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Three Reasons to Use Waxed Dental Floss

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Some people find flossing easier than others. While you know that this is an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you might not manage the process all that well.

If you're currently using unwaxed dental floss and find it a struggle, then switching to a waxed product could help. This floss has a wax coating added to it that makes it easier to use in some situations.

When might waxed floss be a better option?

1. You Find Unwaxed Floss Hard to Manage

Some people just don't like the flossing process. They can get the floss between their teeth but then find it hard to manipulate when it is there. They worry that they might cause some damage or get some floss stuck between their teeth if they can't get it out easily.

If you have these worries, then using a waxed floss is less stressful. This product is more slippery because of its wax coating, so you should find it easier to get it in and out of the gaps between your teeth. The coating also makes the floss a little more robust, so you'll have less trouble holding and manipulating it.

2. You Have Small Gaps Between Your Teeth

If you have small gaps between your teeth, then you could have a battle getting an unwaxed floss into these spaces. Unwaxed floss doesn't always perform well in tight gaps where there is too much resistance and not enough space for the floss to fit.

The floss might not move down between the teeth smoothly; it might not go all the way down. A waxed alternative is slicker and smoother. It has some lubrication which helps it move through narrow gaps more effectively.

3. Your Unwaxed Floss Gets Damaged

Sometimes, floss frays or shreds when you use it. This often happens if you have a rough edge on a tooth. Or, floss can catch on a piece of tartar, a proud filling edge or on an area of tooth decay.

When this happens, it's hard to get the floss out in one piece. It also doesn't clean the gap effectively.

The coating on waxed floss reduces the chances of floss breakage. The wax not only helps the floss slide through, but it also makes it stronger.

If you're having flossing problems, then do mention them to your dentist. They can help you find a good flossing solution.

In some cases, you may need some treatment to fix the problem. For example, if you have tooth decay between two teeth that makes flossing hard, then your dentist can deal with this problem, too.

To learn more about flossing, visit a general dentist in your area.


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