Types and benefits of dental floss

As we go about our general routine, the process that we follow for our dental hygiene involves brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. But not all follow a dental hygiene. Some may skip flossing daily or using mouthwash. In fact, only 28% of Canadians flossed five times in a week. Some don’t do it out of laziness while some are unaware of its benefits. To clear this cloud of doubt, here are the most common types of dental floss and some major benefits of flossing your teeth.

Types of Dental Floss

1. Unwaxed Floss

As the named suggests, unwaxed floss does not have a wax coating and is thinner compared to waxed floss. Unwaxed floss easily fits between your teeth crevices. However, if used too rigorously, it can cause pain and bleeding. Also, this floss squeaks when the plaque is cleaned.

2. Waxed Floss

Waxed floss has a coating of wax on the strip to easily slip it within the crevices of your teeth. It is the most preferred type of floss. Waxed floss tends to be a little thicker, which can get difficult to enter the crevices of the teeth if you have very tiny gaps between your teeth.

Benefits of flossing

1. Plaque Prevention

When you floss your teeth, you are able to reach the crevices within your teeth that are hard for a toothbrush to reach. Since the toothbrush does not brush this area, plaque tends to accumulate in these gaps. Regular flossing ensures that plaque does not accumulate and helps to keep your teeth clean.

2. Gum Disease Prevention

If plaque accumulates, it turns into tartar and increases the growth of bacteria in your teeth and gums. Such accumulation eventually leads to gingivitis. If not treated in time, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. Regular flossing ensures that your gums stay clean and healthy.

3. Overall Disease Control

You may not believe it, but your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health. Unclean teeth lead to periodontal diseases, which is linked to many chronic diseases such as heart diseases. Also, flossing reduces your oral bacterial activity. This keeps your glucose levels in control and helps in diabetes control. Flossing also curtails bacteria from traveling down your respiratory system, thereby controlling the chances of diseases like bronchitis.

4. Bad Breath Prevention

Tartar and plaque buildup are the major factors that cause bad breath. When you floss regularly, you stop the buildup of plaque and tartar, which reduces bad breath.

With the knowledge of types and benefits of dental floss, you now do not have an excuse to not floss. Rather you should now consider making it a daily habit for all the benefits it has for your oral health. For more information on dental hygiene and to get a complete dental check-up, get in touch with a dentist.