Dental Floss Types: What’s Best and Why

If you’ve ever stood in the oral-care aisle staring at dozens of nearly identical spools and picks, wondering which floss is actually best, you’re not alone. “Floss” isn’t one thing, it’s a family of tools and materials designed to clean the tight spaces between your teeth where toothbrush bristles simply can’t reach. That job—interdental cleaning—isn’t optional; it’s a core part of preventing gum disease and cavities between teeth. Most professional bodies recommend brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth once daily with floss or another interdental device.

This long-form guide compares the major floss types and floss alternatives in plain language. You’ll learn what each is made of, how it behaves between teeth, where it shines, where it struggles, and how to pick the right option for your mouth. We’ll also touch on technique (because how you use it matters as much as what you buy), safety and sustainability, and special situations like braces, implants, and sensitive gums.

Quick promise: there’s no single “best” floss for everyone. The best choice is the one you’ll use correctly and consistently—matched to your tooth spacing, gum condition, dexterity, and dental work.

Table of Contents

Why floss at all? A 60-second science refresher

Plaque doesn’t just grow on front and back tooth surfaces; it colonizes the side walls between teeth and along the gumline. Left in place, that biofilm triggers gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can harden into tartar (calculus). Over time, inflammation can progress to periodontitis, risking bone loss and tooth mobility.

What does the evidence say about flossing specifically?

Adding floss to toothbrushing reduces gingivitis (gum inflammation) versus brushing alone over the short and medium term; the picture for plaque quantity is mixed but leans positive.
In mouths with more gum recession or larger spaces, interdental brushes often outperform string floss for plaque reduction.
Water flossers (oral irrigators) can reduce plaque and bleeding; several trials report results that meet or beat string floss on these measures, especially for hard-to-reach or irregular spaces.

Bottom line: some form of interdental cleaning daily is non-negotiable; the specific tool should fit your anatomy and habits.

Main families of floss and interdental cleaners

Think of interdental tools as a spectrum—from thin, slippery threads for tight contacts to brushy or water-based options for larger or irregular gaps.

1) Classic string floss (spool)

What it is:

A thin thread drawn between teeth and curved against the tooth surface in a “C” shape. Comes in:

Waxed nylon: Multifilament nylon coated with wax. Slightly grippier; slides reasonably well; less squeak.
Unwaxed nylon: Squeakier “clean” feel; may fray or shred on rough edges or tight contacts.
PTFE (“Glide”-style): Monofilament polytetrafluoroethylene with very low friction; excellent in tight contacts; highly shred-resistant; tends to “slide” rather than “scrub” unless you actively curve and move it.
Textured/expanding yarns: Multifilament that puffs up in the space to increase contact area (helpful for slightly wider embrasures).
Dental tape: Wider, ribbon-like version. Feels gentler; can be easier for beginners and for contacts that aren’t ultra-tight.

Pros:

Precise control; cheapest per use; compact; works in very tight spaces (especially PTFE and some tapes).

Cons:

Requires dexterity; technique-sensitive; easy to “snap” and nick the gum if rushed; may be frustrating around crowded teeth or fixed retainers.

Best for:

People with tight, regular contacts and healthy gums who can learn and maintain technique.

Choosing within this category:

Tight contacts / shredding issues: PTFE or a thin, waxed nylon.
Sensitivity / beginner comfort: Dental tape or lightly waxed floss.
Rough restorations / edges: Waxed or PTFE (less fray), but if shredding persists, mention it to your dentist—there may be a catchpoint to smooth.

Environmental note: Nylon and PTFE are not biodegradable; some brands now offer silk or other compostable threads and paper/cardboard spools (more on sustainability later).

2) Floss picks and holders

What they are:

A small plastic (or biodegradable) handle with a short pre-strung piece of floss stretched between two tines. “Y” or “F” shapes are common. Some picks include a toothpick tip.

Pros:

Easy to hold; great for people with limited dexterity or for quick on-the-go use; useful for parents flossing kids’ teeth.

Cons:

The short floss segment can push debris from site to site if not wiped between contacts; less ability to “hug” the tooth in a full C-shape; can encourage snapping.

Best for:

People who won’t floss otherwise due to dexterity, gag reflex, or convenience needs.

Tips to use better:

Rinse or wipe the floss between teeth; roll the head to adapt a C-shape; don’t jab the gum with the pick tip.

You’ll also see reusable floss holders with replaceable string—these can combine the ergonomic benefits of a handle with the hygiene of using fresh floss per session.

3) Specialty floss (tufted, spongy, threaders)

What it is:

Products like tufted floss (often sold as “Super Floss”) combine a stiff threader end, a spongy “fluffy” segment, and a standard floss tail. Floss threaders are loop tools that let you pull regular floss under a bridge, fixed retainer wire, or orthodontic appliance.

Pros:

Essential for cleaning under bridges and around braces; the spongy segment cleans broad surfaces and under pontics; the stiff end replaces a separate threading tool.

Cons:

Slower; niche use; more expensive than standard floss.

Best for:

Bridges, implants with bulky contours, braces/fixed retainers, large “black triangles” after periodontal therapy.

4) Interdental brushes (IDBs)

What they are:

Tiny bottle-brushes sized to your interdental space (colors correspond to diameters). You pass the brush horizontally through the space to sweep plaque.

Pros:

Excellent plaque removal on concave tooth surfaces and larger spaces; faster than string once sized; ideal after gum recession or in periodontitis; reusable if rinsed and dried.

Cons:

Not for very tight contacts; requires correct sizing (too small = ineffective; too large = trauma).

Best for:

Anyone with spaces bigger than a tight contact—common with gum recession, around implants, and in periodontitis care. Evidence consistently shows strong performance in these scenarios.

5) Water flossers (oral irrigators)

What they are:

Countertop or cordless devices that pulse water (or diluted mouthwash) to disrupt plaque and flush debris along the gumline and between teeth.

Pros:

Easy for people who struggle with manual flossing; helpful around braces, implants, and deep or irregular spaces; can reduce bleeding and plaque when used daily; feels gentle and can be motivating.

Cons:

Up-front cost; needs power/water; portability; less tactile feedback than string; technique still matters (slow tracing along gumline, pause between teeth).

Best for:

Orthodontic patients, people with dexterity limits, those prone to bleeding or inflammation who want a user-friendly routine. Systematic reviews increasingly support their effectiveness.

Waxed vs unwaxed, nylon vs PTFE, tape vs thread: what actually changes?

Let’s demystify the most common in-aisle choices.

Waxed vs. unwaxed

Waxed floss gets a thin coating that improves glide and reduces fraying, especially across rough edges or tight contacts. It may feel gentler for beginners.
Unwaxed floss can “squeak” when the tooth is clean—a feedback some people like—and may feel a bit grippier against the enamel surface. It’s more likely to shred if it snags.

In practice, both remove plaque equally well when used with correct technique; pick the feel you prefer and the one that doesn’t shred in your mouth.

Nylon (multifilament) vs. PTFE (monofilament)

Nylon is braided from many strands; it can expand slightly to contact more surface area and gives good friction for scrubbing.
PTFE (think “Glide”) is a single, slick filament that slides through ultra-tight contacts with minimal resistance and rarely shreds. The downside: if you just pop in and out without curving, it may contact less surface area than textured nylon, so technique matters.

A note on PFAS concerns with some PTFE flosses:
PTFE is a fluoropolymer, and some research has found associations between certain PTFE floss brands and higher serum levels of PFHxS, a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). The evidence is limited in size but has led some users to prefer non-PTFE options. If this is a priority for you, consider nylon, silk, or other PFAS-free materials.

Tape vs. thread

Dental tape is wider and flatter. Many beginners find it more comfortable and gentle at the gumline; it can feel less “cutting.” Tape can still be thin enough to pass tight contacts, particularly in PTFE versions.
Thread-like floss provides more concentrated pressure and may “scrub” narrow concavities more easily if you’re precise with your C-shape.

Textured/expanding floss

These yarn-like, puffing flosses increase surface contact once in the space. They’re excellent for slightly open contacts, areas of minor recession, or around bulky restorations—yet still thin enough to pass a tight entry point.

Technique: the great equalizer

No floss can rescue poor technique. The essentials:

Seat the floss past the contact with a gentle seesaw motion rather than snapping.
C-shape it: wrap the floss around the side of one tooth to form a letter “C,” hugging the surface.
Slide up and down 3–5 times, going slightly under the gumline (about 2–3 mm) without sawing across the papilla.
Switch sides of the same contact and repeat.
Fresh segment: advance to a clean section as you move to the next contact.

Whether you floss before or after brushing is less important than doing it consistently and correctly. Many dental bodies emphasize that the “best” time is the one you’ll actually stick with; some prefer before bed so your mouth is clean overnight.

Head-to-head: how the options compare

Effectiveness for gingivitis and plaque

String floss vs. brushing alone: Adding floss reduces gingivitis; effects on measured plaque vary by study design and technique.
Interdental brushes vs. floss: For people with larger spaces or periodontitis, interdental brushes often remove more plaque than floss. That’s largely a geometry win—brush bristles contact concavities that flat floss can miss.
Water flossers vs. floss: Several trials and reviews find water flossers equal or superior to floss for reducing bleeding and plaque, particularly where anatomy is complex (braces, implants, irregular embrasures). This doesn’t make string obsolete; it means irrigators are a legitimate, evidence-supported alternative for many users.

Takeaway: If your contacts are tight and regular, string floss works beautifully—if you’ll use it right. If your spaces are wider or irregular, consider interdental brushes or a water flosser (or both).

Special scenarios (and what to use)

Crowded front teeth with tight contacts

Use: PTFE or thin waxed nylon; dental tape (PTFE tape if ultra-tight).
Avoid: Over-thick or expanding floss that shreds on entry.
Tip: Angle slightly toward the wider side of the contact when passing through to reduce snapping.

Braces, fixed retainers, and lingual wires

Use: Tufted floss (e.g., “Super Floss”), floss threaders with standard floss, water flosser (hug the gumline and pause around brackets), interdental brushes from the cheek side.
Why: You need to clean under the wire and around brackets—tufted segments and water jets excel here.

Bridges and implants

Use: Tufted/floss threaders to sweep under pontics; interdental brushes sized to the space; water flosser for daily maintenance.
Why: You’re cleaning a “ceiling” (underside of a bridge) or a different crown-root contour (implant). Floss alone is rarely sufficient.

Gum recession and “black triangles”

Use: Interdental brushes sized by your hygienist; textured/expanding floss if a brush won’t fit; water flosser as an adjunct.
Why: Strings miss many concavities where bristles can flex and contact.

Bleeding or inflamed gums

Use: Whatever you’ll use daily with gentle technique. If manual flossing hurts or feels awkward, switch to brushes or an irrigator. Expect a week or two of improvement if you’re consistent; persistent bleeding warrants a professional check. (Flossing should not cause long-term bleeding; it reveals inflammation that needs attention.)

Dexterity or grip challenges (arthritis, neurological issues)

Use: Floss picks/holders, interdental brushes with chunky handles, or water flossers.
Why: Ergonomics matter more than marginal differences in material.

Kids and teens

Use: Floss picks (parent-assisted), tape for comfort, water flosser for braces years; graduate to string technique as coordination improves.
Tip: Make a nightly routine; consistency beats perfection.

Safety, comfort, and common mistakes

Snapping the floss through the contact can cut the gum papilla. Instead, saw gently side-to-side to ease through, then curve into a C-shape against the tooth.
Not going subgingival (slightly under the gum edge) misses where plaque hides; go gently 2–3 mm below the margin.
Using the same dirty section moves debris around; roll to a fresh bit each contact.
“Flossing makes gaps”—it doesn’t. If you notice gaps, it’s likely swelling from inflammation receding as gums heal.
Bleeding for the first week or two often reflects pre-existing inflammation; if it doesn’t improve with daily cleaning, see your dental professional.
Sensitivity: Tape and waxed options feel gentler; warm floss under water to soften wax in winter.

Sustainability: materials, packaging, and footprint

Traditional floss is nylon (petroleum-derived) or PTFE (a fluoropolymer). Disposed strands don’t degrade quickly and can tangle wildlife if littered (never flush floss). If sustainability is a priority:

Silk floss (often waxed with beeswax or candelilla) is compostable in industrial or home composting conditions when unwaxed with microplastics; read brand claims carefully.
Refillable spools in glass or metal reduce plastic housings.
Bioplastic picks exist, but check whether they’re truly compostable vs. merely “plant-based” plastic.
Interdental brushes generate less string waste; some brands offer replaceable brush heads.
PFAS considerations: If you’re avoiding fluoropolymers, skip PTFE floss.

Remember: the biggest “green” win is choosing a tool you’ll actually use—prevented dental disease has an environmental benefit too.

Cost and availability

String floss spools are the cheapest per use (pennies a day), especially store brands.
Picks and specialty floss cost more per contact cleaned.
Interdental brushes cost more upfront but you use only a few sizes; with rinsing and air-drying, each brush can last several days to a week (or per package guidance).
Water flossers are a one-time device purchase plus ongoing tips every few months.

A practical approach: keep a primary tool (string, brushes, or water) and a backup (picks in your bag, or a travel irrigator). Redundancy helps you stay consistent.

Putting it together: a decision guide

How tight are your contacts?

Very tight, no recession: Start with PTFE or thin waxed nylon string floss.
Mixed or wider spaces: Add interdental brushes sized to each gap.
Irregular or hard-to-reach (braces, bridges, implants): Consider a water flosser and/or tufted floss.

What will you actually use daily?

Hate threading? Try picks or a handle.
Struggle with technique? Use brushes or a water flosser—evidence supports them.

Any health or material preferences?

Avoiding PFAS? Choose nylon, silk, or tape that’s explicitly PFAS-free.
Sensitive gums? Choose tape, waxed nylon, or gentle water pressure (start low).

Get sized if possible.

A hygienist can size interdental brushes for you and spot where string is still needed (e.g., between very tight premolars).

Evidence at a glance (what matters most)

Daily interdental cleaning—using floss or another cleaner—is recommended by major dental organizations to help prevent gum disease and cavities between teeth.
Floss plus brushing reduces gingivitis compared with brushing alone; plaque reduction varies by study and technique.
Interdental brushes frequently outperform floss in mouths with larger spaces or periodontitis due to better surface contact.
Water flossers are a valid, often easier alternative with growing support from randomized studies and reviews.
Material choice (e.g., PTFE) may have PFAS exposure considerations for some users; data are limited but worth knowing if you prioritize this.

Frequently asked questions

Is waxed floss less effective than unwaxed?

No. Effectiveness hinges on your technique. Waxed can be more comfortable and less shreddy; unwaxed gives that “squeaky clean” feedback. Choose the one that helps you be thorough.

Should I floss before or after brushing?

Either. Many people like before bedtime; others prefer pre-brush to dislodge plaque for the toothbrush to sweep away. Consistency > sequence.

Can water flossers replace string floss completely?

For many users—especially with braces, implants, or larger spaces—yes, irrigators can be your primary interdental tool. Some people keep string for the tightest contacts and use a water flosser for everything else.

Do floss picks work?

Yes, but they’re easier to misuse. Wipe the segment between teeth, curve it into a C-shape against each tooth, and don’t snap. If picks are the only way you’ll floss, they’re a win.

My gums bleed when I floss. Stop or keep going?

Assuming gentle technique, keep going daily. Bleeding usually improves within 7–14 days as inflammation resolves. If it persists, see your dental professional.

What about “expanding” or “spongy” flosses?

They’re great for slightly open spaces and around work like crowns and implant collars, where extra surface contact helps.

Is silk floss good?

Silk is compostable and has a pleasant grip, but it can shred more easily on rough edges. If you like the feel and it doesn’t fray in your mouth, it’s a solid, sustainable option.

A sample routine you can actually keep

Morning or night: Brush 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
Once daily interdental:
- Tight, regular contacts → 60–90 seconds with string floss (PTFE or waxed nylon).
- Recession/irregularities → 60 seconds sweeping with interdental brushes.
- Braces/implants or low-dexterity → 1–2 minutes with a water flosser, tracing the gumline and pausing between teeth; add tufted floss where needed.
Weekly check: Feel for rough contacts that shred floss; note persistent bleeding spots; bring both up at your next cleaning.
Quarterly: Replace brush heads/irrigator tips; restock floss or brush sizes.

The nuanced truth: floss vs. everything else

The floss debate is often framed as “string floss vs. the world,” but that misses the point. Floss is a tool, not a belief system. In tight, youthful dentitions with firm papillae, floss shines. As our mouths change—crowding, orthodontics, gum recession, restorative work—the geometry changes, and other tools often win on contact area and ease of use. The highest yield choice is the one that best matches your spaces and your habits.

If you’ve struggled to floss daily for years, give yourself permission to switch: try an irrigator, add correctly sized interdental brushes, or use a floss holder. The real goal isn’t owning the “right” spool—it’s cleaning the right surfaces, every day.