Correct Answer: unwaxed floss.
to effectively clean and maintain oral hygiene, particularly between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach, specific tools are used. one such tool is dental floss, which comes in various forms including unwaxed and waxed floss. the question asks about the tool used for polishing the proximal surfaces of teeth. proximal surfaces are the sides of the teeth that face each other in the dental arch; maintaining the cleanliness of these surfaces is crucial for overall dental health.
unwaxed floss is typically preferred for cleaning and polishing these proximal surfaces. unlike waxed floss, unwaxed floss does not have a coating of wax, making it thinner and able to fit more easily into tight spaces between teeth. the texture of unwaxed floss is slightly more abrasive than waxed floss, allowing it to more effectively remove plaque and debris from the smooth surfaces of the teeth. as it moves against the tooth surface, it can provide a slight polishing action, which helps in keeping these areas free of plaque buildup and maintains the integrity of the tooth enamel.
while waxed floss, due to its smoother surface, glides between teeth more easily, it might not be as effective as unwaxed floss in removing plaque or providing a polishing effect on the proximal surfaces. therefore, for the specific purpose of polishing, unwaxed floss is generally recommended.
it's important to note that other tools, such as dental tapes, manual scalers, or interdental brushes, also play significant roles in dental care but are used differently. for instance, manual scalers are typically used by dental professionals to remove tartar and are not suitable for home use as a polishing tool. similarly, while dental tapes might assist in cleaning larger gaps between teeth, they do not specifically polish the surfaces.
in conclusion, for the purpose of polishing the proximal surfaces of teeth, unwaxed floss is the most suitable choice among the options given. it is designed to effectively remove plaque through its abrasive action and helps maintain the cleanliness and health of these critical areas.
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