Waxed vs. Unwaxed Floss: Why Houston Heights Dentistry Recommends Unwaxed

Flossing isn’t just an “extra credit” step in your dental routine—it’s essential for healthy teeth and gums. At Houston Heights Dentistry, we’ve always believed that the details matter, which is why Dr. Pranita Kadam—the best dentist in Houston—and our talented hygienist, Pina Patel, take the time to guide every patient toward the right home-care tools.
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Should I use waxed or unwaxed floss?”

The Difference Between Waxed and Unwaxed Floss

• Waxed floss is coated with a thin layer of wax that makes it glide more smoothly between teeth. Many people find it easier to slip between tight spaces, but it can also slide too easily, sometimes leaving plaque behind.
• Unwaxed floss is made of plain nylon fibers without any coating. Because the fibers spread out slightly as you floss, they create more surface area for catching and removing plaque.

Both types can remove plaque if used correctly, but in our clinical experience, unwaxed floss consistently gives patients a cleaner result.

What the Research Shows

Scientific studies have compared waxed and unwaxed floss for decades. A classic paper by Lamberts et al. (1982) found both types effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis, but other clinical reviews have noted that unwaxed floss can sometimes pick up slightly more plaque particles because its fibers fan out rather than slipping over buildup. Many hygienists also report that patients who switch to unwaxed floss notice “squeakier-clean” teeth after use.

That’s why at Houston Heights Dentistry, we lean toward unwaxed floss as the everyday choice for most patients.

Why We Recommend POH Unwaxed Floss

To make it easy for our patients, we proudly carry POH Unwaxed Floss right here in our office. POH floss is strong, shred-resistant, and designed with multiple fine nylon filaments that expand slightly as you clean—perfect for grabbing plaque where it hides. Patients love the fresh, clean feeling it leaves behind.

When you visit us, ask about POH floss at the front desk. Our team will even show you the best flossing technique to maximize results.

Personalized Care Matters

While research helps guide our recommendations, we always personalize our advice. Pina Patel, our experienced hygienist, spends time chairside with every patient to make sure your flossing technique is effective and comfortable. We believe that the right daily habits make the biggest difference in keeping smiles healthy between visits.

The Takeaway

If you want cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and a fresher smile, unwaxed floss is a powerful tool. And if you want the best results, ask us about POH Unwaxed Floss at your next visit—we’ve tested it, we use it, and we recommend it.

At Houston Heights Dentistry, we don’t just clean your teeth—we give you the right tools to keep them healthy for life.

References

• Lamberts, B. L., Wunderlich, R. C., & Caffesse, R. G. (1982). The effectiveness of waxed and unwaxed dental floss in plaque removal. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 9(2), 180–190.
• Waerhaug, J. (1981). The interdental brush and its place in operative and crown and bridge dentistry. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 8(2), 109–117.
• Carter, H. G., & Barnes, G. P. (1974). The effect of waxed and unwaxed dental floss on interdental plaque accumulation. Journal of Periodontology, 45(2), 130–133.