Listerine gum floss
Dental floss cleans between teeth, but the best type depends on contacts, gum spaces, bridges, braces, and dexterity.
The short answer
Listerine-branded dental floss is used to clean plaque and food from between teeth, but the correct floss type depends on contact tightness, gum condition, bridges, braces, and dexterity.
What is the direct answer?
A branded floss may be waxed, unwaxed, tape-like, or designed to slide more easily, but the cleaning action comes from adapting it to each tooth rather than snapping it into the gum.
What does this question mean?
Use a clean section for each space, guide the floss gently through the contact, then form a C shape against one tooth and move it up and down before cleaning the neighbouring tooth.
Tight contacts may suit thin floss or tape. Bridges, orthodontic wires, or wide spaces may need a threader, superfloss-style product, or interdental brush.
What can you do next?
Clean between teeth daily and brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces with fluoride toothpaste. If the floss shreds, catches, or cannot pass, do not force it.
A dental hygienist can show the technique and measure which interdental brush size fits without wedging or traumatizing the gum.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist for bleeding that persists after gentle daily cleaning, swollen or tender gums, pus, loose teeth, or a persistent bad taste.
A flossing problem at one repeated site may indicate decay, a rough filling, calculus, or an open contact that needs examination.
What should you ask the dentist?
Which floss or interdental brush fits each space?
Is bleeding caused by technique, plaque-related gum inflammation, or a local dental problem?
Do my fillings, bridge, braces, or implants change the cleaning method?
Frequently asked questions
Should floss go under the gum?
It should enter the shallow gum margin gently, without forcing or cutting tissue.
Is mouthwash a substitute for floss?
No. It does not mechanically clean contact surfaces as floss or an interdental device does.