Share:

When taking care of your teeth, it is tempting to skip flossing. Most of the time it seems like a useless task, and it can even be painful when you have sensitive gums. In reality, flossing is an extremely important step in daily dental care that cleans the parts of the tooth that brushing usually misses. Four Corners Dental Group in Anchorage, AK strongly encourages people to get in the habit of daily flossing.

Finding the right kind of floss for your teeth is also very important. Although any type of floss that you use will do the job, finding a floss type that will be comfortable for you will probably determine whether you use it or not.

  • Multifilament floss and monofilament floss are generally the two main types of floss. Multifilament is made of nylon or silk while monofilament is usually made of rubber or plastic. The nylon floss is the most common type and will also be the cheaper option for most brands.
  • Finding the right flavor of floss can also be very important to some people. While most floss will come unflavored, many also may come in mint, cinnamon, bubblegum and more. Finding a flavor that you like will encourage you use it more often.
  • Next, it is important to determine the correct thickness for your teeth. Everyone has differently spaced teeth, so someone with larger spaces may choose thicker floss. Ultimately, the floss should feel comfortable when you are using it and should slide easily in between the teeth.
  • Floss also comes both waxed and un-waxed, which really doesn’t make a difference clinically. The wax can help the floss slide in between the teeth better, but it is mostly a matter of preference when flossing.
  • If you are still experiencing discomfort when flossing, dental tape is a popular option for people who dislike the feel of regular floss. Dental tape is thicker and easier to slide between teeth, which usually reduces most of the discomfort and pain people feel with regular floss.

If you need help finding the perfect floss, the dentists at Four Corners Dental Group are always willing to help. In addition to providing affordable dental care and cosmetic dentistry, the practice is a major advocate of preventative dentistry.

For information about dental services at Four Corners Dental Group or for general dental care tips, visit the practice online or call (907) 258-3384 today.

tracking