Oral Care, Dental Floss, Drtungs, Oral Hygiene
Is Expanding Dental Floss Better Than Waxed Floss? UK Dentist Guide (2026)
Jun
Quick Answer
Yes, Expanding Dental Floss (also called microfilament or PTFE floss) generally outperforms standard waxed floss for plaque removal, especially for people with tight contacts or sensitive gums. It expands on contact with moisture to cover more tooth surface, making it a top choice recommended by UK dentists.
If you’ve ever stood in the dental aisle wondering whether to grab the same old waxed floss or try something new, you’re not alone. Expanding dental floss has been quietly gaining ground in UK bathrooms and for good reason. But is it actually better, or is it just clever marketing?
Let’s cut through the confusion with a proper, dentist-backed comparison so you can make the right choice for your teeth.
What Is Expanding Dental Floss?
Expanding dental floss, sometimes sold as Smart Floss or microfilament floss is made from multi-strand fibres that expand when they come into contact with saliva and moisture in your mouth. As it spreads, it covers a wider surface area between your teeth and along the gumline.
A great example used across UK clinics and available online is drTung’s Smart Floss, which uses a unique spun fibre technology to clean 55% more surface area than regular floss. It’s especially popular for people who struggle with tight teeth contacts.
What Is Waxed Floss?
Waxed floss is the classic variety most of us grew up with. It’s made from nylon filaments coated in a thin layer of wax, which helps it glide between teeth more easily, particularly helpful if your teeth are tightly packed together.
Waxed floss is widely available across UK supermarkets and pharmacies. It’s reliable, affordable, and does the job, but it has some limitations when it comes to thorough plaque removal.
Waxed vs Expanding Floss: Side-by-Side Comparison
Expanding Floss
- Plaque Removal: Excellent; expands to clean a wider surface area between teeth.
- Glide Ability: Very smooth and designed to expand after insertion.
- Best for Tight Teeth: Yes, adapts well to narrow spaces.
- Surface Area Covered: Up to 55% more coverage than standard floss.
- Gum Comfort: Soft texture that can feel gentler on sensitive gums.
- Availability: Mainly available online and through specialist retailers.
- Price: Typically £5–£8 per pack.
- Eco Options: Available from some eco-conscious brands.
Waxed Floss
- Plaque Removal: Good for everyday cleaning and plaque control.
- Glide Ability: Smooth due to its wax coating.
- Best for Tight Teeth: Yes, particularly effective in very tight spaces.
- Surface Area Covered: Standard coverage with a thin, consistent profile.
- Gum Comfort: Comfortable for most users but can occasionally snap or feel firmer.
- Availability: Widely available in UK supermarkets and pharmacies.
- Price: Typically £1–£4 per pack.
- Eco Options: Available from selected brands offering sustainable alternatives.
Does Expanding Floss Remove More Plaque?
This is the big question, and the short answer is yes, in most cases.
Because expanding dental floss spreads out between your teeth, it makes contact with more of the tooth surface and the subgingival area (just below the gumline). Plaque loves to hide in these tight, curved spaces that standard floss can miss entirely.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that expanding polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) flosses were more effective at reducing gingival inflammation compared to standard nylon flosses. UK periodontists often recommend expanding floss for patients with gingivitis or early periodontal disease for exactly this reason.
That said, the best floss is always the one you’ll actually use consistently. If you find waxed floss more comfortable and it means you floss every day, that’s better than expensive floss used once a week.
Is Smart Floss Worth It in the UK?
Smart Floss (like drTung’s) sits in the expanding floss category. For UK users, here’s the honest verdict:
- Worth it if: You have tight contacts, sensitive gums, dental bridges, or have struggled to stick to a flossing routine.
- May not be necessary if you already floss consistently with waxed floss and have no gum issues.
- Where to buy: drTung’s Smart Floss is available at drtungs.co.uk and selected UK health retailers.
If you’re building a complete oral care routine, pair your floss with drTung’s tongue cleaner and a quality toothbrush for best results. Also check out our guide on choosing the right interdental cleaning tools for more personalised advice.
Best Dental Floss for Tight Teeth in the UK
Tight tooth contacts (where your teeth are closely spaced) can make flossing painful and ineffective with regular floss. Here’s what dentists recommend:
- Expanding PTFE floss, Glides in thin, expands to clean. drTung’s Smart Floss is a top pick.
- Waxed floss (fine gauge), Better than unwaxed for tight gaps.
- Floss picks / tape, Useful as a backup but less effective than proper floss.
- Water flosser, Great as a supplement, not a replacement.
For a full overview of options, the NHS Oral Health Foundation offers UK-specific guidance on interdental cleaning tools.
People Also Ask
Is expanding dental floss better?
For most people, yes. Expanding dental floss covers more surface area and is gentler on gums, making it more effective at removing plaque, particularly for those with tight teeth or gum sensitivity.
Does expanding floss remove more plaque?
Yes. Research supports that expanding or PTFE floss contacts more of the tooth surface and subgingival region, removing more plaque and reducing gum inflammation compared to standard nylon flosses.
What is the difference between waxed and expanding floss?
Waxed floss is coated nylon that glides easily but maintains a fixed width. Expanding floss is made of multi-strand fibres that swell when wet, covering a wider area between and around teeth for more thorough cleaning.
Is Smart Floss worth it?
For people with tight contacts, dental work, or gum sensitivity, yes, absolutely. It’s pricier than standard floss but many UK users find they floss more consistently because it’s more comfortable and effective.
FAQs: Expanding Dental Floss UK
Q1: Can I use expanding floss if I have braces or dental bridges?
Yes! Expanding floss is actually ideal for braces and bridges. Its flexible fibres can thread under bridge work more easily and navigate around brackets without snapping. Some varieties come with a stiffened end to help threading.
Q2: How often should I floss with expanding dental floss?
Once a day is the recommendation from both the NHS and the British Dental Association. Flossing before brushing at night is ideal it dislodges food and plaque so brushing can sweep it away.
Q3: Is PTFE floss safe to use?
Yes. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) floss has been used in dentistry for decades and is widely considered safe for regular use. It’s latex-free and well-suited for people with sensitivities.
Q4: Why does my gum bleed when I floss?
Bleeding is usually a sign of inflamed gums (gingivitis), often caused by infrequent flossing. It typically settles within two weeks of consistent daily flossing. If bleeding continues beyond that, visit your NHS or private dentist.
Q5: Is waxed floss bad for teeth?
No,waxed floss is safe and effective. The wax coating doesn’t damage enamel or gums. The main limitation is that it doesn’t expand to cover as much surface area as microfilament floss, so some plaque may remain.
Q6: Where can I buy expanding dental floss in the UK?
drTung’s Smart Floss is available directly from drtungs.co.uk. You can also find expanding floss varieties in Holland & Barrett, independent pharmacies, and specialist dental retailers across the UK.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for the most effective daily floss for thorough plaque removal and gum health, expanding dental floss is the winner. It’s gentler, covers more ground, and is especially well-suited to UK patients with tight contacts or early gum problems.
Waxed floss remains a perfectly good option if it suits your routine and you use it consistently. The best floss is always the one that becomes a daily habit.
Ready to upgrade your routine? Explore drTung’s Smart Floss and full oral care range at drtungs.co.uk.