Affiliate disclosure: DentalsReview may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. This does not affect how we describe a product. We did not conduct hands-on wear or performance testing for this update; product descriptions are checked against manufacturer information, while the flossing guidance is based on dental-association resources. Amazon Associate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, DentalsReview earns from qualifying purchases.
The best dental floss is the one that fits your tooth contacts and that you can use gently every day. For many people, ordinary string floss is a good starting point: pass it carefully between teeth, curve it around each tooth, and avoid snapping it into the gums. Waxed and unwaxed floss are not shown to differ in effectiveness, so comfort and control can decide between them. Smooth, thin floss may be easier in tight contacts; dental tape or an expanding strand may feel better in some wider spaces. Braces, bridges, implants, gum recession and limited dexterity can change the best tool. This guide compares current floss formats, gives a practical fit matrix and explains when a threader, interdental brush or water flosser may be more useful.
Dental floss types: choose by fit and handling
The American Dental Association says waxed and unwaxed floss do not differ in effectiveness; comfort and handling can guide the choice. It also says floss may suit tight spaces, while interdental brushes may suit open spaces or some people with periodontitis. Evidence comparing interdental tools is limited for several outcomes, so this is a fit guide rather than a universal ranking. See the ADA’s review of floss and interdental cleaners.
How we selected these products
This is an evidence-led buying guide, not a lab test or a dentist survey. We checked the currently available manufacturer descriptions for each named product and compared their stated format and intended use with guidance from the ADA, Canadian Dental Association (CDA), and Ontario Dental Association (ODA). Product makers’ performance language is identified as a manufacturer claim, not independent proof. We do not publish price, star rating, review count, or stock status because these can change and were not independently verified for this update. We did not click affiliate links.
- We prioritize a clear use case and fit over a single “best overall” winner.
- We distinguish manufacturer descriptions from clinical evidence.
- We do not claim hands-on testing or comparative clinical superiority.
- We include limits: no floss fixes a damaged contact, and persistent bleeding needs attention.
Current product options
Oral-B Glide Healthy Gums — for close contacts
Best for: people who want a smooth-feeling floss that the manufacturer describes as easier to slide through tight spaces. The current Oral-B page describes an unflavored version and a shred-resistant texture. This may be a useful starting point when ordinary floss catches, but it is not a reason to force floss through a contact that will not pass gently.
Trade-off: the slippery feel is a preference, and the manufacturer’s comparative language is not a DentalsReview head-to-head result. Oral-B also lists Super Floss for braces, bridges and wide gaps.
Check price on Amazon → View manufacturer details
GUM ButlerWeave — waxed woven floss
Best for: someone who prefers a mint waxed strand with a woven texture. SUNSTAR describes its construction as designed to slide between tight teeth and resist shredding. That is a product-design description; actual comfort depends on your contacts, technique and restorations.
Trade-off: a textured strand may feel bulkier than a smooth monofilament. If it catches, frays or causes discomfort, stop and ask a dental professional to check the area rather than pulling harder.
Check price on Amazon → View manufacturer details
Oral-B Super Floss — for braces, bridges and wider gaps
Best for: cleaning around fixed orthodontic appliances or under bridgework when ordinary string cannot be threaded easily. Oral-B describes Super Floss as combining a stiffened end with a spongy portion and regular floss. Use the section that suits the appliance and follow your orthodontist’s or dentist’s instructions.
Trade-off: this specialty format is not necessary for every open space and may take more time to thread. If you have implants or a fixed bridge, ask the clinician who maintains it which tool and technique are appropriate.
Check price on Amazon → View manufacturer details
GUM Expanding Dental Floss — for a changing-width feel
Best for: people who like an initially narrow strand that expands as they use it. SUNSTAR describes its expanding floss as waxed and suitable for different interdental spaces. The changing texture is a preference, not evidence it removes more plaque than another floss in your mouth.
Trade-off: expansion may feel too bulky in very tight contacts. Never force it; try a smoother, thinner style or ask a dental professional to evaluate the contact.
Check price on Amazon → View manufacturer details
Cocofloss — for people who prefer a thicker woven strand
Best for: people who find a textured, thicker floss easier to feel and handle. The manufacturer describes its floss as woven from many fibers and offers flavored versions. Product texture and flavor may help some people stick with a routine, but they do not establish greater clinical effectiveness.
Trade-off: its thicker feel may not pass through close contacts comfortably. Choose a smoother, thinner floss for those contacts or get advice if the strand catches.
Check price on Amazon → View manufacturer details
How to floss properly: a gentle C-shape method
- Break off enough floss to work with a fresh section as you move tooth to tooth. Wind most around a middle finger on each hand and keep a short, controlled span between them.
- Guide the floss gently through the contact using a small back-and-forth motion. Do not snap it down onto the gum.
- At the gumline, curve the strand into a C against one tooth. Slide it gently just under the gum edge, then move up and down along the tooth surface.
- Curve it around the neighboring tooth and repeat. Clean both sides of each space, including behind the last molars.
- Advance to a clean section as you go, then discard the used floss.
The CDA describes the C-shape and cleaning each tooth surface; the ODA similarly emphasizes careful technique. Once a day is a practical target for interdental cleaning. Brush and floss in whichever order helps you do both thoroughly; the ADA says either order is acceptable.
If your teeth are tightly spaced
Try a gentle sawing motion to pass the contact, then curve the floss around the side of one tooth. A smooth, thin floss may be easier to guide than a bulky expanding or woven style, but fit varies. If floss repeatedly catches, shreds, or cannot pass, do not force it. A rough filling, tartar, decay, or a tight contact may need a dental exam. Try another style only if it passes comfortably.
Braces, bridges and implants
With braces, a floss threader or specialty floss with a stiff end can help guide floss under the wire; clean alongside each tooth without pulling on brackets. Under a bridge, thread floss beneath the pontic and clean the supporting teeth as demonstrated by your dentist. For implants, follow the implant clinician’s instructions; an appropriately sized interdental brush or a floss designed for the restoration may be recommended. Do not force a brush between teeth or against an implant. For product-specific choices, see our separate floss-picks guide, interdental-brush guide, and water flosser versus string floss comparison.
Bleeding, tenderness and gum health
A little bleeding can occur when gums are inflamed, but bleeding is not a reason to scrape harder or keep injuring the tissue. Use a gentle technique and clean between teeth consistently. If bleeding is persistent, heavy, painful, or occurs with swelling, pus, loose teeth, or a change in your bite, contact a dentist for an assessment. Gum disease, medication, restorations and other conditions can affect bleeding; this article cannot diagnose the cause. Read our separate guide to bleeding gums while flossing.
Floss vs interdental brushes vs water flossers
String floss is a reasonable fit for tight contacts when you can use it gently. Interdental brushes may be more practical in open spaces or for some people with periodontitis, but the brush must fit. A water flosser is another option for people who find string floss difficult, including some people with braces; it does not mean everyone should replace a tool their dental professional has recommended. Comparative evidence varies by outcome and population, and no one device is best for every mouth. See our string floss versus water flosser guide and interdental brush guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is waxed or unwaxed floss better?
The ADA says there is no difference in effectiveness. Choose the type that passes comfortably and that you will use consistently.
Is dental tape better for tight teeth?
Not necessarily. Tape is wider and may feel easier to grip, but it can feel bulky in tight contacts. Try a thin, smooth strand if tape will not pass gently.
Should I floss before or after brushing?
Either order is acceptable according to the ADA if you clean thoroughly. Choose a sequence you can maintain.
Can flossing damage gums?
Snapping or sawing forcefully can injure gum tissue. Guide floss gently, curve it around each tooth, and stop if a spot repeatedly hurts or catches.
Why does my floss shred or get stuck?
Repeated shredding or catching can reflect a rough edge, restoration, tight contact, or another issue. Do not keep pulling; ask a dentist to examine the site.
Should I floss if my gums bleed?
Use gentle technique, but do not dismiss persistent or heavy bleeding. Contact a dentist, especially if swelling, pain or other changes occur.
Can I use floss picks instead of string floss?
A pick can be easier to handle for some people. Use it carefully and clean both sides of each tooth; see our separate floss-picks guide.
Sources and product information
- American Dental Association: Dental Floss/Interdental Cleaners — technique, tool selection, waxed versus unwaxed, evidence limits, and brushing order.
- Canadian Dental Association: Flossing & Brushing — C-shape technique and daily cleaning.
- Ontario Dental Association: Brushing and Flossing.
- Manufacturer descriptions reviewed: Oral-B floss guide, GUM ButlerWeave, GUM Expanding Floss, and Cocofloss.