Does floss type matter?
Yes. All flosses aim to remove plaque, but their effectiveness varies. Interdental cleaning plus brushing lowers gum disease risk (Ng & Lim, 2021). Texture, material, and coating make a difference.
Waxed or unwaxed?
Waxed floss slips more easily between tight teeth. Some argue it’s less abrasive, but Imai et al. (2011) found similar plaque removal in both. Waxed is often easier—better to floss consistently than perfectly.
Cheap or premium?
Cocofloss uses textured fibers that scrub better than smooth nylon (Slot et al., 2008). It’s pricier, but pleasant to use. Basic floss works, but may feel rough or shred easily. If better floss means daily use, it’s worth it.
What about Glide/PTFE floss?
Glide is smooth and durable, made from PTFE (Teflon). It’s great for tight contacts and comfort, but less abrasive—so less effective at disrupting biofilm (Sälzer et al., 2015). Still, better than skipping floss.
Does abrasion help?
Yes. Disrupting biofilm is key (Van der Weijden & Slot, 2011). Textured floss like Cocofloss adds mild abrasion without harming gums—if used correctly.
Bottom line?
Use what you’ll stick with. Cocofloss is textured and effective. Glide is comfy but may clean less. Plain nylon is cheap and functional. Just floss daily.
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