Toothbrushes only clean 60% of the tooth surface as they can not reach the small spaces between the teeth. If you do not clean it, plaque can form. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that forms into tartar if not removed. Tartar leads to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. It can even damage the bones that support the teeth.

Dentists advise using floss or interdental brushes as part of your daily oral routine. These tools help remove food debris and bacteria between your teeth. With so many varieties of floss and interdental brushes, it can be tricky to decide which one to buy. So, let’s walk you through to help you choose which ones are best for you.

Waxed floss

Dental floss is a cord of thin filaments usually made from nylon. You can buy waxed or unwaxed floss. So, what does this mean? Waxed floss is a standard string floss with a wax coating. If you have tightly spaced teeth, then this is for you. The wax will make it easier to get the floss between your teeth. It is strong and will not break when you floss. If you are new to flossing, waxed floss may be more practical. Waxed floss also comes in different flavors to make the experience more pleasant. Flavors include mint and cinnamon. If you wear braces or other orthodontic appliances, waxed floss may suit you. However, waxed floss contains PFAS chemicals. These toxic chemicals can cause liver damage, developmental issues, and cancer.

Unwaxed floss

Like waxed floss, unwaxed floss consists of nylon, but it does not contain wax. If you have crowded teeth, this floss may be suitable for you. It is thinner and easier to hold. You may also prefer this to avoid artificial chemicals and flavors present in waxed floss. Pregnant women may want to use this rather than flavored floss, which can trigger nausea and sickness. Because it is thinner, it is more prone to breaking than waxed ones.

Floss Pick

Floss picks are small plastic tools that have a piece of floss threaded on a curved end. If you prefer not to wind the floss around your fingers, you will find this easier. If you have limited hand mobility or arthritis, floss picks will suit you. It is easy to use on the back teeth and the front teeth. However, floss picks are not as effective in removing plaque as standard floss.

Dental tape

If you find it difficult to clean your teeth with standard floss, you may find using dental tape easier to use. This flossing method is also quicker and simpler. This tape has a broad and flat surface that easily slides between the teeth. It is a more gentle way to floss and does not cause bleeding in the gums.

Dental tape is more practical if you have wider gaps between your teeth. Waxed varieties of dental tape are available. The waxed form usually comes in a mint flavor.

Water flosser/Electric water picks

If you have difficulty cleaning your teeth with the standard floss and have more budget, you can try using a water flosser or an electric water pick. This device uses water pressure to remove plaque and food debris from your teeth. If you wear braces or have had restoration work on your teeth, this is suitable for you. If you have found that the standard floss is too harsh on your gums, you may also prefer this. It reduces the risk of bleeding gums. Although it will cost you more, water flossers are more effective in removing plaque than regular floss.

Bamboo Floss

Standard floss and floss picks are not environmentally friendly. They consist of plastic and other materials that do not decompose fast. It ends up in landfills where it can take up to 1000 years to decompose. So, if you are looking for a more eco-friendly and natural way of flossing, then bamboo floss is the best option for you. When you want to dispose of the floss, place it in your garden or some compost. It will naturally break down itself in a matter of months. Bamboo floss contains activated charcoal. This naturally occurring agent prevents the build-up of plaque. It also whitens the areas around your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. If you suffer from bad breath, the activated charcoal will reduce it by trapping odor. Bamboo floss has an organic wax coating rather than the toxic agents present in standard floss. Wax coatings include peppermint oil and candelilla wax.

Interdental brushes

An interdental brush is a small brush with a handle. It has bristles made of nylon that remove food particles and bacteria between the teeth. Dentists recommend interdental brushes for everyone. However, it is more suitable if you:

• are looking for an easy and less time-consuming way to clean between the teeth
• suffer from periodontitis. It is a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth and bone loss
• have loose molars
• wear braces or other orthodontic appliances
• have gum retraction
• have large spaces or gaps between your teeth
• have limited mobility

To select the right interdental brush, you must consider a few of its different features. The bristles are available in different shapes, including triangular, round and conical. Brush sizes are available in different diameters. It is vital to choose a brush of the right size for you. It will prevent any damage and discomfort to the gums. Depending on your teeth, you may need more than one brush size for different areas of your teeth. You can also choose the brush according to your personal preference. Some bristles are colored or coated with chlorhexidine (an antibacterial agent). Some have a straight handle, and others are angled to reach the back teeth. See your dentist about which interdental brush is best for you.

Dentists recommend flossing and interdental brushes for everyone, on top of brushing your teeth. Use one of these tools at least once a day. If you want, you can use a combination of floss and interdental brushes. For example, use a water flosser at your home and floss picks when traveling.