How to Choose the Right Floss for You

What Type of Floss Should You Use?

You don’t need anyone to tell you again: you know that brushing your teeth twice per day helps keep your mouth healthy and cavity-free!

But when you’re just brushing and not flossing, you’re only cleaning 60% of your teeth’s surfaces. Flossing reaches where the toothbrush can’t and removes the food and plaque that causes cavities, gum infections, and in more severe cases, periodontal disease.

My patients often tell me they don’t like how much time it takes to floss, but flossing is so important to keeping your mouth healthy and disease-free. To get the most out of flossing, make sure you’re using the best type of floss for you and the correct technique. You can learn how to floss teeth properly, and then read on to discover how you can choose the best type of floss for you!

Tips for Choosing a Type of Floss

When you go to the store to look for floss, chances are you’ve been overwhelmed by the large variety to choose from. I typically recommend that my patients try a few different types of floss to discover what works best for them. In general, unwaxed floss has been considered the best because the individual filaments of the floss typically clean more effectively than waxed floss where the filaments are bound together.

Regardless, using floss that works for the individual is most important; Flossing in some way is better than not flossing at all!

Common Flossing Objections

Do any of the below sentences apply to you? If so, then read on to see what I recommend to my patients to help them floss easier!

I have trouble reaching my back teeth

If you have trouble reaching the back of your mouth to floss those teeth, then a floss pik with a long handle might help. You can use the handle to get a better grip on the floss while comfortably flossing the hard-to-reach areas.

The floss shreds really easily

If your teeth are spaced closely together, then “Glide” floss will help you floss easier and will prevent the floss from shredding.

I don’t know how to floss because I have a bridge

It’s still possible to floss if you have a bridge! Floss threaders (like “Superfloss”) are helpful because the soft, woven end fits comfortable under the bridge and catches debris. Small floss brushes are also helpful for keeping bridges clean.

If you’re still having trouble flossing with a bridge, I recommend a “Waterpik.” It’s not quite as effective as traditional floss, but it’s much better than doing nothing at all!

I just don’t have time to floss

If you want to keep your teeth healthy, then make time to floss! The little floss picks are great if you’re short on time. Keep some in your desk at work, in your car, or by the T.V. and floss whenever you have a spare minute. The good thing about flossing is that it doesn’t have to be at a certain time every day...just as long as you do it once!

Ask Your Hygienist for Help

If you have any questions at all about flossing, or need help choosing the type of floss best for you, just ask! I love helping my patients learn how to floss, and also giving them recommendations for flossing based on their individual schedule and lifestyle. It may also be helpful to bring the floss you’re using into the dental clinic so we can make sure you’re doing it in the most effective way.

At Bogart Dental our dentist is here to teach you tricks and tips to help make it easier and more enjoyable to floss. Give us a call at 647-955-3235 today to speak to someone from our team. Bogart Dental offers only what you need dentistry in Scarborough.

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What to Do if You Chip a Tooth?

By Elizabet Uzel • July 21, 2026

A chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it. Whether you bit into something hard, suffered a sports injury, or experienced an accidental fall, seeing a piece of your tooth break off can be alarming. The good news is that many chipped teeth can be repaired quickly and effectively with modern dental treatments. If you've chipped a tooth, knowing what to do next can help reduce discomfort and protect your smile until you can visit your dentist. Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage Not every chipped tooth is a dental emergency. Some chips are small and only affect the outer enamel, while others expose deeper layers of the tooth and require immediate care. Take a look at the affected tooth in a mirror if possible. If you notice severe pain, significant bleeding, or a large portion of the tooth has broken off, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Step 2: Rinse Your Mouth Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris and help keep the area clean. If the injury caused bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze until it stops. Step 3: Save Any Broken Pieces If you can find the chipped fragment, carefully pick it up and store it in a clean container or a small amount of milk. While it's not always possible to reattach the piece, bringing it to your dental appointment gives your dentist the opportunity to determine whether it can be used during treatment. Step 4: Protect the Tooth A chipped tooth may have sharp edges that can irritate your tongue, lips, or cheeks. If needed, cover the rough edge with temporary dental wax, available at most pharmacies, until you can see your dentist. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and stick to soft foods until the tooth has been evaluated. Step 5: Manage Discomfort If you're experiencing pain or sensitivity, consider: Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Avoiding extremely hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods and beverages that may trigger sensitivity. When Should You See a Dentist? Even if the chip seems minor, it's important to schedule a dental examination. A small crack can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of further damage or decay if left untreated. Seek prompt dental care if you experience: Severe or persistent tooth pain Sensitivity that doesn't improve A large piece of the tooth has broken off The tooth appears cracked down to the gumline Swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection Difficulty biting or chewing How Dentists Repair Chipped Teeth The best treatment depends on the size and location of the chip. Your dentist may recommend one of the following options: Dental Bonding For small chips, tooth-coloured composite resin can be carefully shaped and polished to restore the tooth's natural appearance. Dental bonding is often completed in a single visit. Dental Veneers If the chip affects a front tooth or involves cosmetic concerns, a porcelain veneer may be recommended to restore both appearance and strength. Dental Crowns For larger fractures that weaken the tooth, a dental crown provides full coverage and protection while restoring function. Root Canal Treatment If the chip exposes the tooth's nerve or causes significant damage to the pulp, root canal therapy may be necessary before restoring the tooth with a crown. Can a Chipped Tooth Heal on Its Own? Unlike other parts of your body, tooth enamel does not regenerate. A chipped tooth won't repair itself, even if it doesn't hurt. That's why prompt dental care is important to prevent further damage and maintain your oral health. Tips to Prevent Chipped Teeth While accidents can't always be avoided, you can reduce your risk by: Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports. Avoiding chewing on ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels. Never using your teeth to open packages or bottles. Wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth. Visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care and early detection of weakened teeth. Don't Ignore a Chipped Tooth A chipped tooth may seem like a minor inconvenience, but delaying treatment can lead to bigger dental problems. Early evaluation allows your dentist to recommend the most conservative and effective treatment, helping you preserve your natural tooth and avoid more extensive procedures later. If you've chipped a tooth, contact our dental team as soon as possible. We're here to provide prompt, compassionate care and restore your smile with treatment tailored to your needs. At Bogart Dental we offer only what you need dentistry in Scarborough. Call us today at 416-222-82-96 for a general review to discuss the best procedure for you.