tandtråd

Tandtråd, or dental floss, is a thin thread used to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and beneath the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot reach. It is commonly made from nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and is available in waxed or unwaxed forms. Some versions are flavored and come in different thicknesses, with specialized types for braces or implants.

Historically, cleaning between teeth with thread dates to the early 19th century, when Levi Spear Parmly advocated silk floss as a daily habit. Commercial floss became common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with nylon-based floss replacing silk and later PTFE monofilaments enabling thinner, stronger strands. Waxed and unwaxed varieties, dental tape for wider spaces, and braces-friendly options followed.

Common variants include waxed floss that slides easily, unwaxed floss, dental tape for wider gaps, and specialized floss for braces or implants. Materials include nylon and PTFE; some versions are flavoured.

To use, wrap about 25 cm of floss around the middle fingers, leaving a small working section. Guide the floss between teeth with a gentle sawing motion, curve into a C around the tooth, and slide beneath the gumline to remove plaque. Move to a clean segment for each interdental space. Use daily and avoid snapping.

Alternatives include interdental brushes and water flossers. Floss is typically discarded after use. Some brands market biodegradable variants, but the fibers themselves are not readily composted in home conditions, and environmental impact should be considered.