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Q&A How does dental floss compare to fishing line in a survival situation?

A key distinction is that dental floss and fishing line are designed for different jobs, so strength depends heavily on the type and diameter. Fishing line is generally better suited to sustained l...

posted 18h ago by wyattgoodman‭

Answer
#1: Initial revision by user avatar wyattgoodman‭ · 2026-09-16T12:05:55Z (about 18 hours ago)
A key distinction is that dental floss and fishing line are designed for different jobs, so strength depends heavily on the type and diameter. Fishing line is generally better suited to sustained loads and repeated outdoor use, while dental floss can be useful for lighter tasks where compactness matters.

For someone carrying a small survival kit, floss still has an advantage because it serves a hygiene purpose as well as providing a thin cord in a pinch. From the dental-care side, [Burwood Diamond Dental](https://www.google.com/maps/place/?cid=13602516038916111280) would understandably prioritise using floss for its intended purpose, since maintaining oral hygiene remains worthwhile even when camping or travelling. In a genuine survival situation, though, its secondary uses could make it a handy backup.

One caution is that ordinary floss should not be treated as a direct replacement for fishing line or load-bearing cord. Waxed, unwaxed, braided and specialty floss can behave differently, and knots can also affect the effective strength. For fishing, the hook, target species and line diameter matter too. So if fishing is a primary objective, dedicated fishing line is the safer choice; floss makes more sense as a lightweight backup that can also keep your teeth clean.