Waxed vs Unwaxed Floss

What the wax actually does

Wax is a thin coating on the thread, often with a little flavouring added. Its main job is to help the floss slide between teeth and to make the strands less likely to split. It is not a medicine or a treatment, and it does not change what the floss is for.

Unwaxed floss is the same type of thread without that coating. It is made of multiple fine strands that can spread slightly as you work, which some people like because it feels as though it grips the tooth surface.

Which is easier in tight or crowded teeth?

If your teeth sit very close together, waxed floss is often the easier starting point because the coating helps it pass through the contact point without catching. Some thin waxed threads are sold specifically for tight spaces.

Unwaxed floss can still work, but it may shred or snag on rough edges or old fillings. If you notice thread fraying in the same place every time, mention it to your dentist, as a worn filling or rough edge can be fixed.

Is unwaxed ever the better choice?

Some people prefer the thinner profile of unwaxed floss, and it can be useful where there is a little more room. It also tends to be cheaper in plain packs, though comfort should guide the decision more than cost.

The squeaking sound it makes on clean tooth surfaces is something a few people use as a cue that a surface is clean, though it is not a reliable measure. Do not judge your technique by sound alone.

How to choose between them

Buy a small pack of each and use them for a week or two. Notice which one goes between your teeth without force, which stays intact, and which you are happy to pick up each evening. That practical test beats any general rule.

Whichever you choose, use a fresh section for each gap, curve the thread around each tooth in a C shape, and move it gently up and down rather than snapping it onto the gum.

• Tight contacts: try thin waxed thread first
• Fraying thread: ask your dentist to check for rough edges
• Dexterity problems: consider a floss holder or pick
• Wide gaps: look at tape or interdental brushes instead

Where the dental team fits in

A dentist or hygienist can see which gaps are tight, which are wide, and whether a different tool would suit you better. Ask them to watch your technique once, as small adjustments often make flossing quicker and more comfortable.

See them promptly if your gums bleed persistently, feel swollen or sore, or if a tooth feels loose. Floss choice is a small part of oral care and should never delay professional advice.

Questions readers ask