Which Is Better — Waxed or Unwaxed Floss?

You’ve brushed your teeth, but something still feels stuck. You reach for dental floss—and then you pause. One pack says “waxed.” Another says “unwaxed.” Both claim to clean well. So, which one should you choose? The answer depends on how your teeth are spaced, how floss feels when you use it, and a few other small but important details. Let’s look closer so you can make a choice that feels right for you.

Why Flossing Matters for Your Smile

Flossing is giving your teeth extra help after brushing. A toothbrush cleans the front, back, and tops of your teeth, but the sides between them are tricky. That’s where floss comes in.

When you floss every day, you:

• Remove tiny pieces of food stuck between teeth.
  

• Help prevent plaque from turning into tartar.
  

• Lower your risk of cavities in hard-to-reach spots.
  

• Keep gums healthier by removing bacteria at the gumline.

Even if you brush twice a day, skipping floss can leave up to one-third of your tooth surface dirty. Over time, that can cause gum problems or bad breath.

Other tools to help clean between teeth

• Water flosser – sprays a small stream of water to remove debris; good for people with braces or sensitive gums.
  

• Superfloss – has stiff ends and spongy parts for cleaning braces, bridges, or large gaps.
  

• Denture floss – made for cleaning around partial or full dentures.

These tools can be part of your routine, but dental floss is still a simple, low-cost option that works for most people.

Healthy habits add up

Using dental floss daily is also a part of reducing waste if you plan ahead. For example, some dental care kits now include eco-friendly floss or tools that help with composting dental care waste. Small changes like this protect both your mouth and the environment.

The main idea is simple: cleaning between your teeth is as important as brushing them. Once you understand the options, you can pick what works best for your mouth.

Two Main Types of Floss

There are two main types you’ll see in the store: waxed and unwaxed.

Waxed floss has a light coating of wax. This coating helps it slide more easily between tight teeth. It can also feel smoother and is less likely to shred. Waxed floss often comes in mint or other flavors, which some people enjoy because it leaves a fresh taste after cleaning.

Unwaxed floss is usually made from nylon strands twisted together. It feels slightly rougher, which can give you more “grip” when cleaning plaque. However, it can fray or break if your teeth are close together.

Here’s a closer look:

• Ease of use – Waxed is easier for tight spaces; unwaxed can squeak against teeth, which some people find satisfying.
  

• Durability – Waxed resists shredding; unwaxed may break more often.
  

• Flavor options – Waxed often flavored; unwaxed usually plain.
  

• Eco-friendly choices – Both can be found in silk or biodegradable versions.

It’s also worth noting special forms like super floss (or Superfloss) that combine features for people with braces, or denture floss for cleaning around dental appliances.

Both waxed and unwaxed do the same job if you use the right technique. The choice often comes down to comfort, the spacing of your teeth, and personal taste.

Does the Type of Floss Really Make a Difference?

The short answer: not much—at least for cleaning. Studies show that waxed and unwaxed floss remove plaque equally well when used properly. The bigger factor is whether you floss daily and use good technique.

Why people choose waxed:

• Slides easily between tight teeth.
  

• Less likely to break or shred.
  

• Feels smoother, especially for beginners.
  

Why people choose unwaxed:

• Slightly thinner, good for very tight spaces.
  

• Can give more “scrubbing” feel.
  

• Sometimes easier to find in eco-friendly materials.
  

You might also think about your dental setup:

• Braces or bridges – Waxed or PTFE-coated floss glides better; pair with super floss or threaders.
  

• Implants or dentures – Special denture floss or soft cleaners work best.
  

• Sensitive gums – Waxed floss or a water flosser can be gentler.

If you’re concerned about the environment, check labels for silk or biodegradable floss and think about composting dental care waste. Some dental care kits now include refills to reduce packaging.

In the end, the “better” choice is the one that you’ll use every day. If one type feels easier or more pleasant, that’s the one to keep in your routine.

Waxed vs. Unwaxed Floss — Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between waxed and unwaxed dental floss can feel simple at first. Both are made to clean between your teeth and along the gumline. Both can help prevent plaque buildup and gum problems. 

But the way they feel, how they slide, and how they work with different mouths can make one a better fit for you than the other.

Let’s look closely at each type, what makes them different, and how to know which one works best for you.

What Waxed Floss Offers

Waxed floss has a thin layer of wax that coats the strands. This wax makes it smooth and a little slippery, so it glides more easily between teeth—especially if your teeth are close together.

Benefits:

• Slides in without catching as often.
  

• Less likely to fray or break.
  

• Feels softer on sensitive gums.
  

• Often comes with a mint or fresh flavor.
  

When it helps most:

• Tight tooth spacing where plain floss might get stuck.
  

• People with braces, bridges, or dental work (especially if using Superfloss or super floss).
  

• Beginners who want something that feels smooth and easy.

Some waxed floss is made with nylon, while others use silk or other materials. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, you can find waxed floss that uses natural waxes and comes in refillable glass containers.

What Unwaxed Floss Offers

Unwaxed floss is made of multiple nylon strands twisted together without a coating. It’s a bit thinner than waxed floss, which can make it easier to fit between very tight spaces.

Benefits:

• Fits into extra-narrow gaps.
  

• Slightly rough texture can help “scrub” plaque.
  

• Often available in unflavored versions for people sensitive to taste.
  

• Usually comes in plastic-free or biodegradable options.
  

When it helps most:

• Very tight teeth where even waxed feels thick.
  

• People who like the squeaky “clean” feeling as the floss moves against teeth.
  

• Those looking for a simple, no-added-coating product.

Unwaxed floss can fray or break if you pull too hard or if it snags on sharp edges of dental work. It may also feel less smooth, which some people like and others don’t.

Do They Clean Differently?

Here’s the good news: research shows waxed and unwaxed floss clean about the same when you use proper technique. The main difference is comfort and ease of use. If you like how it feels, you’ll be more likely to use it every day—and flossing daily is what really keeps your teeth and gums healthy.

How to Match Floss to Your Needs

1. Look at your tooth spacing

• Tight gaps: Try unwaxed or thin waxed floss.
  

• Normal spacing: Either type will work—pick based on feel.
  

• Large spaces or gaps: Consider wider dental tape or Superfloss.
  

2. Consider your dental work

• Braces, bridges, implants: Waxed floss or super floss can slide through without fraying.
  

• Dentures: Use denture floss or specialized cleaning tools.
  

3. Think about your gums

• Sensitive gums: Waxed floss can feel softer.
  

• Normal gums: Any type works with gentle use.
  

4. Factor in personal habits

• If you floss at night before bed, flavor might not matter.
  

• If you floss after lunch, a mint flavor could make your mouth feel fresher.
  

Other Tools That Can Help

Even if you choose a floss you like, you might want to mix in other tools:

• Water flosser – A handheld device that sprays water between your teeth. It’s great if you have braces or find string floss tricky to use.
  

• Superfloss – Has stiff ends to thread under braces or bridges and a spongy section for cleaning around dental work.
  

• Denture floss – Made for cleaning dentures or partials without scratching them.

Using these tools doesn’t mean you skip floss altogether. Many people use a mix—string floss for most days, a water flosser for days when they want an extra rinse.

Waxed vs. Unwaxed: Quick Comparison

Tips for Getting the Most from Any Floss

No matter which type you choose, the way you use it matters most.

• Use enough: Cut about 45 cm so you can wrap it around your fingers and have a clean section for each tooth.
  

• Move gently: Slide the floss between teeth without snapping it.
  

• Make a C-shape: Hug the side of each tooth and move up and down to clean under the gumline.
  

• Be consistent: Floss once a day at a time that works for you.

If you find yourself skipping days because the floss feels uncomfortable, try switching to the other type. Comfort is a big part of building a daily habit.

Bottom Line

Waxed and unwaxed dental floss both do the same job—removing plaque and food from between your teeth. The choice comes down to what feels easiest and most comfortable for you. If one type slides in smoothly without breaking, and you like how it feels, that’s the right choice. Keep using it every day, and your teeth and gums will reflect the care you put into them.

Conclusion

So, which is better—waxed or unwaxed floss? Both clean your teeth well when you use them the right way. Waxed floss may be smoother and less likely to break, while unwaxed can fit into very tight spots. 

The best pick is the one that feels comfortable, works with your teeth, and makes you want to floss every day. A happy, healthy mouth comes from daily care, not from one perfect product.

Looking to choose your dental floss and keep your smile fresh? Check out smart and sustainable dental products at Wisley Market today!

FAQs

How often should I floss?

Once a day is enough for most people. The key is to be thorough and gentle.

Can kids use waxed floss?

Yes. Waxed floss can be easier for kids because it slides between teeth without fraying.

Is flavored floss safe?

Yes. Flavored floss uses food-safe coatings, but choose one without added sugars.

Can I reuse floss?

No. Used floss loses strength and can spread bacteria back into your mouth.

Is silk floss better for the environment?

Silk floss is biodegradable, so it can be better for reducing waste if disposed of properly.