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What Type of Floss are You?

What Type of Floss are You?

By Reno Laser Dentistry

January 30, 2012

Category: dental reno

Tags: Reno Laser Dentistry Reno Dentist Oral Care Dental Health Reno Laser Dentist

Flossing is an important part of dental hygiene; it keeps our teeth healthy from all the trapped food that normal daily brushing can’t reach. So how do you know which one is best for you? Do you understand the difference between the ribbon and floss picks? The most important question is are you flossing daily and are you flossing properly?

According to an article at voices.yahoo.com, “which type of dental floss is best for you?”

“Ribbon Floss or Spool Floss -Ribbon floss has been on the market for many years and is the most commonly used floss. It is a long and very thin string of nylon that may be waxed to make sliding between teeth more comfortable. The American Dental Association (ADA) states: “There is no difference in the effectiveness of waxed or un-waxed floss. It’s not what type of floss you use, but how and when you use it.”

Sometimes, ribbon floss has flavors added to it like cinnamon, mint, bubble gum or even bacon. This can make it more attractive to children and adults alike in doing the chore twice per day, as the ADA recommends.

But for people with crooked, crowded teeth, children, the elderly and people with hand arthritis or other dexterity issues, it can be another story. When flossing in your own mouth, you only can see the front teeth. You are blind to tooth angles and different sizes of space between teeth that the hygienist can see as he or she cleans your teeth.

Floss Pick -A floss pick looks like a toothbrush with a tiny bow across the top, sort of like a miniature toy bow-and-arrow without the arrow. The floss can be coated in fluoride, wax and even flavors.

Picks may be easier and more comfortable to be used in the mouth of a child, since their mouths are smaller than adults. In fact, anyone who has trouble reaching all tooth surfaces using ribbon floss may benefit from using picks. Wrapping ribbon floss around fingers of both hands to finish the task can be cumbersome, never mind painful if the child wants you to do it for him or her.

Cost can be another disadvantage for you, depending upon how much floss you use each time. Ribbon or spool floss is sold by the yard; while a floss pick is sold by the bulk count of about 40 to 90 disposable one-time use picks. They both cost the same at purchase, at about $2 to $4, but actual long-term cost will vary. The attachment handle is totally reusable, but the pick tops, which have the actual floss in them and are used in the mouth, should be replaced every time you floss. The basic floss pick with anywhere from 5 to 10 replacement pick tops are generally between $3 and $6 in price. “

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Dr. McElhinney is the best dentist in town, contact his dental practice located in Reno with any questions or to set-up an appointment. Dental health is his #1 priority!