Floss/Interdental Cleaners
Dental floss (or dental tape) and other interdental cleaners (e.g., small brushes, special wooden or plastic picks, sticks or water flossers) removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it has a chance to harden into plaque. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar, a hard mineral deposit that forms on teeth and can only be removed through professional cleaning by a dental professional.
Floss
Floss was once made from silk fibers twisted to form a long strand. Today, floss is usually made from nylon filaments or plastic monofilaments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies dental floss as a Class I device, which means it is deemed to be low risk and subject to the least regulatory controls. Floss may be treated with flavoring agents, such as mint, to make flossing more pleasant. It’s generally not what type of floss is used, but how and when it’s used. Floss-related products include floss holders, floss threaders, or floss picks.
Other Interdental Cleaners
While floss is a flexible strand, other interdental cleaners specifically made for this purpose include dental/floss picks, pre-threaded flossers, tiny brushes that reach between the teeth, powered air or water flossers, or wooden plaque removers.
Interdental brushes are small-headed toothbrushes that are available in a range of different sizes to match the space between teeth. They can be cone shaped or cylindrical. Brushes for use for cleaning around implants have coated wire to avoid scratching the implants or causing a shock.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Floss and Other Interdental Cleaners
Look for the ADA Seal—your assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and efficacy by an independent body of scientific experts.
To qualify for the Seal of Acceptance, the company must provide evidence that:
-Using the floss or interdental cleaner with toothbrushing is more effective than brushing alone at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
-The product components are safe for use in the mouth.
-Unsupervised use of the product by the average patient will not harm hard or soft oral tissues or restorations.
-Clinical trials are not necessary for manual products similar in design and composition to dental floss or from those interdental cleaners previously Accepted by the Council.