You have choices when it comes to flossing. When used correctly, dental floss and tape are efficient tools for cleaning in between your teeth.

Since you were a child, you’ve undoubtedly heard that you should floss every day. Everyone appears to be praising the value of flossing, from your parents to your dentists, and they’re not wrong. But was the subject of flossing ever raised during that time?

Dental floss is the most common choice, although there are several alternatives, like dental tape. Both tools will assist you in cleaning your teeth, although they are slightly different from one another. This article includes a detailed guide on the difference between dental floss and dental tape and how to pick one. Continue reading to learn more.

Dental Tape vs. Floss

A crucial component of every dental hygiene regimen is flossing. You should floss before brushing your teeth to help reduce plaque buildup as you remove food particles and bacteria. Also, flossing is excellent for improving your breath. Dental floss and tape are typically your two alternatives when adding flossing to your oral hygiene regimen. Below are the essential details regarding each of these dental instruments.

What Is Dental Floss?

You can use dental floss, a long, thin nylon strand to access the narrow places between your teeth. Beeswax is frequently applied to it to make it easier to glide between teeth and into confined spaces.

What Is Dental Tape?

The dental tape has a ribbon-like look, contrary to various types of dental floss, as it has a broad and flat structure. It can be either waxed or unwaxed.

How to Use Dental Floss or Tape

Using dental tape or floss to floss is the same process. As the ADA demonstrates, do the following actions:

• Take a piece of tape or floss about 18 inches long and cut it off the spool.
• Wrap one of your middle fingers around the tape’s one end. Apply the tape to your other middle finger using the other end.
• For control, use your thumb and pointer finger to pinch the string on each hand.
• Place the tape or floss between two of your teeth, then form a C-shape by wrapping it around the edge of one tooth.
• Gently work the floss or tape up the tooth in a sawing motion until it comes out of the area between the teeth.
• To have a clean portion to work with, unwind a short section of floss or tape from one hand and coil it up on the other.
• Reverse the C-shape by repeating the motion on the opposing tooth surface.
• Similarly, clean the surfaces between the following two teeth with the help of floss or tape. Do this again for each of your teeth’s gaps.

Flossing is more crucial than the flossing product you select. Plaque between the teeth can become a hard material called tartar that only a dentist can remove if it isn’t frequently cleaned out with floss. It eliminates plaque from between the teeth. According to the ADA, if this occurs, your gums can potentially enlarge and bleed.

The ADA advises flossing once a day for this reason. You can floss whenever it is most convenient, before or after brushing your teeth.

Flossing & Taping: Which Is Best for You?

Dental tapes and flosses have similar plant-based components and properties that can help you keep healthy teeth and gums. Also, both are vegan and cruelty-free. However, you may wonder if dental tape is better than floss or vice versa. Your demands and preferences will determine whether you should choose tape or dental floss.

Dental floss is helpful for people whose teeth are closer together because of its streamlined design. Dental tape might be a preferable alternative for people with bigger gaps between their teeth. For people with sensitive gums, it might also be beneficial because it is typically thinner than floss.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let issues with tape or dental floss keep you from adopting or maintaining healthy oral hygiene practices. If you’re having trouble using dental floss or tape properly, consult your dentist for help and consider utilizing pre-threaded flossers, dental picks, water flossers, or small dental brushes. Even if you don’t have trouble flossing, you should still schedule frequent dental checkups.

Our dentist in Dallas Tx, has extensive knowledge in all things dental and is available to help you whenever you need them in addition to making product recommendations. Our dentist will also assist you with how to pick between dental floss & tape. Call us or stop by our office to schedule an appointment.