Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial for your overall health, and dental floss plays an indispensable role in achieving this. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, dental floss reaches those tight spaces between teeth and along the gumline where plaque and food particles love to hide. For over a decade, we’ve explored countless oral care products, and today, we delve into the comprehensive range of dental floss options available at CVS, helping you navigate their selection to find the perfect match for your needs.
What is Dental Floss? Why Do You Need It?
Dental floss is a thin strand of material, often nylon or PTFE, designed to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and beneath the gumline. These areas are notoriously difficult for a toothbrush to reach, making flossing an essential part of a complete oral care routine. Neglecting to floss allows plaque to accumulate, leading to tartar buildup, gum inflammation (gingivitis), cavities, and eventually more severe periodontal diseases. Regular flossing helps disrupt this process, promoting healthier gums, fresher breath, and a reduced risk of tooth decay. Integrating dental floss into your daily regimen is a simple yet powerful step towards safeguarding your dental health and preventing common oral issues.
Popular Types of Dental Floss Available on the Market
The world of dental floss offers a diverse array of options, each designed to cater to different oral needs and preferences. Understanding these types is key to selecting the most effective tool for your smile, and CVS typically stocks a wide variety, including their own popular CVS Health brand.
Monofilament Dental Floss
Monofilament dental floss is made from a single strand of plastic, often PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which allows it to glide smoothly between even the tightest teeth without shredding or breaking. This type of floss is generally very strong and durable.
- Pros: Smooth glide, less likely to shred or break, easy to use in tight spaces.
- Cons: Can sometimes feel less “scrubby” than multifilament floss, may contain materials like PTFE that some consumers wish to avoid.
- Suitable For: Individuals with tightly spaced teeth, those who experience frequent shredding with other floss types, or users with sensitive gums looking for a gentle option.
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Our Picks for the Best Dental Floss in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DenTek Advanced Clean Floss Picks with No Break & No Shred Dental Floss, Plaque Remover, 150 Count |
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| 2 | REACH Waxed Dental Floss, Mint, Plaque Remover for Teeth, Shred Resistant, Floss Slides Smoothly, Easy to Use, Waxed, Deep Cleaning Teeth, Oral Care, PFAS Free, for Adults & Kids, 6 Pack, 55 yd |
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| 3 | Oral-B Glide Mint Dental Floss Picks with Long Lasting Scope Flavor, 3 Pack of 75 Picks (225 Total) |
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| 4 | REACH Waxed Dental Floss, Mint, Plaque Remover for Teeth, Shred Resistant, Floss Slides Smoothly, Easy to Use, Waxed, Deep Cleaning Teeth, Oral Care, PFAS Free, for Adults & Kids, 1 Pack, 55 yd |
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| 5 | Oral-B Glide Dental Floss, Shred Resistant, Gentle on Gums, Natural Wax, Slides Smoothly, Deep Clean Cool Mint Flavor, 40 M, 3 Count |
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| 6 | Oral-B Glide Floss Pro-Health 131.2 Yds Mint Value 3-Pack |
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| 7 | Oral-B Glide Cool Mint Deep Clean Floss, 6 Count, Glide Dental Floss |
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| 8 | Oral-B Glide Dental Floss, Scope Mint Flavor, 40 m, Pack of 6 |
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| 9 | REACH Ultraclean Dental Floss, Mint, Plaque Remover for Teeth, Shred Resistant, Waxed, Easy on Gums & Teeth, Mint, Oral Care, PFAS Free, for Adults & Kids, 6 Pack, 30 yd |
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| 10 | DrTung's Smart Floss - Natural Dental Floss, PTFE & PFAS Free, Gentle on Gums, Expands & Stretches, BPA Free - Cardamom Flavor(Pack of 6) |
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Multifilament Dental Floss
Composed of multiple strands of nylon twisted together, multifilament floss offers a slightly rougher texture that can be highly effective at scrubbing away plaque. However, this multi-strand construction can make it prone to shredding, especially in very tight interdental spaces or around rough tooth surfaces.
- Pros: Excellent plaque removal due to its textured surface, often more affordable.
- Cons: Can shred or break easily, may be challenging to maneuver in very tight gaps.
- Suitable For: People with normal spacing between teeth, those who prefer a traditional “scrubbing” feel, and budget-conscious shoppers.
Waxed Dental Floss
Waxed dental floss is coated with a thin layer of wax, making it stronger and smoother than its unwaxed counterpart. The wax helps the floss glide effortlessly between teeth and makes it less likely to shred. Many CVS Health dental floss products come in a waxed variety, often infused with refreshing mint flavors.
- Pros: Easier to insert between teeth, less prone to breaking or fraying, often comes in various flavors.
- Cons: The wax coating can sometimes make it feel thicker, which might be a slight issue for extremely tight contacts.
- Suitable For: Most individuals, especially beginners or those with tightly packed teeth who need a smooth glide.
Unwaxed Dental Floss
Unwaxed dental floss, typically made from multifilament nylon, is thinner and has a natural texture without any coating. This allows it to squeak against clean tooth surfaces, providing a tactile confirmation of effective plaque removal. However, its lack of wax can make it more prone to shredding and harder to guide through tight spaces. CVS also offers unwaxed options for those who prefer them.
- Pros: Thinner profile for very tight spaces, satisfying “squeak” for tactile feedback, no added wax.
- Cons: More susceptible to shredding, can be harder to manipulate, may not be suitable for rough tooth surfaces or dental work.
- Suitable For: Individuals with very tight teeth, those who prefer a natural feel, and experienced flossers.
Fluoride Dental Floss
Some dental floss products are infused with fluoride, an essential mineral known for its cavity-fighting properties. As you floss, the fluoride is delivered directly to the interdental spaces, offering an extra layer of protection against tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas. While specific CVS Health branded fluoride floss might vary by availability, it’s a beneficial option often found in general oral care aisles.
- Pros: Provides added cavity protection, targets fluoride application to interdental spaces.
- Cons: May be less common in store-brand options, can sometimes be more expensive than basic floss.
- Suitable For: Anyone looking for enhanced cavity prevention, especially those prone to interproximal (between teeth) cavities.
Dental Floss Picks
Dental floss picks combine a small piece of floss held taut between two prongs on a handle. These convenient tools are excellent for on-the-go cleaning and can be easier to use for individuals who struggle with the traditional string floss technique, particularly for reaching back teeth. CVS Health offers various dental floss pick options, including those with double lines for enhanced cleaning.
- Pros: Extremely convenient for travel and quick cleanings, easy to use, great for reaching back teeth, available in various designs.
- Cons: Less flexible for wrapping around teeth effectively, can be less eco-friendly due to single-use plastic, may not clean as thoroughly as traditional string floss in all areas.
- Suitable For: Children, individuals with limited dexterity, those who need a convenient flossing solution, and beginners.
Comparing Different Dental Floss Types
Choosing the right dental floss involves weighing several factors, from ease of use to effectiveness. Here’s a comparison to help you distinguish between the common types, including what you might expect from CVS offerings.
| Criteria | Monofilament Floss (e.g., CVS Health EaseBetween) | Multifilament Floss (e.g., CVS Health Unwaxed) | Waxed Floss (e.g., CVS Health Mint Waxed) | Unwaxed Floss (e.g., CVS Health Unwaxed) | Dental Floss Picks (e.g., CVS Health Double Line) |
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| Durability | High (less shredding) | Moderate (can shred) | High (wax coating protects) | Low (more prone to shredding) | High (floss held taut) |
| Cleaning Ability | Good (smooth glide for plaque removal) | Excellent (textured surface for scrubbing) | Very Good (effective plaque removal) | Good (squeaks on clean surfaces) | Good (convenient, reaches difficult spots) |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy (glides smoothly) | Moderate (can be tricky in tight spots) | Easy (smooth glide) | Moderate (can snag) | Very Easy (single-hand operation) |
| Tight Spaces | Excellent | Fair | Good | Very Good (thinner profile) | Good |
| Cost | Moderate to High | Low to Moderate | Low to Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Texture/Feel | Smooth, slippery | Fibrous, “scrubby” | Smooth, slightly thicker | Fine, natural | Firm tension, plastic handle |
| Flavor Options | Often mint or unflavored | Often mint or unflavored | Frequently mint | Typically unflavored | Often mint or fruit flavors |
How to Use Dental Floss Correctly
Proper flossing technique is more important than the type of floss you choose. Even the best dental floss won’t be effective if used incorrectly. Follow these steps to ensure you’re getting the most out of your daily flossing routine.
Preparation Before Flossing
Start with about 18 inches (45 cm) of dental floss. This generous length ensures you have a fresh section of floss for each tooth. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand, and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand, leaving about one to two inches of floss tightly stretched between your fingers. This allows you to advance new, clean floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
Dental Floss Technique
- Holding the Floss: Grip the floss firmly between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving a small section (about 1-2 inches) taut. For upper teeth, use your thumbs to guide the floss. For lower teeth, use your forefingers.
- Guiding into Place: Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion. Avoid snapping the floss down, as this can injure your gums.
- Cleaning Each Tooth: Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it gently into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel slight resistance.
- Up and Down Motion: Move the floss up and down against the side of the tooth, cleaning from the gumline to the top of the tooth. Repeat this motion several times.
- Clean the Other Side: Unwind a fresh section of floss from one finger and wind the used section onto the other. Curve the fresh floss into a C-shape against the adjacent tooth and repeat the up-and-down cleaning motion.
- Repeat for All Teeth: Continue this process for every tooth, including the back sides of your last molars.
Common Flossing Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Snapping the Floss: Instead of snapping, use a gentle back-and-forth or sawing motion to guide the floss through contact points.
- Not Reaching the Gumline: Ensure the floss curves gently below the gumline to clean effectively without causing trauma.
- Using the Same Section of Floss: Always advance to a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring bacteria and plaque.
- Flossing Too Roughly: Be gentle. Flossing should not be painful or cause excessive bleeding. If bleeding persists, consult your dentist.
Flossing Frequency
Dental professionals universally recommend flossing at least once a day. This daily practice is crucial for removing the plaque that accumulates throughout the day and preventing its hardening into tartar. Consistency is key to maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
Where to Buy Dental Floss? What About the Price?
When it comes to purchasing dental floss, CVS Pharmacy stands out as a highly accessible and convenient option, offering a wide array of both national brands and their own value-packed CVS Health line. You can find dental floss at your local CVS store, where shelves are typically well-stocked with various types, flavors, and forms (
