Dental Floss
Floss coating
• Waxed floss is coated with wax which makes it easier for the floss to slide
into the adjacent tooth surface.
• Mint flavoured floss gives a feeling of freshness.
• Fluoride coated floss is intended to prevent dental caries from occurring
on the adjacent tooth surfaces, but its effectiveness has not yet been proven.
Shape of floss
• Flattened floss is designed to increase the contact surface with the tooth.
• Ultra floss is spongy and soft.
• Round floss is relatively thinner.
• Superfloss
Superfloss contains segments of stiff-end threader, spongy floss
and regular floss. Stiff-end threader can make it easier for us to slide the Superfloss
through the gap between the teeth and fixed orthodontic appliances, or to floss
underneath the bridge. Spongy floss cleans around the appliances and between wide
spaces. Regular floss removes plaque from the adjacent tooth surfaces.
Please refer to sections "Cleaning of fixed orthodontic appliance" and "Cleaning of fixed bridge"
for method of using Superfloss.
Floss holder / Dental floss stick
Floss holder/dental floss stick is a supplementary tool for flossing. It is suitable
for parents or caregivers in helping children or individuals with special needs
to clean the adjacent surfaces of their teeth. There are many different types of
floss holder/dental floss sticks in the market. Parents are advised to choose the
appropriate type according to their durability, shape, and handle length.
• Floss holder and dental floss sticks come in either a “knife” shape or a
“Y” shape. They are similarly effective in cleaning teeth. A new thread of dental
floss can be reattached to the floss holder every time after use. When cleaning
the back teeth using a “knife” shaped dental floss stick, one will need to stretch
his lips to facilitate the access of the floss stick. Handles of floss holder/dental
floss sticks differ in length. Those with shorter handles are more difficult to
use. Therefore, parents and caregivers should choose the one with a longer handle
to floss for their children.
"Y" shape floss holder
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"Knife" shape floss holder
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• To effectively clean adjacent surfaces of teeth, the floss on the floss holder/dental
floss stick must be taut. Therefore, we need to pay attention to the tautness of
the floss when buying disposable dental floss sticks.
Disposable dental floss sticks
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Which dental floss is suitable for you?
You can choose a kind of dental floss or dental floss stick that is suitable for
you according to your personal need or preference. Those who are wearing fixed orthodontic
appliance or fixed bridge can use Superfloss. If used correctly, any kind of dental
floss will effectively remove dental plaque. The use
of dental floss will not widen the gaps between your teeth. There is no need to
worry about it.