Cheap floss that actually works? My search for budget dental care

I’m right there with you on the budget floss - Target’s brand has actually been my go-to for ages. I haven’t had any issues with shredding either, and honestly, it feels just as good as the pricier stuff. About water flossers, I caved and bought one last year thinking it’d change my routine. It’s nice, but I still reach for regular floss most days. For me, it’s more about what you’ll actually use consistently than the price tag or tech level.

I get where you’re coming from about sticking with what you’ll actually use, but I gotta say, the water flosser totally changed the game for me. I was super skeptical at first - honestly thought it was just another gadget I’d abandon after a week. But after a few tries, it felt way less tedious than regular floss, especially with my tight teeth. Plus, my dentist said my gums looked better at my last checkup, so maybe there’s something to the tech after all... Still, I keep some cheap floss around for travel or quick fixes.

Still, I keep some cheap floss around for travel or quick fixes.

I’m the same way - water flosser at home, but I always stash a roll of basic floss in my bag. I tried a few dollar store brands and honestly, some shredded like crazy between my teeth. Ended up sticking with the Reach mint waxed one. Not fancy, but it doesn’t break on me and it’s usually under $2. My dentist said as long as I’m actually using it, that’s more important than the brand.

I get why people say brand doesn’t matter as long as you’re actually flossing, but honestly, I’ve noticed a pretty big difference in how my teeth feel depending on the floss. The cheap stuff from the dollar store always seems to leave little bits behind or shreds halfway through - kind of defeats the purpose, right? I tried Reach too (the mint one), and while it’s definitely better than the no-name brands, I still find it a bit thick for some of my tighter teeth.

I ended up switching to those flat tape-style flosses (like Glide), which aren’t always the cheapest but sometimes go on sale. For travel, I just cut off a few strips and keep them in a little zip bag - saves space and I know they won’t break. Maybe it’s overthinking, but I figure if I’m going to bother flossing, I want it to actually work and not make my gums sore.

Anyone else notice that some “cheap” flosses are almost too slippery and just slide over the plaque without really grabbing anything? That always bugged me...

I totally get what you mean about the cheap floss just sliding over stuff - it kind of feels like it’s not even doing anything. I always worry I’m missing spots, especially with those super slick ones. Has anyone ever had a dentist actually recommend a cheaper brand that works? Or is it just trial and error...