The Superior Choice for Oral Hygiene
When people think of dental floss, they often imagine using a simple string or tape to remove food particles and plaque from between their teeth—places a toothbrush can’t reach. However, there are many types of floss, each designed for different needs. In fact, using the right kind of floss can significantly improve how well you clean your teeth and gums. Read on to discover the various types of floss and find out which one might be best for you.
Water Flossers
Water flossers use a pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth, along surfaces, and around gum pockets, making them more effective at reaching areas that traditional brushing and flossing can miss. We recommend them for everyone—learn more in our article on water flossers.
These devices also come with various tips to suit different dental needs. For instance, there are tips specifically designed for those with braces. Check out our article on water flosser tips for a detailed overview of the different attachments offered by Waterpik and their specific uses.
Water flossers have quickly become the go-to option for achieving a deeper clean and healthier smile. By using a powerful stream of water, these devices can effectively clean between teeth, along the gumline, and in hard-to-reach areas that traditional brushing and flossing often miss. Ideal for individuals of all ages and dental needs, water flossers provide a more thorough clean and can even be customized with specialized tips for braces, implants, or sensitive gums.
Dental Tape
Often referred to as dental string, ribbon, or simply dental floss, this is the type most people picture when they think of flossing. There are various kinds of dental tape, and it’s suitable for everyone except those with dentures. Choosing the right one is all about personal preference and technique, so it's a good idea to try different options to see which works best for you. For more detailed instructions, check out our guide on proper flossing techniques.
Floss Picks
Floss picks offer a convenient alternative to traditional dental tape, making them ideal for children and older adults who may struggle with dexterity. While they may not provide as comprehensive a clean as standard dental floss, they are still far more effective than not flossing at all.
Platypus Ortho Flossers
Designed specifically for people with braces, Platypus Ortho Flossers function similarly to floss picks but feature a unique thin, flat side that easily slides between teeth and braces. This makes them much simpler to use compared to traditional floss threaders, making them a highly recommended option.
Proxabrush
Also called an interdental cleaner, a Proxabrush features a small, stiff-bristled brush designed to reach and clean the gaps between your teeth. It can be classified as either a toothbrush or a flosser and is much simpler to use than a traditional floss threader. If standard dental floss isn’t providing sufficient cleaning, your dentist might recommend incorporating a Proxabrush into your oral hygiene routine.
Soft Picks
Soft Picks are similar to Proxabrushes but feature rubber bristles, making them thinner and more effective for cleaning tight spaces between teeth. They are also more compact, making them convenient for travel. While dental tape might be enough to clean between teeth for some people, your dental hygienist may suggest using a soft pick if additional cleaning is needed.
