How Is Dental Floss Made?

Materials

Dental floss can be made of two different materials: nylon or Teflon. Nylon is a synthetic thread, whereas Teflon is a brand name for a specific type of plastic. Each material calls for a very different manufacturing process. The coating is generally wax, flavored or unflavored.

Nylon Floss

Nylon floss begins with melted nylon. This liquid is spun with spinnerets, rather like a spider's, into very thin threads. As they cool, these threads are twisted together at a very controlled rate. The floss gradually forms one smooth ribbon, which is now ready for coating.

Teflon Floss

Teflon floss is stretched into shape, rather than spun. The plastic is half-melted into a pasty substance, which is then stretched by a machine until it reaches the desired thickness. The benefit of Teflon floss over nylon is that the floss is made of one single ribbon instead of a bundle of threads. This reduces fraying.

Coating

Once the floss is completed, it is pulled through a bath of wax. This makes the floss smooth and easy to pass between the teeth. At this stage, the various manufacturers add their distinctive flavors.

Packaging

Once the floss is coated, it is ready to be packaged for sale. It is wound onto bobbins and inserted in the plastic boxes. Most floss boxes contain a small metal piece for cutting the floss to the desired length.

References

• Floss Article

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish