Flossing is one of the most important things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Doing it is simple enough, but as in most things there is usually room for improvement. At The Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria we think trying out different types of floss is a good idea, and can help you do a better job.
The reason flossing is so important is that it removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Left on the teeth, plaque hardens into floss and contributes to tooth decay. The Academy of General Dentistry goes so far as to call flossing the most important thing you can do to fight plaque.
What Kind Is Best?
When it comes to what dental floss to use, there is a lot to choose from. Flavored or unflavored? Waxed or unwaxed? Wide or thin?
No single type of floss is right for everyone. You might even benefit from having more than one kind in your medicine chest. With a little trial and error, you can narrow down your choices to find what works best for you.
Here are some things to bear in mind:
- Waxed floss fits more easily into tight spaces
- Unwaxed floss tends to squeak against clean teeth, an indicator that plaque is gone
- Wider dental tape may work better in gaps between teeth, and on bridgework
We recommend traditional string floss that you can pull out in a long strand, as opposed to a flossing pick. Those little picks are popular, but with only a tight strand of floss it’s all but impossible to wrap any around your teeth – and flossing is far more effective when you do that. They’re fine for when you’re on the go. Just be sure to use regular floss as part of your dental hygiene routine before bedtime.
Whatever your preference, the important thing is to floss at least once each day.
At The Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria we like to see you for a checkup every six months. Patients come to our office for family and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today!
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
