The American Dental Association recommends flossing your teeth each evening, preferably after you are done eating for the day. This is important for removing food material and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. Not only will this help maintain the health of your gums, but it will also reduce your chances of suffering tooth decay.
Oral hygiene manufacturers offer several different variations in dental floss to meet certain needs or personal preferences.
Unwaxed dental floss is little more than a plain strand of monofilament or micro-braided nylon that has not been treated with a waxy coating. While some manufactures will apply added flavors to unwaxed nylon floss, most offer it plain.
Waxed dental floss is just like unwaxed floss except it has a thin, waxy coating applied to the strand. This helps you slip the floss into tight places, making it a good choice for people with tight-fitting teeth or braces. The wax is often flavored with mint or other additives to make it more cosmetically appealing. This can also help mask the stray flavor of removed bacteria and food particles. Â
Functionally, both variations of floss are equally effective at removing residual food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. It is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
If you live in the Chicago, Illinois, area and you have questions about the dental floss used in your household, you can always call 773-561-5106 to speak to a staff member at Family Dental of Lincoln.
