Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 5/17/2006

Question
Hi, I have troulbe flossing , I was wondering if there were alternative ways other then the traditional floss.  I have seen and heard about different products you can use instead of floss.  Also which is better waterpik or interplak and if u use these do you still have to floss.

Ken

Answer
Ken-
Do not give up on floss yet. Waterpiks, etc are good for getting rid of debris but not plaque. You need to physically remove it. This is where floss comes in. What you need to do now is this: try different flosses. There are many different kinds. Tape is flat and wide. Unwaxed seems thin but shreds easily (not a favorite). I would try Glide floss next. this is made of Gore-Tex so it is very slick and slides in easily. Oral B Satin Floss is similar. So my recommendations is try Glide or Satin Floss first. Then try tape. I think one will do the job for you!

Good luck,

Jeff Dalin, DDS