Product Evaluation

SUNSTAR

GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss

An effective, durable, and refreshing dental floss, GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss is a dependable interdental cleaning solution for clinicians and patients alike

Like many hygienists, Jenna Hebert is always on the lookout for improved dental hygiene products, especially those that can help patients tackle the often-dreaded task of cleaning between their teeth. Specifically, Hebert was hoping to find a dental “floss that removes more plaque and debris” than some other brands while also being easy to maneuver in tight interproximal spaces.

But choosing the right floss from the seemingly endless number of options on the market can feel like a double-edged sword, with pros and cons to each alternative. For example, one brand of floss may slide easily between teeth but doesn’t effectively remove plaque. Another floss might excel at removing debris but shreds or breaks too easily. Finding a one-size-fits-all dental floss is easier said than done, but Hebert thinks she found the solution with Sunstar’s GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss.

Featuring 2 intertwined waxed threads, GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss is designed to slide easily between teeth while covering 30% more surface area than a single strand of floss*, according to Sunstar. Its unique green tea and mint flavor helps fight bad breath and leaves the mouth feeling clean and refreshed.

Noting that “the thicker texture [of GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss] worked wonderfully to remove bacteria and absorb blood,” Hebert said, “I found that seeing is believing. Seeing how the floss was soaked in blood and bacteria left a visual takeaway for better compliance.” She also appreciated that the floss “is not Teflon coated, so it did not leave behind debris” and said, “It even worked well in tight, healthy tissue and was excellent at diseased tissue.”

Easy Sliding & Effective Plaque Removal

Designed with twisted waxed threads that slide easily between teeth, GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss removes twice as much plaque as a leading dental floss**, according to Sunstar. Calling it “very gentle on the gums, hygienist Julia Shin said the twisted fibers “actually grabbed and effectively removed plaque” rather than simply gliding over plaque. “Even though [it is] a thicker floss, it stretched easily to move into the interproximal spaces with ease and I felt like it was removing more subgingivally,” Hebert noted.

“The floss was nice and thin, went between the teeth well, and did not have a heavy wax coating,” shared Lydia Palmer, RDH. While a couple DPS evaluators thought the floss’ slick texture made it hard to grip, the slippery nature for maneuvering between teeth satisfied most of the evaluators.

“This floss was thin enough to use on most patients without issue,” said Jennifer Gugliotti, RDH, who suggested more wax coating to make it easier to slide between tight contacts. “It’s thin enough to access any interproximal area and achieves great interproximal cleaning,” noted Laura Inman, RDH. Hygienist Katelin Johnson expressed, “The floss was effective in thoroughly removing plaque that many other flosses leave behind.”

“There is no shredding or breaking when using this product.”
- Lydia Palmer, RDH, Rogers, AR 

Durability & Strength

When asked what she liked best about GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss, Dana Jones said, “I liked that it didn’t break or shred.” Palmer agreed “there is no shredding or breaking,” and Gugliotti said, “The floss held up well without shredding on patients with very tight dentition.” Having that double-stranded durability is key for this floss, especially when sliding between tighter interproximal areas. “The ease and strength of the floss did not disappoint,” reported Johnson.

A Clean, Refreshing Flavor

One feature of GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss that can’t be overlooked is its distinctive green tea and mint taste. “The taste was refreshing prior to brushing my teeth,” said Jones, and Hebert seconded that notion, explaining that “the green tea flavor was pleasant and not overpowering.” Anticipating that she wouldn’t like the flavor, Inman was surprised that “I actually do.” While Palmer thought “the taste is a little off,” Johnson said, “It is a very specific and unique flavor that may not appeal to everyone, though I did enjoy it.” On the other hand, Johnson’s husband did not like the flavor. “I love the refreshing flavor!” disclosed Fogle, and Johnson added, “I loved how fresh my breath felt after.”

Overall Satisfaction

Stating that “the floss is very well made and very strong,” Gugliotti said she would recommend it to others because of its “pleasant taste and sturdiness.” After using GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Floss for a few weeks, Johnson said, “I looked forward to flossing and felt fulfilled after each use.” Concluding that “it made [the flossing experience] enjoyable,” Jones commented, “This is a great product, and I can’t wait to recommend it to patients.”

Takeaways

• Twisted, woven, waxed texture slides easily between teeth

• Effectively and efficiently removes interdental plaque and debris

• Easy to maneuver in tight interproximal spaces

• Durable threads reduce breakage and shredding

• Green tea and mint flavor yields refreshing breath