extremely convenient when you want a disposable option to clean out your teeth when in a pinch.
Whitening
This type of floss is great for those men who are looking for a whiter smile while flossing. This typically wax-coated floss will help to reduce the appearance of surface stains between your teeth through the use of a whitening agent such as baking soda. This is a great secondary step if you are currently doing a whitening strip regimen.
Fluoride
Should you drink from bottled water daily or live in a rural area that is absent of any fluoride infused water, floss with a fluoride coating is a great way to ensure that the integrity of your teeth remain in-tact through the inclusion of fluoride. For more information on the importance of fluoride – check out this article.
Should You Get A Dental Floss Holder?
If you have sausage fingers, arthritis, or perhaps are also looking to pick up some floss kids, a dental floss holder is well worth the investment.
Very similar in design to floss picks, a dental floss holder is a great way to effectively and easily clear out plaque buildup between your teeth.
With disposable dental floss picks, you are stuck using the floss or tape that has been pre-threaded by the manufacturer giving you very little room for customization to provide the most comfort for your teeth.
With a floss holder, you can easily swap out the floss to suit your preference. Therefore if you want waxed or unwaxed, tape vs. traditional floss, its completely within your control to use the floss that provides the best performance for your teeth.
Water Flosser Vs. Dental Floss
Dentists often state that water flossers or oral irrigators are not a full substitute to dental flossing. Even if you water floss regularly, a simple string of dental floss will still prove to be effective at completely removing plaque between your teeth.
However, that’s not to say that water flossers aren’t effective. If you have dental work in the form of implants, bridges, or braces, water flossers are a terrific way to completely remove any left-over food particles in those hard to reach areas.
This will help to ward off halitosis and provide terrific gum health.
Does Dental Floss Expire?
You may notice that on the back or bottom of some dental floss containers there is an expiration date. Is this just a gentle reminder on how long you might have had this stored away in the medicine cabinet waiting to be used or is their real purpose to this?
Some experts have weighed in and stated that with waxed dental floss, the expiration is there as wax is bio-degradable. Therefore, there may be some altering of the integrity of the wax after an extended period of time.
While likely not to be dangerous, it may be recommended to swap out your floss with a new one for extra peace of mind.
Type of Filament Found In Popular Flosses
When reviewing the best dental flosses on the market, you will notice that there are two distinct filament types: monofilament and multifilament.
Constructed of a single strand, monofilament is typically made of nylon and is cheaper to make. With monofilament strand, the floss is susceptible to bending and not getting as full of a cleaning with each pass between your teeth. Experts often state that it will take additional passes of a monofilament to get a full cleaning.
Multifilament is found in the most popular dental flosses on the market.
Multifilament floss is going to typically be in slightly thicker diameter and is constructed of multiple strands of nylon or other synthetic materials. Multifilament will spread out when pressed along the wall of your teeth making for easier coverage and plaque removal.
The biggest downfall of poorly constructed multifilament flosses is their susceptibility to fraying or shedding. Given that its constructed of several thinner strands, they can break-off individually leading to a poor performing floss that can leave you frustrated.
How to Floss Every Day
Flossing. Some people say it’s harder to stick with this habit than it is to quit smoking.
Why does it seem that the healthier the habit, the harder it is to make it stick? Now going to the gym three times a week, I get that. That’s really, really rough. The environment can be super intimidating and some of those new moves, well, it can be pretty tricky to learn, but what makes flossing such a tough habit.
Cleaning your teeth with a piece of string is super simple, and it takes less than a minute to do. And if you’re the type of person who gets cavities, flossing can actually make you richer. Let’s face it. Dentistry is super expensive, and it’s not fun to pay for crowns and root canals when they could have been prevented. But guess what? We still don’t floss. So what the heck gives?
Today we’re going to dive into exactly why flossing is so freaking hard to keep up for an extended period of time and then jump into exactly how to make it ridiculously easy.
Honestly, sometimes it’s just as few tiny changes that make a huge impact. Why is floss as big brother the toothbrush so much more well-liked. According to James Clear, author of atomic habits, the addition of flavors, aromas, and foaming agents to both soaps and toothpaste decades and decades ago sparked a huge increase in their use among the general public. But why?
The simple change to these products created immediate gratification where there was only delayed gratification before. For example, the first toothpaste were flavorless and didn’t foam hub. The only reward for using this stuff was simply a decrease in the likelihood of developing cavities or gum disease because this reward was vague and more importantly, delayed the habit of using it. Didn’t stick once.
Do toothpaste that tasted amazing and foamed up like a bubble bath came to market. People loved them because they made their mouth feel great, and it gave them fresh breath too. An immediate reward is now given every time you brush your teeth, which reinforces the habit. As James Clear writes: “What is immediately rewarded is repeated”.
Unless you’ve discovered some sort of euphoria-inducing brand of laws that I’m not aware of, then well, Austin just isn’t that rewarding and as a result, it’s very unlikely to encourage habit formation and here’s the first intrinsic problem with philosophy. It lacks immediate gratification. The good news is we can change that.
As James Clear touches on in his book, we’re supremely visual creatures. Flossing as it is, provides very little in terms of a visual reward other than maybe a little bit of plaque sticking to the string when you pull it out, which is rather gross.
Therefore, we need to create a pleasing visual reward for flossing that didn’t exist before. This is much simpler than might imagine. All you need is two glass jars and some marbles. Fill up the first jar with marvels and leave the second empty place both on your bathroom counter where they are extremely conspicuous for every day you floss at least one tooth.
Take one marble from the first jar and place it in this second. I know it sounds like something kindergarten teachers would do to get their kids to behave.
That being said, you’ll be shocked at the willpower you’ll summon just to add another marvel to your jar. In fact, it’s the very same system I use to motivate myself to create posts for you guys to enjoy. If you don’t have room for jars and marvels by a tiny calendar and draw an x on every day that you floss one tooth. For me, nothing beats the marbles. I just find the satisfaction of dropping a marble and hearing it clinking clank and the jar as it goes in. It’s just so satisfying. Even if you’re lazy and only flossing one tooth per night, you’re actually building a foundational habit and with a solid foundation, what you build on it is going to last.
Within no time you’ll find yourself with a jar full of marbles and a mouth full of perfectly floss teeth.
How to floss like a boss!
Great, so now we mean flossing rewarding, but how can we make it easier to do in the first place? When I say easier, I don’t mean it in a physical or technical sense. Instead, I’m talking about making flossing mentally easier. I’m assuming most of you already know the basics of how to floss. If you don’t, there are tons of youtube videos out there on the subject. Let me ask you a question. Where’s your toothbrush right now? I’m guessing it’s probably on a bathroom counter. Ready to go? A follow-up question. Where’s your floss? If it’s tucked away in the cabinet somewhere that we’re still in the packaging from the drug store, don’t worry, you’re not alone. We can make flossing mentally easier by placing an out in the open.
As Mr. Clear would say: “The first way to form a new habit is to make it super obvious”. If your floss has a lid on it, rip it off and expose part of the Strip so that the physical floss itself can be seen. Every time you walk into the washroom. You know you’re going to brush your teeth. So place your floss container on top of your toothpaste tube as to make the cue even more ridiculously apparent. Ever crash on someone’s couch only to wake up with the fuzzies all over your teeth the next morning. Many people can’t stand the sensation and immediately develop a craving to brush their teeth. Unfortunately, flossing doesn’t have such a tangible craving unless a piece of food gets stuck where it should. We can’t count on rogue popcorn kernels to get us flossing though, so what can we do instead?
Another concept in atomic habits is temptation bundling. It’s a technique we can apply to develop a craving for flossing. Every time you’re about to indulge a habit you really enjoy, your brain gets a hit of dopamine, which makes you feel really good. The key is it’s the anticipation of the reward that triggers the dopamine spike and not the reward itself. The thought of reuniting with a significant another child, parent or sibling can sometimes be more enjoyable than the actual reunion. We can use this to our advantage. Let’s say you drink a small glass of red wine every single night. At some point in the evening, you’ll develop a craving to pour yourself a glass. Perhaps it’s after your kids run downstairs to go play fortnight. We’re going to hijack this craving and link it to a new habit philosophy. We can do this by creating a new rule for ourselves.
When I crave red wine, I will floss. After I floss, I will drink my wine. What happens here is that the craving of red wine will release a surge of dopamine into your brain. If you floss during this dopamine spike, we begin to associate flossing with the anticipation of pleasure. If our created rule is diligently followed long enough, then we will begin to crave flossing because we subconsciously understand that it was associated with a reward. It’s not easy to start and stick with the flossing habit. Luckily, we’ve discovered some tactics to genetically modify the habit of flossing into something much stickier, whether it’s a trip to the toy store to buy marbles, grabbing a bottle of red from the seller, or just making your container of floss unknowingly obvious, you begin to realize that you could apply these techniques to any habit you want to form in life. So the reality is if you can make the flossing habit stick, you can do anything.
Water Flossing vs String Flossing
You can get your shining teeth and pink gums back through effective flossing. It decreases the chances of tooth decay and also keeps the gums healthy.
There are two different ways of flossing your teeth:
- Water flossing
- String Flossing
You must be curious to know which method is better, below we have constructed our comparison on water flossing vs string flossing below.
What is water flossing?
In this method, water is used with pressure to clean the teeth.
- With a very small size motor and pump, water is sprinkled with pressure on the teeth.
- This special tool is called water flosser which is particularly designed for taking oral care.
- The tool is available in different size, shape, and design.
- It comes with many tips which can be attached in front of the tips for better results.
Pros of water flossing
- Water picking or water flossing is very easy to use.
- It is a safe way for the people who are suffering from some kind of gum diseases.
- The chances of hurting your gums are almost impossible.
- People with dexterity problems can also do this without any hassle.
- In order to improve the health of gum you can do some massage actions through it.
- It is much safer than traditional floss method.
Cons of water flossing
The first thing it cannot be done without an effective tool. In most of the cases, good tools come with a high price.
- The quality of the water must be good.
- Without electricity, this method cannot be utilised.
- Cleaning the water pipe of water flosser is annoying.
What is string flossing?
In this method of cleaning teeth, eighteen inches of a string is normally used. It is used manually by wounding around the fingers. You can start working with it by placing it between teeth. There are many kinds of string floss available in the market like waxed, without waxed and dental tape etc. Most of the time it needs great attention and steady hands to work nicely with string floss.
Pros of string flossing
- People with healthy teeth and gums can use it without any problem.
- In case you don’t have any dexterity problems than you can use it with great efficiency for oral care after brushing.
- It is not a very costly method; usually, you can buy strings from a chemist.
- There are no requirements of any kind electricity of extra tool for this.
- It removes the plaque effectively.
- The overall health of teeth and gums increase.
- It can be done at home without any problem.
Cons of string flossing
- It can be very tricky to use string for people with awkwardly shaped teeth.
- People are not getting the best results.
- Excellent concentration and practice is required for this.
- People with gum diseases find it very difficult to use.
- Doing it wrong can cause pain and bleeding.
Tips for excellent oral health
You can take care of your oral health by string flossing and water flossing as per the condition of your teeth and the availability of resources.
But there are some common practices which you can opt for excellent oral health:
- Clean your teeth twice in a day. Brush them properly and use medicated paste for this.
- Once in a day you can do flossing to remove unwanted food particles and plaque.
- For best oral health use both methods with good mouth wash.
- Visit you’re dental with a regular schedule and go through proper dental check-ups.
When it comes to water flossing or using string floss to clean your teeth, you should first consider the present state of your teeth and then choose the most suitable method. Overall water flossing has more advantages as its easier to operate.
Types of Dental Floss
How Often Should You Floss Your Teeth
Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles stuck between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. So, how often should you floss your teeth to keep them healthy? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once a day, preferably before brushing your teeth.
Flossing every day can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. It only takes two or three minutes, but it could save you from expensive dental procedures and a lot of discomfort. If you skip flossing regularly or don’t do it correctly, you could be risking your oral health.
If you’re not sure how to floss correctly, ask your dentist for advice. They can show you the proper technique and recommend the best type of dental floss for your teeth. Some people may need special flossing tools or aids, such as water flossers, interdental brushes, or oral irrigators.
So, in conclusion, you should floss your teeth at least once a day to maintain good oral hygiene. It’s a simple and effective practice that can prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. If you need help with flossing or choosing the right dental floss, consult your dentist or dental hygienist. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you’ll keep them healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Have you ever used your new favorite method, floss sticks, instead of the traditional dental floss?
Do you find dental floss really boring to use?
Sure, it’s basically a pretty mundane activity. But I like to think of all the boring things that you gotta do for your teeth – brushing, flossing, using mouthwash… They’re all part of a rich tradition helping people create and maintain impeccable oral hygiene!
If you’ve got some sort of weird phobia about dental floss then please see your dentist or physician so they can get you over that hurdle as soon as possible. Beyond that– any weird quirks about daily dental care are very likely just quirks. It’s not polite to outright shame those quirky bits with rude words on this site, but seriously? Focus on something else already.
Do kids really need to floss??
I know it probably sounds stupid, but me, my brother and my sister NEVER flossed when we were kids, and yet none of us ever had any cavities. My brother and sister still don’t have any now and they still never floss.
How many parents actually do floss their kids teeth? I’ve done a lot of babysitting etc, and none of the kids I’ve ever come across floss either and they don’t have fillings.
Yes kids need to floss. But most kids don’t have the manual dexterity to brush well, much less floss correctly. It is up to the parents to aid the child in doing this. But most parents don’t floss themselves, so how are they going to help their kids? The earlier you introduce flossing to a child, the more likely they are to continue it as they get older. The age that flossing should be taught to a child depends on his/her maturity. I have a three-year-old patient that loves to brush her teeth and she loves coming to the office to get her teeth cleaned (isn’t she precious?). So I always give her these kid flossers from Oral-B that come in different shapes and colors that kids like, you use them once and throw them away. I make sure her mom knows how she should use them, and the little girl just loves them. On the other hand, I have an eight-year-old patient that doesn’t even brush her teeth daily, so how can I expect her to floss daily?
Most people don’t realize the importance of flossing until it’s too late, and they are losing teeth to periodontal disease. Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss, not decay. Everyone says, “Well, I don’t floss, and I’ve never had a cavity.” That’s great that they don’t have cavities, but what about gingivitis and periodontitis?
So, yes it’s important that children learn to floss at an early age. Parents play a big part in it though. And when so many parents have trouble just getting their kids to brush, they don’t want to deal with flossing.
What happens if I swallow dental floss?
The dental floss is a string made of plant fibre and your stomach acids will dissolve it immediately on contact. No different than taking a bite of celery.
Please don’t worry, I’m sure that as a baby, you swallowed a whole lot worse.
Well, for starters, someone should revoke your flossing privileges. You know you aren’t supposed to swallow it, right?
What is the best brand of dental floss?
For most of my life, I’ve used Oral B because of it’s simplicity. It just glides right between my teeth.
Now, after my dentist’s new hygienist notice stains between my teeth, she recommended switching to Listerine’s Gentle Gum Care floss. It is thicker floss, but after a week of conditioning, I find it is more effective at cleaning between the teeth! It’s made a huge difference, both in attempts to get food out from between my teeth.
Im a Dental Assistant and flossing before brushing is a must. When you floss before you brush your teeth for 2 minutes you get the food and other things out from in between your teeth and it opens your gums and the toothpaste is able to get in and penetrate the spaces between your teeth. Having cavities between your teeth is the worst. Flossing prevents that.
What do you think is better at getting food that’s stuck between your teeth out? I just switched and felt that the Waterpik isn’t doing a good enough job, but then when I floss after using the Waterpik, there’s nothing left between my teeth, so I guess it is. Any study was done on this? Does anyone have any references?
Also, what’s better to floss first and then brush or to brush first and then floss? Were any studies done on this?
I use both Waterpik and floss. It works excellent because there are some areas that floss can’t get to and there are some areas that Waterpik can’t get to. It’s very simple. Just because u add one thing to help protect your gum, it doesn’t mean u have to stop flossing (although that’s what they had as). I believe that Waterpik helps you from perio regardless.