Do you Know the Right Type of Floss to Buy?

Dental self-care products are sometimes overwhelming. Sure, it’s great to have so many options, but sometimes too many choices can leave you feeling confused. Just because you’ve seen commercials for one brand, does that make it the best? Should you go by a friend’s recommendation? How about asking your dentist? No matter who you speak to, you’re bound to hear a number of opinions on which is the best toothbrush, toothpaste, or mouthwash. Even dental floss is not impervious to criticism. Should you go by trial and error and come up with your own preference? Pella family dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen points to study information in deciding the type of floss you purchase.

Flossing Study

The University of Buffalo was home to a fascinating study on the features and benefits of nylon and Teflon dental floss (also known as plytetrafluoroethylene floss). The purpose of the research was to find which type of floss was superior when it comes to the removal of food particles and plaque. Of the 60 participants in the study, about 3/4 preferred dental tape (i.e. Teflon floss) which is thicker than nylon thread floss. Why? Dental tape does not fray or break. If you’ve ever had pieces of floss caught between your teeth, you know this is frustrating and uncomfortable. Dental tape was reserved, in the past, for people with larger gaps between teeth. However, if you find nylon floss is uncomfortable for you and you are avoiding flossing as a result, perhaps it’s time for you to give Teflon floss a try.