A soft thread which can be pulled between the teeth to help keep them clean.
A soft, nylon string that is inserted between the teeth, and particularly at the base of the teeth below the gum line, then manipulated to slide up and down against the tooth surface to remove food particles and plaque and to stimulate the gum. Dental floss may be waxed or unwaxed. The wax helps the floss slide more easily through the spaces between the teeth but adds bulk to the string. Unwaxed floss may be preferable when the teeth are very close together. The daily use of floss is essential to oral hygiene because floss removes plaque from places on the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. The regular removal of plaque deposits helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. A dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant can provide instructions on proper flossing techniques, based on the teeth and the presence of bridges, dentures, or other dental restorations. Gums may be sore with slight bleeding during the first week of flossing.
Dental floss, a slender thread or tape typically composed of nylon, serves the purpose of eliminating plaque and food particles from difficult-to-reach spaces between the teeth and along the gumline. Floss can be found in both waxed and unwaxed forms, with certain types containing fluoride. Regular flossing is essential in addition to toothbrushing for maintaining oral hygiene.