Brushing thoroughly twice a day is one of the best things you can do for not just your oral health but your overall health as well. And yet, as good as brushing is, it’s not enough by itself—flossing is also important.
Why?
Because flossing makes it easier for you to clean around your gum line and between your teeth. Without flossing, plaque and food particles would be left untouched, allowing them to cause decay or gum disease. And as recent medical studies have shown, gum disease shares a not-insignificant connection with other kinds of health problems, including:
- Respiratory ailments
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy complications
- Heart disease
But there isn’t just one kind of floss out there. Among the different varieties, there are two main ones: waxed and un-waxed. So which is really more effective?
The benefit of using un-waxed floss—which is made up nylon strands woven together—is that it can more effectively clean spaces where teeth are very close together. The downside is that un-waxed floss can also break more easily.
Waxed floss, on the other hand, is made of regular floss but of course has a wax coating. That means it’s less likely to break, but it can also be difficult to use if you’re trying to clean between teeth that are very close together.
All of which means that there isn’t one particular type that’s right; it all depends on your needs. Some people have teeth that are very close to each other, while others have teeth that are spaced farther apart. The type of floss that’s right for you will depend on the type of teeth you have.
Still not sure what kind of floss you need? Call Dr. Cofer’s Waco dental office. During your next visit, we’d be happy to look at your teeth and recommend something that can help you.
Dr. Cofer serves patients from Waco, Lorena, Robinson, Hewett, and surrounding areas.