Waxed Floss
What is waxed floss? It is a traditional type of dental floss which is coated in wax and therefore makes it easier for the floss to slide in between teeth; especially a closely spaced teeth.
Waxed floss is usually thicker than other types of floss and therefore more resistant to breakage.
It is also effective in flossing teeth in which the gap in between them is too narrow for dental tape. Wax coated flosses may be flavoured or not. Examples of commonly used flavors include mint and cinnamon, while others include a wide range of flavors; such as strawberry, bacon etc.
The waxing of the floss usually takes place during its Manufacturing process, in Emulsion baths. There the floss is pulled through wax, flavors or other desired coatings.
Dental Floss:
A dental floss is a soft thin thread of silk, nylon or other similar materials used for cleaning food debris and plague flanked by the teeth.
The first form of a dental floss was created in 1819 by Levi spear parmly.
Besides waxed floss there are other types of dental floss, such as; unwaxed floss, dental tape(tape floss), flavoured floss, super floss, woven floss(thread floss) and fluoride coated floss. There are also flossing alternatives such as toothpick, end-tuffed brushes, interproximal brushes and swabs etc.
How to Use Floss:
Before using a dental floss, you must first determine the right type of dental floss for your teeth. Scientific studies have shown that no type of floss is naturally more effective than the other, as the outcome lies on the dexterity of the user, although tape floss and super floss tend to work more effectively on teeth with wider gaps.
The Proper Way to Floss:
- Grab about 45cm to55cm of floss and break it off from the dispenser/main roll.
- Twist it around your two middle fingers, or your two index fingers and leave a couple of distance to floss with, preferably 9cm
- Gently slide it between your teeth.
- Slowly move the floss up and down on the side of each tooth.
- Move the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth, and be sure to go below your gum line. You may experience some bleeding but it is actually a positive sign that you have to floss more often.
- Repeat the process between each tooth, floss one tooth at a time and in the same time not forgetting to floss the back of your molars.
- Change the section of floss you are using from time to time or tooth to tooth.
- Rinse your mouth afterwards; rinsing vigorously helps to complete the flossing process.
- Rinsing the mouth with a mouthwash is highly recommended as it is more effective in completely removing traces of bacteria.
- Floss at least once a day, in the morning before breakfast or at night before bedtime.
- Use Flossing Aids – these are devices or means created to help those who have issues with the traditional way of flossing such as grip control problems etc. They include: dental floss holders, floss picks, electric flosses or oral irrigators (water flossers).
Pros
Its thickness relative to unwaxed floss makes it stronger and more resistant to Breaking and fraying than unwaxed floss.
It is very useful for people with braces .
Cons
Its slippery nature may be awkward and disturbing to some persons.