Don't buy generic dental floss

[disneysteve]

When it comes to store brands and generics, I'll try almost anything once. Well, I bought a pack of Target brand dental floss the other day, their version of the Oral B type I normally buy. It was cheaper, of course, and I figured it was worth a shot. It was not.

It shredded as I pulled it between my teeth. It snapped while I was flossing. And it just felt flimsy in my hand. While they may put it in a package that looks like the Oral B and position it on the shelf next to the Oral B, it clearly isn't up to the quality of the Oral B. I'll use it up, probably, and go back to the brand name. I'll just watch for coupons and sales.

[moneybags]

I agree. Same thing happened to me with the CVS brand. I'll stick to my expensive Glide.

[deadgoon]

I'm using Publix brand floss right now with no problems.

[MoneyTrev]

Nice advice. I'm sure many other people that uses Dental Floss will find it helpful.

[PrincessPerky]

I tried a dental floss generic, not sure which one the other day, and yeah it shreded and kept falling apart.

But the worst was that night I had a nightmare about it being worse and ruining my teeth!

I highly doubt the generic will be quite so bad as the nightmare, but I too prefer to buy the glide.

[mom-from-missouri]

We use the Walmart equate brand with no problems.

[Jazzmint98]

I also use Equate waxed floss and have no problems. I will buy other brands too if they are on sale or if I have coupons for a specific brand. I also will try any type that is free after a rebate!

[Snowgirl]

I use the drugstore private brand (unless the name brand is on sale & cheaper), and I've never seen any difference. I guess not all pivrate brands are cerated equal.

[mrpaseo]

There are certain items that we just don't skim on... Dental Floss is one of them.

[disneysteve]

I guess my original post should have said don't buy Target brand version of Oral B satin tape dental floss. Certainly, not all store brands are the same. This one just isn't very good.

[SnoopyCool]

A few times a year you can get the name brand floss at Walgreens for free. That would be the time to stock up on it.

We use Equate, too, with no problems. I have a stash of the ones we have free, too, to use when needed.

[Johansen8]

yeah that happens for generic brands....as for toothpaste, I always trust GSK

[vole]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I guess my original post should have said don't buy Target brand version of Oral B satin tape dental floss. Certainly, not all store brands are the same. This one just isn't very good.

Generic one time was awful and back to Johnson & Johnson. But we just got "Easy Glide" and that keeps breaking for me.

I'll give the Walmart a try after reading positive posts here.

But generic is a question for every product. Sometimes the generics are made by the big manufacturers and just re-labeled, other times there's a big difference in quality. I haven't figured out when to stick with brand names or go with a generic.

-Dave

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by vole

I haven't figured out when to stick with brand names or go with a generic.

-Dave

I don't think there is an answer to that question. My theory is I'll try anything once. Most times, I find that the generic is just fine. Occasionally, like this time, I was disappointed.

You are right that many generics are made by the same company. We recently took a tour of the Utz potato chip factory. They explained that they make chips for various companies including Aldi's. The ones that go to the discount places are not inferior in any way. They actually come off the exact same production line but may not be perfectly colored or may be too small but are otherwise the same as the brand name sold for a higher price.

I know numerous generic drugs are made by the same company. For example, Protonix recently went generic but the generic is still being made by Wyeth. It is the exact same medication made in the same factory.

[vole]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I know numerous generic drugs are made by the same company. For example, Protonix recently went generic but the generic is still being made by Wyeth. It is the exact same medication made in the same factory.

Drugs are another difficult area. Some of the generics are inferior and were sited for poor quality control and variable strength by the FDA. But sometimes the big companies also get sited for the same violations.

The big price difference I just found was Betapace at $1/pill vs $0.16/pill at Walmart. Now that's some difference for the same medication. Shows how much good marketing pays.

-Dave

[GREENBACK]

I have a history of dental issues and have tight teeth. I don't even look twice at anything but the best dental floss.

I love a lot of generic things but it's sometimes a "hit or miss" scenario with them.

[spacecadet610]

I don't know. The generic drug store brand always worked well for me. Maybe it has to do with how tightly your teeth are packed in there.