A consistent brushing and flossing routine is essential to maintaining good dental hygiene. Casey Lau, DDS, co-founder and chief dental officer of sustainable oral company ELIMS, explains that the true purpose of flossing is to remove the physical debris that collects between the teeth. This debris, she says, “forms colonies of bacteria called plaque and tartar, [which] need to be broken up so that the bacteria doesn't have a chance to . . . cause cavities or inflammation and infection of the gums."
Since "enough of the population flosses to begin with," Dr. Lau says that most dentists will tell you any floss is better than no floss. But she says the best ones "remove the most plaque and debris from your teeth [before it hardens].” This usually means choosing a floss that’s a bit thicker but doesn't shred, has some kind of scrubby texture to it, and is coated with a light wax that helps to break up those bacterial colonies, adds Dr. Lau. We researched dozens of flosses and reviewed them based on their material, flavor, type, and price.
Here are the best types of dental floss on the market today.
Best Overall
Cocofloss Coconut-Oil Infused Woven Dental Floss
4.8
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Pros
Thick and grips well
Vegan, chemical-free
Mild flavor
Cons
Expensive
It might look a little gimmicky, but the brightly-colored, attention-grabbing Cocofloss is our top pick because it was created by a dentist who knew people needed something a little flashy in order to commit to the healthy routine of daily flossing. Chrystle Cu, DDS, invented Cocofloss—a chemical-free floss infused with coconut oil and made of more than 500 grippy, plaque-busting fibers for a deeply effective yet soothing clean.
We’ll admit that Cocofloss is a bit pricier than some other options on our list, but you can shop creatively: according to Cocofloss, one of their spools will last a regular flosser about two months, and the Cocofloss website offers a subscribe-and-save option for fans who want to build their own box of flavors and watch them show up in their mailbox on a predetermined schedule.
Price at time of publication: $25 (Pack of 3)
Material: Plastic | Usage: General; use once or twice daily | Flavor: Assorted fruits
Best for Preventing Cavities
RIsewell Scrubby Teflon-Free Floss
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Pros
Hydroxyapatite-infused for enamel protection
Chemical-free
Expanding
Cons
Limited retailers
According to Dr. Lau, people with sensitive teeth may want to choose a floss containing ingredients that remineralize teeth and fight tooth decay. You’ll find these in toothpastes for sure, but it can be helpful to “have a floss that delivers these [ingredients] to the spaces that people typically get cavities,” he explains.
He recommends a floss with fluoride or a calcium phosphate, and this expandable floss by RiseWell is one of the only ones to fit the bill: with hydroxyapatite, a calcium phosphate mineral, built into the fibers, RiseWell’s floss is an effective cleaner, fitting smoothly in between your teeth and then expanding to scrub away gunk (and protect your enamel in the process).
Price at time of publication: $8
Material: Not specified | Usage: General; use once or twice daily | Flavor: Spearmint
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Pros
Mild but refreshing cardamom flavor
Plant-based coating
Soft and stretchy
Cons
Expensive
Not good for people with tight spaces
Spearmint and bubblegum aren’t the only flavors available when it comes to dental product taste. We chose the Smart Floss by Dr. Tung’s as our pick for best-tasting floss: there’s no overpowering flavor here, only a light, refreshing burst of cardamom (which, if you don’t know, tastes vaguely herbal, like a blend of citrus and eucalyptus).
An out-of-the-box flavor isn’t the only cool thing about this floss; it’s made with soft, silky fibers and coated with beeswax, allowing it to slip easily between your teeth and then expand as it gets to work on all the plaque lurking in there. It’s only slightly more expensive per pack than other popular drugstore brands, so it’s worth a try if you’re tired of harsh flavors in your dental products.
Price at time of publication: $25 (Pack of 6)
Material: Polyester | Usage: General; use once or twice daily | Flavor: Cardamom
The 8 Best Mouthwashes for Gingivitis of 2023
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Pros
Three-in-one cleaner
Affordable
No-break guarantee
(Video) The Best (And Worst!) Dental Floss | Free Giveaway!
Cons
Not environmentally friendly
A dental pick probably isn’t most people’s first choice for flossing, but sometimes it’s the only thing that gets the job done. If you’re a kid learning how to brush and floss for the first time, an adult who likes to floss on the go, or an elderly adult having trouble manipulating string floss because of arthritis or neuropathy, dental picks can be a helpful solution.
If a dental pick is the best option for you, we recommend the DenTek Triple Clean Advanced picks, which not only do all the usual flossing work but also feature a micro-textured pointed end for detailed cleaning and a tongue scraper for the freshest possible breath around. The floss itself is made of 200-plus fibers designed not to shred or break, and it is thin enough to fit between tight teeth.
Price at time of publication: $6
Material: Unspecified | Usage: General; use once or twice daily; press down with flossing string between teeth and floss as usual; if desired, use pointed end to deep clean and turn pick on its side to use as tongue scraper | Flavor: Mint
The 8 Best Toothpastes of 2023 for Healthy Teeth and Gums
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Pros
Easy-to-use precut strands
Stiff end for cleaning awkward spots
Spongy floss for wider cleaning
Cons
Costly for amount received
As if having braces isn’t annoying enough, you don’t get a free pass from flossing for however many years you’ve got them on—in fact, it’s more important than ever that you keep your teeth and your oral appliances clean, since no one wants to be left with discolored spots on their teeth when they do finally get their braces off.
That doesn’t mean flossing with braces is easy, though, so we like the Oral-B Super Floss Pre-Cut Strands for simplifying the whole process. Grab a string and use it like a regular piece of dental floss, in between your teeth, around appliances, and under the gum line. The strands are smooth and spongy, helping to gently but effectively remove debris from your teeth, plus they even have a stiffened end for getting into those tight, awkward corners and easily threading through and around wires, bands, and brackets.
Price at time of publication: $10 (Pack of 2)
Material: Unspecified | Usage: For braces; use once or twice daily; insert stiffened end between teeth or around oral appliances, then thread string/floss as usual | Flavor: Mint
The 8 Best Wet Flossers and Water Flossers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Final Verdict
We recommend Cocofloss Coconut-Oil Infused Woven Dental Floss. It’s shred-resistant and woven with more than 500 fibers to move debris between your teeth, plus it slides in smoothly, is gentle on gums, and has a mild flavor.
If you have braces, we suggest trying the Oral-B Super Floss Pre-Cut Strands. They dispense easily, fit in and around oral appliances and under the gum line, and come fitted with one stiff end for those stubborn spots that need a little extra attention.
How We Selected the Floss
To find the best dental flosses, we asked two dentists to tell us what to look for and avoid when choosing the right kind for you. While both dentists agreed that any floss is better than no floss, they strongly suggested looking for shred-resistant flosses with thicker, more woven textures versus the flat, gliding kinds that feel good but don’t have much scrubbing power. They also recommended steering clear of flosses containing chemicals like polyfluoroalkyls and, if you have sensitive teeth or are cavity-prone, looking for a floss with fluoride or other enamel-protective ingredients.
With those notes in mind, we scoured the internet for crowd-favorite dental flosses, considering more than two dozen products. We looked for thick, easy-to-use flosses, flosses designed to expand and optimize their scrubbing power, and flosses made with natural or cavity-fighting ingredients. We also included a few traditional floss alternatives, like picks and strands, for people with braces or dental appliances.
What to Look for in a Floss
Texture
Should you opt for a smooth, thin floss that glides easily between your teeth or one that’s a little rougher, made of woven fibers? Most dentists don’t care as long as you’re using some kind of floss, but if you’re really going for the flossing gold here, there is a difference between the smooth and rough kinds of floss.
“The floss that is probably the most widely used is made of teflon-coated shred-resistant polymer fibers, [and] when you have tight contacts between your teeth, this is probably the most comfortable floss to use,” says Dr. Lau.
But comfort doesn’t necessarily equal effective, Dr. Lau adds: “I personally think that floss is too smooth to truly scrub your teeth; you wouldn't clean your pots and pans with a smooth, satiny cloth, you [would] use the scrubby side of your sponge.”
If your teeth can handle it, choose a textured, thicker floss with a wax coating, per Dr. Lau’s recommendations: smooth floss will leave a lot of plaque behind, he says, even in avid flossers, but textured floss grabs onto enough plaque to really clean your teeth.
Ease of Use
You’ll have to consider your own oral circumstances when choosing a floss—like if you have braces, or wide gaps between your teeth—as well as your manual dexterity.
“I recommend patients use floss that is most suited to their situation,” says Daniel Reich, DMD, director of Periodontics at Touro College of Dental Medicine. “If a patient has crowding or tight contacts between their teeth, they should use a thinner floss; if [they have] larger spaces, then dental tape may be a better choice.”
People with braces and people who struggle to manipulate string floss may find it easier to use a pick or even a water flosser to be sure they’re getting easily into all the nooks and crannies between their teeth.
Chemical-Free
Some extra-smooth, shred-resistant floss is made with a type of chemical called polyfluoroalkyls, or PFAs; the same kinds often used in non-stick Teflon coatings, which certainly make the floss glide seamlessly through your teeth. But are they safe?
Dr. Lau cites a 2019 study in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology that raised concerns about the presence of PFAs in some types of dental floss, since these substances have been linked to some cancers. At the same time, the American Dental Association (ADA) questioned the results of that study, pushing back on the idea that PFAs in dental floss could be harmful.
Whichever side you take in the PFAs debate, know that you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking a floss—and it’s easy to play it safe.
“There are so many options for floss out there, and most do not contain any PFAs,” says Dr. Lau. “Take a look at what goes into [these] products, but I think if you stick to a waxed, textured floss, you will probably avoid these controversial chemicals and [still] get the true desired effect of scrubbing your teeth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dental floss expire?
Not really, though flavored or wax floss may change in taste in texture when floss is kept around for long periods of time, Dr. Lau says: “Floss is often flavored or waxed or both, [and] over time the wax can get old, and the scent and the flavor can go away, but the floss is not really harmful [or unsafe to use].”
Should you floss before or after brushing your teeth?
We’re going to attempt to settle a long-lived debate right here and now: what’s more effective, flossing before or after brushing?
According to Dr. Reich, the latest research comes down in favor of flossing before brushing. He cites a 2018 study published in the Journal of Periodontology, which compared plaque reduction in two groups: brushing first, then flossing, and flossing first, then brushing. The results showed that plaque reduction was significantly higher in the group that flossed before brushing than in the group that flossed after brushing. We recommend a floss first, brush second routine for maximum clean-mouth potential.What should you do if your gums regularly bleed after flossing?
Bleeding gums can be caused by multiple things, some a sign of gum disease and some easily reversible.
“Bleeding gums is a sign of inflammation, which is often due to ineffective removal of plaque,” says Dr. Reich, “[but] it can also be the result of overaggressive flossing, which is causing trauma to the gum tissue.”
You may also have bleeding gums if you are on certain medications (such as blood thinners), if you have a vitamin deficiency, or if you are pregnant.
Since it’s hard for patients to know what the source of their bleeding is, the best course of action is to talk with your dentist about your experience, says Dr. Reich. Your dentist can then refer you to a gum specialist, or periodontist, if necessary.(Video) Best Settings for Waterpik according to a Dentist #floss
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FAQs
What types of dental floss is most effective? ›
The waxed variety of dental floss tends to glide through the teeth better. Waxed floss is less likely to get stuck between the teeth or get caught on rough edges. It also doesn't fray or break as quickly as unwaxed dental floss.
What is the safest dental floss to use? ›Luckily, there are plenty of safe dental floss options to choose from. Instead of nylon floss, look for floss made of natural silk which is biodegradable. If you are going for a nylon floss, look for one that is coated in something other than petroleum. Beeswax is a popular alternative.
What type of dental floss is most effective for the removal of plaque? ›Waxed Dental Floss – Waxed dental floss is easy to use and does an effective job. It's not too thick, glides easily between teeth and the wax gives it a “grip” so it won't slide off your fingers. Waxed dental floss is not slippery, so it sticks to the teeth and performs an effective removal of plaque.
Is it better to floss before or after brushing? ›While it may be surprising, a study has found that flossing first followed by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque than brushing first, flossing second. In addition, flossing before brushing results in greater fluoride retention between teeth.
Is thinner or thicker floss better? ›Thick floss might be uncomfortable, so a thin floss is the best choice. Waxed floss can even provide a little extra slip to make the process easier. For people with more loosely spaced teeth, thick floss will be more effective. People with gaps between their teeth might want to consider dental tape.
Is electric flosser better than string floss? ›Overall, the American Dental Hygienists' Association recommends water flossing over string dental flossing. Water flossers are effective at removing plaque and reducing gingival bleeding more than string floss.
Is flossing no longer recommended? ›While the scientific evidence for flossing benefits may be somewhat lacking, there's little evidence for any harm or side effects from flossing, and it's low cost. So why not consider making it part of your daily routine? Talk to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about your teeth or gums.
Do all dentists recommend flossing? ›Is flossing still recommended by dental professionals? The short and easy answer is, YES!
Is nylon or polyester floss better? ›Floss is made out of one of two materials: polyester or nylon. Nylon is much easier to clean than polyester. However, both can be used for removing bacteria. They also help you prevent gum disease.
What do dental hygienists use to remove plaque? ›Dental hygienists usually use an ultrasonic scaler because it is easier for the patient to tolerate. At its tip, the ultrasonic scaler vibrates to gently ease away plaque. The scaler also delivers a gentle stream of water to wash debris away. The hygiene assistant uses an aspirator to suck away the excess water.
Is there a rinse that removes plaque? ›
Chlorhexidine mouthwash is an uncompromised antibacterial that promotes plaque removal. Clinical studies and more than 40 years of use have shown no adverse changes in dental plaque bacteria, no emergent microbial resistance and no increase in resistant microflora.
What removes dental plaque? ›Brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to remove plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Should you floss before or after bed? ›The best time to floss is when you have time to floss properly. For many people, this means flossing at night before bed. This may also prevent food particles from remaining in your teeth overnight, which will reduce possible damage from bacteria. Flossing regularly is vital to maintain proper oral health.
Does it matter if you floss in the morning or at night? ›The American Dental Association recommends that you floss once a day. Whether you do it first thing in the morning, right after your lunch, or at bedtime doesn't really matter. The important thing is to fit it into your schedule religiously as you do with eating meals or brushing your teeth.
Should I scrape my tongue before or after brushing? ›Should you scrape your tongue before or after brushing? You should scrape your tongue once a day, and most experts recommend that you do it after brushing either in the morning or evening.
Is it OK to use the same floss more than once? ›Should I reuse the floss? However, it is recommended to use floss only once and dispose off after using it. If reused, the condition of the floss will also deteriorate and worsen off. Most importantly, if saved for further use, it will also pick up the bacteria from the place where it was stored.
What happens if you floss too deep? ›Effects of Flossing Too Hard
With hard flossing over time, your gums will begin to recede. Once this happens, you'll start to experience tooth pain due to the areas of the tooth being exposed can have thin enamel. With extreme cases, the root of the tooth can be exposed causing even further tooth pain.
If your teeth are packed in tight, you'll want to pay close attention next time you stock up. With regular string floss, opt for a ribbon-style floss. This type of floss will easily glide through the tight spaces between your teeth, dislodging plaque and debris, without shredding or getting stuck.
Can WaterPik damage gums? ›A water flosser doesn't typically damage your teeth or gums. In fact, a water flosser may cause less damage to teeth and gums than regular floss. If you feel that your oral health could be improved by using a Waterpik, talk to your dentist about it at your next visit to Eagle Harbor Dental.
Can a WaterPik replace flossing? ›A water flosser can help remove food particles between teeth. It also can remove plaque from teeth. If you use standard dental floss, and you don't have bleeding or other problems, there's no need to change.
Can a WaterPik remove plaque? ›
The WaterPik is very effective, and actually even more effective than string floss, at reducing gingivitis, reducing gingival bleeding, and removing plaque. It also can clean deeper into periodontal pockets than floss can.
Should floss go under gums? ›In addition to taking the floss up and down on the surface of your tooth, you also need to clean under the line of your gum. Keeping the floss firmly against the side of your tooth, go just under the gum line on both sides of each tooth to ferret out any debris.
What are the disadvantages of dental floss? ›If done improperly, flossing can cause damage to gums, teeth, and dental work, according to the AP investigation. Sometimes, flossing can also cause harmful bacteria to be released into your bloodstream which could lead to an infection.
Can gums grow back? ›While your gums won't grow back on their own, surgical treatment can be used to replace the missing tissue, and restore both your appearance and your oral health. Gum grafting involves taking soft tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it onto your gums.
How do dentists know you haven't been flossing? ›The way we can tell if you're not flossing is if your gums are bleeding. Although there are other, less common conditions that can make your gums bleed, gingivitis is the main cause. Gingivitis is when the gums are inflamed due to all of the bacteria in your mouth collecting right between the gums and the teeth.
Is flossing or Waterpik better for gums? ›Research has shown that there's minimal difference in plaque removal between using floss versus the Waterpik. Both Waterpiks and flossing are good ways to take care of teeth and gums, in addition to brushing. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning in between the teeth once a day.
Which is more effective waxed or unwaxed dental floss? ›When it comes to choosing the type of floss to use, the best floss is the one that you prefer. If unsure of your preference, try both types and see if you feel more comfortable with waxed or unwaxed dental floss. Studies have shown that both types of floss are equally effective in removing plaque.
What is most dental floss made of? ›Dental floss is typically made from synthetic waxed nylon or Teflon. The mixed materials used in traditional floss make recycling too difficult–some research suggests it can take 80 years to break down in a landfill. Plastic dental floss picks are also made of mixed materials that are too small to recycle.
How often should you floss? ›The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss each day. While we know of some patients who floss after each meal just to ensure there's no food stuck in their teeth, flossing just once each day will work wonders for your oral hygiene.
How do you remove hardened plaque? ›The best way to remove the build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth is by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash will help to keep bacteria at bay in hard-to-reach areas.
How do dentists remove hardened plaque? ›
If the dentist or dental hygienist spots tartar on the surface of the teeth, they will remove it with an instrument called a scaler. A scaler is a device that has a hook on the end of it, and it is used to remove tartar above and below the gum line.
What is the best tool to remove tartar? ›The one key tool your dentist uses to remove plaque from your teeth is called a scaler, or a plaque scraper. With it, your dentist can scrape the plaque off the surfaces of your teeth so that it doesn't have a chance to harden into problematic tartar.
Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve plaque? ›Using hydrogen peroxide in caring for teeth and gums eliminates harmful bacteria. This cuts down the formation of plaque and tartar. This powerful antiseptic can deteriorate the bacteria in plaque. Some dentists use hydrogen peroxide as a more efficient way to remove the plaque and tartar from teeth.
Does apple cider vinegar get rid of plaque? ›This study found that the ACV group showed a significant decrease in plaque accumulation at each time (from T0 to T6), showing that apple cider vinegar dissolves dental plaque.
Does hydrogen peroxide destroy plaque? ›Hydrogen peroxide on gums can reduce plaque. It kills the bacteria that cause gum diseases. The anaerobic bacteria between your teeth can't survive the oxygen released by hydrogen peroxide. The solution further destroys the plaque barrier.
Is there a toothpaste that dissolves plaque? ›TartarEnd® toothpaste – US Patent – Dec.
TartarEnd® is the only tartar-removing toothpaste patented and proven to dissolve, soften, and remove tartar and plaque. Daily brushing with TartarEnd® tartar-dissolving toothpaste prevents tartar and plaque formation and buildup.
Removing Tartar with Baking Soda
Leave the baking soda on for at least fifteen minutes before rinsing. While not exactly tasty, baking soda can neutralize harmful acids from things like sodas and foods while also killing bacteria and whitening teeth naturally.
- Baking Soda – Tartar deposits can be removed with the use of baking soda's mild abrasives. ...
- White Vinegar – White wine vinegar and a warm, salty beverage also work. ...
- Orange Peels – Orange peels have antibacterial qualities that help prevent plaque and tartar from forming.
The Different Types of Dental Floss
On top of the nylon is a wax that helps the floss glide through your teeth a little easier. This might or might not be necessary and is really up to your personal preference.
When it comes to dental floss, the tried and true traditional string floss is generally more effective. Using it with proper technique helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, which prevents bad bacteria from growing.
What are the cons of waxed floss? ›
Cons: Because it's thicker than unwaxed floss, waxed floss is harder to fit into tighter gaps. It is also harder to grip, and the waxy texture is unpleasant to some.
Are floss picks worse than regular floss? ›While this may be convenient, floss picks are not as effective as regular floss. Floss picks do not allow you to reach all the angles that regular floss can so you won't be able to clean your teeth as effectively. Regular floss is recommended, but floss picks are better than nothing for your oral health.
Why do dentists not like floss picks? ›They may prevent proper flossing technique.
A floss pick's segment of floss is fixed in a certain position, which can make it difficult to fully clean around each tooth and below the gum line. It cannot be curved into the recommended “C” shape and steered into tight spaces.
Yes, the Dentist Knows
They'll be able to detect the plaque and inflammation between your teeth even if you brushed and flossed right before you went in for your appointment. If you haven't been flossing, prepare yourself for a friendly and concerned lecture from your dental care provider.
Dental floss picks are made from hard plastic, and cannot be recycled due to their mixed material nature. Once single use dental picks have been used, both dental floss and pick must be thrown away. Reusing dental picks is not advisable, as you risk redistributing bacteria and fraying the floss.
How many times can you reuse a floss stick? ›You should never use dental floss more than once. Doing so can increase your risk of gum disease and other dental problems.
How do you floss without damaging your gums? ›Make sure to work slowly using a gentle hand, so as not to damage your gums. Try to use a zig-zag motion as you move the floss between teeth, being careful not to allow the floss to pop or snap between teeth as it enters.
What are the two types of floss? ›Types of Dental Floss
Unwaxed floss is thin nylon floss made of about 35 strands twisted together. It fits into tight spaces if your teeth are close together, but it can be prone to shredding or breaking. Waxed floss is a standard nylon floss with a light wax coating.