Benefits that Come from Waxed Floss

We all know about the importance of brushing and flossing our teeth, but the fact is, only 30% of us floss daily and a whopping 32% of us never floss!

Not only does flossing help prevent plaque buildup, it can also help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The type of floss you use matters, and waxed floss provides many benefits that you won't find with unwaxed floss or – even worse – not flossing at all!

Why Wax Matters

Not all of us have perfectly straight, even teeth. Some of us may even have teeth that are slightly sharp or crowded together.Wax helps your floss slip easily between your teeth, allowing you to get into tight spaces to get out unwanted food particles. For those of us with jagged, sharp teeth, an extra protective layer of wax can help prevent your floss from snapping or fraying.

Waxed floss is also stiffer, making flossing a breeze for those with braces. Furthermore, braces can snag on unwaxed floss, causing the floss to break.

Another important consideration is that wax can provide a little extra bonus freshness after you brush. Often, the wax is infused with a peppermint or cinnamon flavor, making the flossing experience slightly more enjoyable. Hey, anything helps!

Mastering the Art of Flossing

Waxed or unwaxed, the most important thing is that you actually floss! Proper flossing can help stave off gum disease and cavities, prolonging the health of your teeth.

To make sure you do a thorough job of flossing, make sure you:

• Use an 18" length of floss and wind the ends around your middle fingers
• Always use a fresh segment of floss on each tooth
• Get up under the gumline, where up to 90% of the bacteria are lurking
• Hold the floss in a C-shape, covering each side of your tooth

Waxed floss can make this task easier and more tolerable.

If you're still uncertain how to floss correctly, call to schedule an appointment at our office. Our trained staff will be happy to demonstrate proper flossing techniques for you!