Flossing is a necessary part of daily oral care. What makes it essential to do every day is that it reaches between the teeth and in areas where the toothbrush cannot. Dental tape and floss are these interdental cleaning products.
With a slight difference between the two, interdental cleaning can be done using both of these products, however, for different types of teeth.
This article discusses what is the difference between floss and dental tape and how you can use it regularly to keep your oral health in a good condition.
Knowing Dental Tape
When it comes to flossing appliances and products, dental tape is not as frequently mentioned as floss strong or even floss picks.
Though, it can be easier to use and cleans between teeth that have a wider gap.
Dental tape is broader, more stretchy and flatter.
The tape is also made up of polyethylene fiber and waxed nylon.
It is around 1mm wider than the floss string.
Since it has a flat surface, it can slide between your teeth rather easily.
The waxed nylon also helps in gliding between the teeth.
As it is wider in shape, it is not as likely to snap against your teeth while using.
That is an issue with dental floss because of its thin string.
Due to its wideness, it will cover more surface area of the teeth.
Like several kinds of dental flosses, there are also different kinds of dental tapes.
Types of Dental Tape
You can find two kinds of tape as a dental product.
These include waxed dental tape and unwaxed dental tape.
The layer of wax whether it is on the dental tape or the floss allows easy gliding between the teeth.
Therefore, you can remove the plaque easily without hurting yourself.
On the other hand, the unwaxed tape will have a rougher movement because it lacks the smoothness of the wax.
Usually, the question isn’t about what kind of dental tape should you use but more about whether you should be using dental floss or tape.
Let’s find out about that below!
Dental Tape vs Dental Floss
Dental floss is made up of twisted nylon filaments and plastic monofilaments.
It is a thin string that comes in both waxed and unwaxed types.
While waxed floss easily glides between the teeth, unwaxed floss on the other hand is easier to grip though, it is more likely to snap, break and fray.
Though there are options such as biodegradable floss that are made from silk that can give you an eco-friendly alternative that does not snap easily either.
The purpose of dental floss and dental tape is basically the same.
The differences arise in their shape and specific use.
Dental floss is thin hence it is for teeth that are tightly together.
There is less gap between them so it is harder to glide a tape but a string can easily pass through.
The tape on the other hand is broad and flat.
Its thickness and width make the tape viable to use in between teeth that are widely spaced apart.
Due to its thick and flat surface, it is not as likely to snap during use as the floss string.
So what should you use?
Well, that depends on how easy and effective the products are to use.
For instance, dental floss may not be easy to handle if you have rather large fingers.
The thin strands of the floss may slide over, in that case, you can use tape instead.
If your teeth are not spaced apart then it is ideal to use waxed floss.
Waxed floss is sturdier than unwaxed one so there is less chance that it will snap against teeth and harm the gums.
The same is the case with tape it will not hurt the gums during use and you can use it for spaced teeth.
How to Use Dental Tape?
Whether it is dental tape or floss, the procedure of use for both is the same.
Begin by breaking an 18 inch strand of floss from the spool of tape.
Of this string or tape, wind one end on the middle finger of the right hand and the other one on the middle finger of the left hand.
Then using the pointer finger and thumb control and pinch the string.
Later, insert the floss and tape between two of your teeth wrapping it around one.
This will form a C-shape. Keeping the thread int the shape, glide and sway the tape back and forth using an up and down motion till it reaches the space between upper and lower teeth.
While working on the upper teeth, push the tape inside the interdental area and then bring it downwards till it touche sthe surface of the teeth.
You should never rub or move the floss or tape in a to and fro motion. That can damage the gingival tissues.
Once you are done using one section, unwind a section from one hand and wind it on another. This will give you aclean section to work with.
Moreover, do the same motion on the other side of the tooth surface again making the C-shape.
After that, move to the next two teeth that touch and repeat the procedure of cleaning in the space between them.
Gradually do that for all of the teeth in the mouth.
Both of these products work in removing plaque from your teeth effectively.
In fact, floss picks are also beneficial in doing the same with little hassle.
That said, learning how to floss is important regardless of the product you use.
Thus, set aside some time to learn how to floss teeth properly.
Flossing Products
While dental floss and dental tape are popular flossing products in the maret there are several others you can choose from to make flossing teeth more convenient.
These include:
Floss Picks
These are simple picks that do not have any strings in order to ease the process of flossing.
These picks allow you to floss on the go.
They are small in size, easy to use and can double as a toothpick.
Keep them in your bag to floss after every meal.
If you wear braces this is a good flosser to clean between the areas where a thread cannot go.
Using a thread with braces or other orthodontic appliances on can affect the wires and brackets.
Thus, it is good alternative for floss when you wear those appliances and can also come in handy for people who cannot use their hands longer.
So anyone suffering from Parkinson’s or arthritis can benefit from this stream of water that removes plaque.
However, it will need electricity and water supply which may not be available during travel.
Super Floss
Super floss cleans teeth that have a wide gap, those with braces and bridges.
It has three unique features and is designed in a way that there is a stiff end that enters the floss in tight areas.
On the other end there is a simple floss that further extends into a thick floss.
This part helps in cleaning the teeth around the braces and bridges.
Interdental Brushes
These dental brushes are cone shaped or cylindrical tiny brushes that fit between the space in teeth.
The tiny brushes are available in different sizes and shapes so that they clean the space properly.
Besides that, these are specialized brushes that can clean between dental implants.
Why Should You Floss?
Other than the appliances mentioned above, you can also use a wooden plaque remover, pre threaded flosser, and electric flosser.
In an electric flosser the floss vibrates in the interdental space.
This is effective and easy for people who have trouble gliding the floss with their hands.
However, this too has a downside because an excessive use can change the gum line. Hence, it should be used sparingly.
Thus, safer and complete options are still the dental floss and dental tape.
Both of these can get rid of the plaque that accumulates in your teeth.
What’s more important is to floss daily no matter what product you use.
Flossing should be done once a day necessarily.
Toothbrush whether it is electric or manual alone is not enough to get rid of all the plaque and tartar that keeps accumulating on your teeth and in the space between.
You will need something more precise and narrower to reach the interdental space than the toothbrush bristles and that is floss.
Only then will you be able to take good care of your oral hygiene.
Flossing difficulties keep several people away from regular flossing.
Due to advances in technology, now you have more appliances to ease the process.
If flossing using a dental floss is hard, you can go for an dental tape, interdental brush or water flosser anytime instead.
Thus, do not forget to floss your teeth once a day, be it with any product.
You may also floss after every meal if food tends to get stuck in your interdental space often.
Finally,
Do not let flossing difficulties prevent you from flossing teeth daily.
Go for a dental tape or other flossing appliance to clean your teeth regularly.
