We independently select all products and services. This article was written by a third-party company. If you click through links we provide, The Georgia Straight may earn a commission.Learn more
Maintaining good oral health is essential for your overall well-being. Merely brushing your teeth is not enough as flossing holds a vital role in preserving the health of your teeth and gums. Flossing aids in removing food residues and plaque from spaces that are inaccessible to brush, like the gaps between teeth and gum line. Nevertheless, selecting the most suitable dental floss from the plethora of options available in the market, to meet your personal needs, can pose a difficulty.
When considering dental floss, the most critical factor is the type of floss. The two most common types are nylon and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Nylon floss is made of multiple strands of nylon and can come in waxed or unwaxed versions. PTFE floss is made of a single filament and is often referred to as “glide” floss because it slides easily between teeth. Some people prefer one type over the other, and it’s important to consider which type will work best for your teeth.
Another factor to consider is the thickness of the floss. Dental floss comes in various thicknesses, from thin to thick. Thicker floss may be better for people with larger gaps between their teeth, while thinner floss may be better for people with tight spaces between their teeth.
We spent hours researching and testing various types of dental floss to identify the ones that work best for different needs. In the following sections, we will discuss the top dental floss products on the market and what makes them stand out.
Best Dental Flosses
We all know that brushing our teeth is important for maintaining good oral hygiene. But did you know that flossing is just as important? Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along your gumline, preventing cavities and gum disease. With so many different types of dental floss on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top dental flosses that will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Dental Floss
If you’re looking for an effective dental floss that’s gentle on gums and tough on plaque, then we recommend the Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Floss.
Pros
- Effectively removes tough plaque between teeth and just below the gum line.
- Silky smooth, shred-resistant texture.
- Slides up to 50% more easily in tight spaces vs. regular floss.
Cons
- May break more easily than other types of floss.
- Some users may not like the mint flavor.
- May not be as effective for those with wider gaps between teeth.
We’ve personally used this floss and found that it effectively removes plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas. The silky-smooth texture makes it easy to maneuver between teeth without causing irritation or discomfort.
One of the standout features of this floss is its ability to slide up to 50% more easily in tight spaces compared to regular floss. This makes it an ideal choice for those with crowded or tightly spaced teeth.
However, we did notice that the floss may break more easily than other types of floss, so you’ll need to be careful when using it. Additionally, some users may not enjoy the mint flavor, although we found it refreshing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dental floss that’s gentle on gums and effective at removing plaque, we highly recommend the Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Floss.
2. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Dental Floss
We highly recommend the Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Dental Floss for anyone looking for an effective and gentle flossing experience.
Pros
- Slides up to 50% more easily than regular floss
- Combines comfort with cleaning power to effectively remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line
- Contains a light coating of natural wax for improved grip
Cons
- May be more expensive than other floss brands
- Some users may not prefer the mint flavor
- May not be suitable for those with very sensitive gums
After using this floss, we found that it was incredibly effective at removing plaque and debris from even the tightest spaces between our teeth. The light coating of natural wax made it easy to grip and maneuver, while the mint flavor left our mouths feeling fresh and clean.
One of the standout features of this floss is how easily it slides between teeth, making it a great option for those with tight spaces or braces. Additionally, it effectively stimulates gums and helps prevent gingivitis as part of a complete dental plan.
While it may be slightly more expensive than other floss brands, we believe the effectiveness and comfort of the Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Dental Floss make it well worth the investment. However, those with very sensitive gums may want to opt for a gentler floss option. Overall, we highly recommend this product for anyone looking for a high-quality flossing experience.
3. Listerine Ultraclean Waxed Dental Floss
If you’re looking for a dental floss that is effective in removing plaque and small food particles between your teeth and around your gums, then Listerine Ultraclean Waxed Dental Floss is a great option.
Pros
- Listerine Ultraclean Waxed Dental Floss is shred-resistant, making it easy to flex, stretch and glide easily for an ultimate clean.
- The Micro Grooves technology used in the floss removes up to two times more plaque, making it an ideal tool for maintaining oral hygiene.
- The refreshing mint flavor of the floss leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
Cons
- The floss is relatively wide and may not be suitable for people with tight teeth.
- The texture of the floss may feel rough and uncomfortable for some people.
- The floss may break easily if not used carefully.
We’ve been using Listerine Ultraclean Waxed Dental Floss for a while now and have found it to be an effective tool for maintaining oral hygiene. The floss is easy to use and glides smoothly between teeth, removing even the smallest food particles. The mint flavor of the floss is refreshing and leaves our mouth feeling clean and fresh.
However, we did find that the floss is relatively wide and may not be suitable for people with tight teeth. Also, the texture of the floss may feel rough and uncomfortable for some people. We also noticed that the floss may break easily if not used carefully.
Overall, Listerine Ultraclean Waxed Dental Floss is a great option for anyone looking to maintain their oral hygiene. Its effectiveness in removing plaque and small food particles, combined with its refreshing mint flavor, makes it a great addition to any oral care routine.
4. Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss
If you’re looking for a dentist-designed dental floss that’s both effective and fun to use, Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss is a great choice.
Pros
- Designed by a dentist for maximum effectiveness.
- Delicious Mint scent that leaves your mouth feeling fresh.
- Made from recycled water bottles and cruelty-free.
Cons
- More expensive than other floss options.
- Some users report that the floss can be difficult to pull out of the container.
- Not suitable for people with very tight teeth.
We’ve been using Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss for a few months now, and we’re impressed with its effectiveness. The textured weave of 500+ interwoven threads expands like a net to reach and capture cavity-causing plaque, leaving you with an ultra-clean, bright smile.
One of the things we love about Cocofloss is its delicious Mint scent, which is naturally scented with spearmint oil. The floss is also infused with cleansing coconut oil and vegan wax to help it glide between teeth with comfort while it scrubs them clean.
We also appreciate the fact that Cocofloss is planet-friendly, clean, and cruelty-free. The floss is spun from ~85% recycled water bottles, and the dispenser is refillable, which means there’s less waste than with plastic picks and flossers. Cocofloss is also free of parabens, sulfates, and PFAS, and there are no irritating flavors.
Finally, we love Cocofloss’s GUM BLISS GUARANTEE. The 33-yard spool of recycled-polyester string floss lasts for about 2 months for one person. If you’re not feeling our floss in the first 30 days, just let Cocofloss know and they’ll happily refund you!
Overall, we highly recommend Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss for anyone looking for an effective and fun-to-use dental floss that’s also planet-friendly and cruelty-free.
5. Listerine Ultraclean Waxed Mint Dental Floss Bundle
If you’re looking for a dental floss that effectively removes plaque and food particles, then the Listerine Ultraclean Waxed Mint Dental Floss Bundle is a great option.
Pros
- The floss is shred-resistant, which makes it easy to use without worrying about it breaking or getting stuck in your teeth.
- It has a refreshing mint flavor that leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
- The Micro Grooves technology helps to remove up to two times more plaque than regular floss.
Cons
- The floss is waxed, which some people may not prefer.
- It may be thicker than some other flosses on the market, which can make it difficult to use if you have tight spaces between your teeth.
- The packaging is not very eco-friendly.
In our experience, the Listerine Ultraclean Waxed Mint Dental Floss Bundle is a solid choice for those looking for an effective dental floss. The shred-resistant technology and Micro Grooves make it easy to use and effective at removing plaque and food particles. The mint flavor is a nice touch and leaves your mouth feeling fresh. However, some people may not like the waxed texture, and it may be too thick for those with tight spaces between their teeth. Additionally, the packaging could be more eco-friendly. Overall, we would recommend giving this dental floss a try if you’re in the market for a new one.
6. Reach Waxed Dental Floss
If you’re looking for a dental floss that is effective in removing plaque and food particles, then the Reach Waxed Dental Floss is a great choice.
Pros
- The extra-wide cleaning surface of this mint-flavored, waxed dental floss is specifically designed for wide spaced teeth, making it effective in removing plaque from hard-to-reach places that brushing alone may miss.
- Reach Waxed Dental Floss helps protect your teeth and gums by effectively removing plaque, and is designed to clean between teeth and under the gum line.
- This dental floss removes small food particles that get stuck between the teeth and around gums, and that can lead to bad breath, for a thorough clean.
Cons
- Some users may find the mint flavor too strong.
- The container may not be very durable and may break easily.
- The floss may shred or break easily for some users.
We have used Reach Waxed Dental Floss for years and have found it to be effective in removing plaque and food particles. The extra-wide cleaning surface makes it easy to clean between wide spaced teeth, and it slides smoothly and easily. We appreciate that it is PFAS-free and helps protect our teeth and gums.
One downside is that some users may find the mint flavor too strong. Additionally, the container may not be very durable and may break easily, which can be inconvenient. Some users may also experience shredding or breaking of the floss.
Overall, we recommend Reach Waxed Dental Floss for its effectiveness in removing plaque and food particles, and for its extra-wide cleaning surface that makes it easy to clean between teeth.
7. Reach Cleanburst Dental Waxed Floss
We highly recommend Reach Cleanburst Dental Waxed Floss for anyone looking for a high-quality dental floss that is effective in removing plaque and food particles.
Pros
- The cinnamon flavor leaves a refreshing taste in your mouth after flossing.
- The extra-wide cleaning surface is specifically designed to clean between wide-spaced teeth.
- The waxed floss slides easily between teeth, making it less likely to shred or break.
Cons
- The cinnamon flavor may not appeal to everyone’s taste.
- The waxed coating may make it difficult to get a good grip on the floss.
- The floss may be too thin for those with larger gaps between their teeth.
We found that Reach Cleanburst Dental Waxed Floss effectively removes plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach places that brushing alone may miss. The extra-wide cleaning surface is especially helpful for those with wide-spaced teeth, and the waxed coating makes it easy to slide the floss between teeth without shredding or breaking.
While the cinnamon flavor may not be everyone’s cup of tea, we found it to be a refreshing change from traditional mint or plain floss. However, the waxed coating may make it difficult to get a good grip on the floss, especially for those with dexterity issues. Additionally, the floss may be too thin for those with larger gaps between their teeth.
Overall, Reach Cleanburst Dental Waxed Floss is a great choice for anyone looking for an effective and refreshing dental floss.
8. DrTung’s Smart Floss
We highly recommend DrTung’s Smart Floss for anyone looking for a natural and effective dental floss.
Pros
- Our all-natural floss expands to easily reach and clean those hard-to-get-at areas, removing up to 55% more plaque than other flosses.
- The natural flavor of cardamom in this floss leaves your mouth feeling extra clean.
- This revolutionary floss is designed to be gentler on gums, cushion-soft, stretchy, and can clean hard-to-reach places.
Cons
- The threads may fray and break between teeth.
- The packaging may start falling apart towards the end.
- Some users may experience difficulty with the expanding feature.
We were impressed with how well DrTung’s Smart Floss performed. The all-natural floss was able to effectively clean between our teeth and remove more plaque than other flosses we’ve tried. The cardamom flavor was a pleasant surprise and left our mouths feeling fresh and clean. We also appreciated how gentle the floss was on our gums and fingers.
While the threads may fray and break between teeth, we found that this was a minor issue compared to the benefits of using this floss. The packaging may also start falling apart towards the end, but we appreciated that it was plastic-free. Some users may experience difficulty with the expanding feature, but we found that with a little practice, it was easy to use.
Overall, we highly recommend DrTung’s Smart Floss for anyone looking for a natural and effective dental floss. It’s a great choice for those with widely spaced, tightly spaced, or braces. Plus, the cushion-soft and stretchy floss is gentle on gums and fingers.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best dental floss, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features you should look at before making a purchase:
Material
Dental floss comes in different materials such as nylon, silk, and PTFE. Nylon floss is the most common and is affordable. Silk floss is gentle on gums and is suitable for people with sensitive teeth. PTFE floss is made of a material that slides easily between teeth and is ideal for people with tight spaces between their teeth.
Thickness
Dental floss comes in different thicknesses, ranging from thin to thick. Thin floss is suitable for people with tight spaces between their teeth, while thick floss is ideal for people with wider gaps between their teeth.
Flavor
Flavored dental floss can make the flossing experience more pleasant. Common flavors include mint, cinnamon, and bubblegum.
Coating
Some dental floss is coated with wax or other materials to make it easier to slide between teeth. Uncoated floss is suitable for people with normal teeth, while coated floss is ideal for people with tight spaces between their teeth.
Ease of Use
Look for dental floss that is easy to handle and maneuver between teeth. Floss with a comfortable grip or handle can make flossing more comfortable and effective.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best dental floss for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using PTFE dental floss?
PTFE dental floss is a type of floss that is made from a material called polytetrafluoroethylene. It is known for its strength, durability, and non-stick properties, which make it easier to slide between teeth. PTFE dental floss is also resistant to shredding and breaking, making it a great choice for people with tight spaces between their teeth.
How does woven dental floss compare to traditional floss?
Woven dental floss is made from multiple strands of nylon that are woven together to form a thicker, more durable floss. It is designed to be gentle on gums and effectively remove plaque and food particles. Traditional floss, on the other hand, is made from a single strand of nylon and is thinner and less durable. Both types of floss are effective at cleaning teeth, but woven floss may be a better choice for people with sensitive gums.
Which type of dental floss is best for people with gum disease?
For people with gum disease, it is important to choose a floss that is gentle on the gums and can effectively remove plaque. Waxed or unwaxed floss can work well, but some people find that waxed floss is easier to slide between teeth. Textured floss, such as floss with a ribbed or spongy texture, can also be effective at removing plaque and stimulating the gums.
What are the advantages of using textured dental floss?
Textured dental floss can effectively remove plaque and food particles from teeth, while also stimulating the gums. Some types of textured floss, such as floss with a ribbed or spongy texture, can also be easier to grip and manipulate than traditional floss. Additionally, textured floss may be a good choice for people with braces or other dental appliances, as it can help remove food particles from hard-to-reach areas.
Is waxed or unwaxed floss more effective at removing plaque?
Both waxed and unwaxed floss can effectively remove plaque and food particles from teeth. However, some people find that waxed floss is easier to slide between teeth, especially if there is not much space between them. On the other hand, unwaxed floss may be a better choice for people with sensitive gums, as it is less likely to cause irritation.
What are the differences between Waterpik and traditional floss?
Waterpik is a type of oral irrigator that uses a stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline. Traditional floss, on the other hand, uses a thin strand of nylon to physically scrape plaque and food particles from teeth. Both methods can be effective at cleaning teeth, but some people find that Waterpik is easier to use and less likely to cause irritation or bleeding. However, it is important to note that Waterpik should not be used as a substitute for brushing or flossing, but rather as a supplement to a regular oral hygiene routin
