Along with brushing, flossing your teeth regularly is one of the most effective methods for fighting plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth. Diligent flossing helps remove plaque and debris from tight spaces and in between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach. Skipping or neglecting to floss all together can lead to serious problems for your teeth - the plaque continues to build up and eventually causes tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated.

Now that you know the importance of flossing, there are several things to consider when choosing a dental floss. Browse the oral hygiene section of your local drugstore and you're bound to be faced with a number of decisions. Floss comes in all types of varieties. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a dental floss:
1.    Waxed. Waxed floss has a coating on it that makes it easier for many people to slide the floss between tight teeth or tight restorations. Waxed floss is also not prone to shredding, as weaved floss is. However, some claim that waxed floss leaves a residue on the teeth.
2.    Unwaxed. Unwaxed, or weaved, tends to make a squeaking sound that lets you know your teeth are clean. However, this type of floss tends to tear and shred, and these pieces can get snagged in the teeth.
3.    Flavored. The flavoring of the floss has no real bearing on the effectiveness of the floss itself; it simply makes the process a little more pleasant. Floss comes in all sorts of flavors, such as cinnamon and mint, as well as plain.
4.    Dental tape. Dental tape is wider than floss and can also effectively clean between the teeth. This is recommended for people who have large gaps in their teeth or who have dentures or bridges.
5.    Flossing picks. Flossing picks are holders for floss that allow you to floss your teeth with just one hand. These are good for people whose manual dexterity is limited, or those who only have use of one hand.

Flossing alternatives
If you have difficulty flossing or for one reason or another would rather not, you can discuss flossing options with your dentist. Some people have sensitive gums, which can make flossing painful. Water picks are one option and use powerful tiny bursts of water to blast away food particles and other debris in certain areas of your mouth. Dentists use these water picks when preparing a tooth for restoration, or in general cleaning and exams.

In addition, you can also try a rinse. Antibacterial rinses, found either over the counter or by a prescription by your dentist, can also be effective means of getting rid of plaque between the teeth if flossing is too painful.

When it comes down to it, it's all a personal preference, as floss types are about equal when it comes to removing plaque. Flossing is a necessary part of dental hygiene, so it's important to find a floss you are comfortable with and you know you will use.

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay in between the teeth. Along with brushing your teeth, it is the most effective way to remove plaque.

Flossing the teeth comes with a number of benefits, and neglecting to floss regularly can lead to a number of serious dental and gum problems. One of these is cavities. Brushing does not clean in between your teeth. When the plaque and food and sugar in between your teeth are not removed by flossing, they start to eat away at the enamel in your teeth, eventually causing cavities in between the teeth. These are difficult, if not impossible, to detect without an x-ray from the dentist.

Gum disease is another result of not flossing. Flossing properly is also important for the gum line. Gum diseases, or periodontal diseases, occur when people don't brush or floss enough. Some common symptoms of this include sore or bleeding gums, hardened gums, and eventual tooth decay.

Types of floss
There are two main types of dental floss - waxed and weaved, or unwaxed. If you're confused about which type of floss you should use, keep in mind that while each have their own benefits and everyone has their own personal preference, they are both equally effective when it comes to removing plaque.

Waxed floss has a coating on it that makes it easier for many people to slide the floss between tight teeth or tight restorations. Waxed floss is also not prone to shredding, as weaved floss is. However, some claim that waxed floss leaves a residue on the teeth.

Weaved floss, on the other hand, tends to make a squeaking sound that lets you know your teeth are clean. However, this type of floss tends to tear and shred, and these pieces can get snagged in the teeth.

When it comes down to it, it's all a personal preference, as both types are about equal when it comes to removing plaque. You can also get floss, both waxed and unwaxed, in flavors such as mint and cinnamon.

Flossing properly
Once you have chosen the type of floss you like the best, it's important to floss properly. Practice proper flossing techniques. Pull the floss taut and pinch it between your thumbs and index fingers. These fingers will be your guides as you floss. Keep the floss in the center taut, and then slowly and gently work floss between your teeth and down to the gum line. Once you are finished flossing, brush your teeth.

Experts recommend you floss your teeth at least once a day. If you ever find that something is lodged in your teeth, use floss to gently try and remove it rather than picking at the teeth and gums with foreign objects.

Make sure to floss gently, and avoid snapping the floss into your gums. This can cause damage and bleeding to your gums. In addition, do not pull floss back and forth against the gums. This can be painful if your gums are sensitive and can also cause damage to your gums.

Flossing regularly is an important part of overall health for the teeth and gums. Neglecting to floss your teeth can lead to a number of serious dental and gum problems. One of these is cavities. Brushing does not clean in between your teeth. When the plaque and food and sugar in between your teeth are not removed by flossing, they start to eat away at the enamel in your teeth, eventually causing cavities in between the teeth.

Dentists and other experts recommend you floss at least once a day. But for people who have sensitive gums, flossing can be an unpleasant experience. However, not flossing can result in gum diseases, or periodontal diseases, which occurs when people don't brush or floss enough. Some common symptoms of this include sore or bleeding gums, hardened gums, and eventual tooth decay.

If you have sensitive gums, the following tips will help you to floss without pain:
1.    Start to use a desensitizing product, such as toothpaste. There are a number of toothpastes designed specifically for sensitive teeth that can help reduce the amount of sensitivity by decreasing the sensitivity of the dentin, where the root of the pain stems. In order for these toothpastes to be effective, they must be used in place of your regular toothpaste, so at least twice daily. Most patients say it takes about 2 weeks to notice results and a lowered sensitivity.
2.    Practice proper flossing techniques. pull the floss taut and pinch it between your thumbs and index fingers. These fingers will be your guides as you floss. Keep the floss in the center taut, and then slowly and gently work floss between your teeth and down to the gum line. Once you are finished flossing, brush your teeth.
3.    Floss gently! Avoid snapping the floss into your gums. This can cause damage and bleeding to your gums. In addition, do not pull floss back and forth against the gums. This can be painful if your gums are sensitive.
4.    Consider alternatives. For people who find it much too painful to floss, there are flossing alternatives. Water picks are one option and use powerful tiny bursts of water to blast away food particles and other debris in certain areas of your mouth. Dentists use these water picks when preparing a tooth for restoration, or in general cleaning and exams.
5.    Try a rinse. Antibacterial rinses, found either over the counter or by a prescription by your dentist, can also be effective means of getting rid of plaque between the teeth if flossing is too painful.

The best way to deal with sensitive gums is through prevention. If you have sensitive gums that make flossing painful, see your dentist to make sure there are no underlying problems or gum disease. If these go untreated, they can lead to more serious problems. Also, be sure to brush and floss regularly to keep gums and teeth in good condition. Many times, mild sensitivity can be alleviated by using an over the counter desensitizing agent, such as a toothpaste or rinse.