Dental floss is composed of many nylon filaments which are bounded together to form a thread.
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Dental floss is used to remove dental
plaque from the adjacent surfaces of the teeth. Please refer to “ Oral
Care Tips” for using method. |
Floss coating
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Waxed floss is coated with wax which makes
it easier for the floss to slide into the adjacent tooth surface.
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Mint flavoured floss gives a feeling of
freshness.
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Fluoride coated floss is intended to prevent
dental caries from occurring on the adjacent tooth surfaces,
but its effectiveness has not yet been proven.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |