Dental Tape vs. Dental Floss: Choosing the Right Interdental Cleaner

Is regular flossing something you can skip in your oral-hygiene routine? We wouldn’t advise it. In addition to brushing and using mouthwash, flossing is a critical part of maintaining good oral health. That’s because while brushing removes plaque and food debris from the surfaces of your teeth, it can't reach the tight spaces between them – the interdental spaces. That’s where flossing comes in.

Dental floss and dental tape are two popular interdental cleaning tools, but many people are unsure which one to choose. Some find floss too thin and fiddly to handle, while others feel dental tape is too broad and uncomfortable for their teeth. The right choice depends on a number of factors, including personal preferences, tooth spacing, and any orthodontic appliances you may have.

In this guide, we’ll compare dental tape vs dental floss, explain their differences, and help you decide which is best for your oral-care routine. First, let’s determine the differences between dental floss and dental tape.

What is Dental Floss?

Dental floss is a thin strand of nylon or Teflon called PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene), which is designed to clean between teeth. It comes in various types to suit different needs, such as:

• Unwaxed floss – A standard, thin nylon floss made of multiple strands twisted together. It’s ideal for tight spaces but can fray or break easily.
• Waxed floss – The same as unwaxed floss but it’s coated with wax to glide more easily between teeth. It’s less likely to fray but may feel slightly thicker.
• PTFE floss – A monofilament material (like Gore-Tex) that glides smoothly between teeth and is highly resistant to shredding.
• Flavoured floss – Some flosses include mint or fluoride coatings to enhance freshness and strengthen enamel.

Benefits of Dental Floss

• Ideal for people with tightly spaced teeth.
• Available in waxed or unwaxed varieties to suit preferences.
• Can be used with floss threaders for those with braces.
• Highly effective for removing plaque and food particles.

What is Dental Tape?

Dental tape is very similar to floss but it’s broader and flatter. It resembles a thin ribbon and is often preferred by individuals with more spaces between their teeth.

Like floss, dental tape comes in waxed or unwaxed varieties. Waxed dental tape can make it easier to slide between teeth, while unwaxed tape provides a firmer grip for some users.

Benefits of Dental Tape

• Easier to handle than thin strands of floss.
• Broader and flatter than dental floss, making it ideal for wider gaps.
• May feel gentler on gums due to its wider surface area distributing pressure more evenly.
• Often recommended for people with sensitive gums or orthodontic appliances.

Dental Floss vs. Dental Tape: Key Differences 

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Both options are effective for removing plaque and food debris when used correctly. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference and dental needs.

Flossing with Braces: Which Option is Best?

Flossing with braces can be tricky because of the wires and brackets you have to get around. Still, it must be done to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.

Dental Tape for Braces

• The broader surface can be easier to thread under the wires.
• It can be gentler on the gums and less likely to snap.

Dental Floss for Braces

• Regular dental floss can be used with floss threaders, which help guide the floss under the archwire.
• Super floss is another excellent option as it consists of three components: A stiff end for threading under braces; a spongy middle section for cleaning around brackets; and a standard floss end for cleaning under the gum line.

At Hampstead Orthodontic Practice, we often recommend super floss or dental tape for patients with braces, as these options provide effective cleaning without damaging orthodontic appliances.

How to Use Dental Floss and Dental Tape in 6 Steps

1. Prepare the floss or tape – Break off about 18 inches (45cm) of floss/tape.
2. Wrap it around your fingers – Wrap most of the floss or tape around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with.
3. Insert it carefully – Gently slide the floss or tape between your teeth using a sawing motion. Avoid snapping it into your gums too harshly.
4. Curve around each tooth – Wrap the floss or tape into a “C” shape around each tooth and gently move it up and down to remove plaque.
5. Advance to a clean section – Use a fresh part of the floss/tape for each tooth.

For braces – Use a floss threader or super floss to navigate around wires.

Alternatives to Traditional Floss and Tape

If you struggle with using dental floss or dental tape, there are other interdental cleaning tools available. Try:

• Interdental brushes – Small brushes designed to clean between teeth and around braces.
• Floss picks – Floss attached to a handle, making it easier to grip and use.
• Dental picks – Thin, pointed tools designed to help remove plaque and food debris from between teeth and along the gumline. They can be useful for those who find traditional flossing difficult.
• Water flossers – Devices that use a pressurised stream of water to clean between teeth. They’re particularly useful for people with braces or dexterity issues.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can recommend the best option based on your specific needs.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Beyond Flossing

Flossing or using dental tape is just one part of a complete oral hygiene routine. To maintain good oral health, also remember to:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Eat a balanced diet and avoid excessive sugary snacks.

Conclusion

Both dental floss and dental tape are excellent tools for maintaining oral health. Your choice depends on your tooth spacing, comfort, and whether you have braces. The most important thing is to floss or use dental tape daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Still unsure which is best for you? Speak with your dentist or dental hygienist, or book a free consultation with us at Hampstead Orthodontic Practice. By incorporating interdental cleaning into your routine, you’ll be taking a vital step towards maintaining a bright, healthy smile.