Application Of SEM And Conventional Microscopy In The Analysis Of Dental Floss Wear And Break

Abstract

Dental floss is a floss-wrapped oral hygiene product used to remove food and plaque in places where toothbrushes cannot reach. Thread cracking and wear can compromise efficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the morphological properties of 5 different commercially available dental floss before and after use. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and conventional microscopy at magnifications of 40, 100, and 500 were used. The analyzed dental floss showed the variability of the manner of wear and morphology of flossing, which speaks in favour of the need to know the properties of the floss before recommending it to patients for daily use in all clinical indications.