With intertwined waxed threads that slide easily between teeth, this unique floss helps patients and clinicians tackle interdental plaque and debris
To floss, or not to floss? That is the question every patient seems to ask themselves in the bathroom mirror, and unfortunately many choose the latter. “Most patients aren’t consistent with flossing,” said hygienist and DPS evaluator Dana Jones. “They may start off flossing every night, only to stop after a few short weeks.”
A Teachable Moment
While some patients neglect flossing due to pain and bleeding, dexterity issues, or tight contacts that make the task difficult, Jones noted that other patients simply don’t know how.
“If a patient’s gums are bleeding throughout the cleaning process, I start off by asking them how often they're flossing and what tools they use,” she said. “If they don’t know how to floss, I walk them over to my wall mirror and show them the proper way to do it. I also recommend that they floss prior to brushing.”
Tackle Flossing with a Twist
One product that Jones has found to be a helpful tool in her flossing toolbox is Sunstar’s GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss, which is made with 2 intertwined waxed threads designed to slide easily between teeth and cover 30% more surface area than a single strand of floss.*
“I like that this floss didn’t break or shred,” said Jones, adding that it made the flossing experience more enjoyable and that she and her patients enjoyed the refreshing green tea and mint flavor.
The twisted and woven texture of the GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss allows it to slide easily between teeth to effectively remove interdental plaque and debris—even in tight interproximal spaces. “When flossing my patients, I found it was a little hard to grip when wet, but I absolutely loved using the floss on myself,” she added.
More GUM Floss to Recommend
Along with recommending GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss to her patients, Jones also recommends GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens, interdental cleaners with an easy-grip handle, antibacterial bristles, and a bendable neck, as well as GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threaders, designed to thread easily under orthodontic braces, fixed bridges, and implants.
“Every patient’s mouth is so different,” Jones explained. “Most of us are visual learners and tend to be motivated in the moment. If I don’t have products on hand, most patients will not go out and purchase them on their own. When I show a patient how to use a product and then place it in their goody bag, there’s a good chance they will use it that night.”
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