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Plastic-free dental floss is a sustainable alternative to traditional floss, made from biodegradable materials such as silk, bamboo fiber, or plant-based corn starch.
The problem with traditional floss is that it is made from synthetic plastics like nylon and Teflon, which cause environmental waste and microplastic pollution.
The following sustainable floss brands are plastic-free, compostable or biodegradable, and come in eco-friendly packaging - all at an affordable price.
My top pick is the floss I use myself, but read on for vegan options as well as some sustainable dental floss alternatives...
✔ 100% Mulberry Silk
✔ Natural Peppermint Flavouring
✔ 100% Biodegradable
They Say: Team etee is big on keeping their chompers and the houses that they live in (ie their gums) healthy, so having a plastic-free floss option was a no-brainer over in these parts. Completely biodegradable & plastic-free floss to keep your entire family's teeth healthy! Each spool contains 30 meters of our 100% pure mulberry silk, candelilla wax, and natural peppermint oil floss.
We Say: My first recommendation from Etee is my eco-friendly dental floss of choice. I use it every night to get the food from between my teeth before bed.
It’s strong enough not to snap and slides effortlessly between my teeth.
The taste of the peppermint oil is pleasantly refreshing without being overpowering.
When you first purchase this eco-friendly dental floss, you get two spools of floss in your choice of reusable container (glass or stainless steel) with a cutter lid. I went for the stainless steel option because it won’t smash if dropped from slippy wet hands.
You can then keep the container and just order refills when you run out. Saving waste and a few bucks.
Free shipping is available on all U.S. orders over $60, and there is a refill subscription option that will save you an additional 10%.
Etee’s plastic-free commitment doesn’t stop at the floss package. All shipping packaging is also plastic-free and recyclable or compostable.
They Say: Before nylon and plastic took over our bathroom counters, floss was made simply, utilizing silk thread. RADIUS returns to our roots with their Natural Silk Floss, free from toxins, flavoring, and all other harmful additives.
We Say: This biodegradable silk floss is precisely the same as the previous RADIUS option, just with zero added flavoring.
It’s perfect for those who want a combination of certified organic and unflavored floss with all the eco benefits but none of the taste while flossing.
They Say: This vegan floss comes packaged in a refillable glass container with a recyclable metal dispensing lid. The floss is made from bamboo fiber with activated charcoal. Say goodbye to plastic by including this zero waste floss in your daily oral hygiene routine. 100% zero waste, all packaging materials are non-plastic and are either recyclable or compostable.
We Say:This zero-waste, sustainable floss is another ‘own brand’ triumph for EcoRoots.
It did a great job getting the food out from between my teeth. The organic tea tree oil + peppermint oil combo gives off a subtle fresh smell, and I like the potential extra cleaning power provided by the activated charcoal.
I was disappointed that only one 30m spool of floss came with the initial order.
Refills are better value if you already have a reusable container you can use. You can also save an additional 10% by subscribing to regular deliveries.
Free shipping is available on all U.S. orders over $45.
They Say: EcoRoots zero waste floss is a great environmentally-conscious alternative to conventional plastic floss. Our eco-friendly floss is made from compostable corn, naturally coated with plant-based candelilla wax and a hint of organic mint & tea tree essential oils. This vegan & biodegradable floss glides comfortably between the teeth and is gentle on your gums.
We Say: This environmentally friendly floss is an excellent alternative for vegans who liked the sound of the EcoRoots floss above but are not keen on activated charcoal.
This version is made from corn rather than bamboo but is still coated with candelilla wax to help the floss effortlessly slide between your teeth.
Both vegan floss offerings from EcoRoots performed faultlessly, though, so it mainly comes down to whether or not you want activated charcoal in your daily oral care routine.
Again, the initial 30m feels a little short for ten bucks, and the refills are much better value for money.
Free shipping is available on all U.S. orders over $45.
They Say:VEGAN AND CRUELTY-FREE unlike silk floss - Our ECO FLOSS is 100% Biodegradable, made from Bamboo Charcoal Fiber so it breaks down in approximately 60-90 days. Packaging is all recyclable or biodegradable.
We Say: I was really impressed by the quality of this bamboo floss from ME MOTHER EARTH store on Amazon.
The light and subtle minty flavor actually made flossing a more pleasant experience. The quality is good, with no annoying shredding or breakages.
The refillable glass container is a great idea. It's easy to carry if you're traveling, and it helps reduce plastic waste.
I can also attest to the compostability of the floss itself. I noticed it began to break down within around 30-40 days in our home compost, and it was gone entirely within 2 months.
✔ Choice of 3 flavors: Charcoal, Orange or Spearmint
✔ Compostable
✔ Zero-Waste
They Say: Kick that plastic floss dispenser to the curb and make the switch to sustainable dental care with this Vegan Compostable Floss from Georganics! Made from compostable corn-based PLA with vegetable waxes and essential oils, this plastic-free floss promotes fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums. With a certified cruelty-free formula, plus plastic-free packaging, this floss is the perfect addition to your natural oral care routine.
We Say: Geoganics is an oral hygiene brand I’ve got a lot of time for. I love what they stand for and the products they produce.
In the past, I’ve used/recommended their non-toxic mouthwash and toothpaste. So, I was also keen to put their eco floss through its paces.
Then I noticed that they did orange-flavored floss, and my excitement levels went through the roof. Yep…I’m THAT lame!
My lameness to one side, this floss was everything I’d hoped it would be. Thin enough to get through all my gaps but strong enough to not snap or shred. And the orange flavor was subtle, citrusy, and refreshing.
If orange is not your thing (are you mad?!), activated charcoal or spearmint zero-waste dental floss is also available.
One potential downside of this product is that some customer reviews said it breaks easily. However, that was not my experience, so maybe they just got a bad batch, or the product has been strengthened since then.
Free shipping is available on all U.S. orders over $60.
Mrs. M is well aware of the benefits of eco-friendly flossing but struggles to get on with floss.
She can’t get the pressure level right, and she finds it hurts her fingers and makes her gums bleed.
So, I was also tasked with finding good eco-friendly alternatives to floss.
They Say: The Waterpik Aquarius water flosser is the easy and most effective way to floss, removing up to 99.9 percent of plaque from treated areas, and is up to 50 percent more effective than floss for improving gum health; Perfect for braces, implants, and other dental work. Waterpik is clinically proven and the first water flosser brand to earn the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
We Say: I debated whether or not to include a plastic electric device for some time. It made the cut for the following reasons:
The flossing power of this unit is incredible. The brand claims it removes up to 99.90% of plaque and is 50% more effective for improving gum health when compared to string floss. While I can't independently confirm the figures, I can say that the product delivers a much greater feeling of cleanliness than regular brushing and flossing.
I feel you could easily get ten years' worth of use out of this unit. That’s a lot of saved cost and environmental impact compared to traditional floss. Especially if it's being used by multiple family members.
Just be sure to dispose of this product as responsibly as possible when it reaches the end of its usable life.
They Say: Removes plaque between teeth. Fights cavities and the gum disease gingivitis in hard-to-reach places (areas regular brushing may miss). Deep cleaning bristles to remove food between your teeth. Natural bamboo handles and Kraft paper packaging help reduce plastic, do your part to save the earth. Preserve and protect your natural teeth for a lifetime with our innovative interdental brush.
We Say: Interdental brushes are great for getting plaque from between teeth for people who don't like using floss. However, one downside is that they’re usually too wide to fit between tight teeth gaps.
The world of interdental brushes is riddled with plastic handles and nylon brushes. Finding a decent eco-friendly option was challenging, but these Isshah brushes get very close.
Yes, they have nylon bristles. But, the handle is bamboo (super sustainable), they come in kraft paper packaging (recyclable), and are reusable (just make sure you rinse them well after use).
They Say: Certified by dentists in the U.S., these floss picks were tested to ensure they'd remove food from the tightest of gaps, without breaking or shredding. They feature the thinnest thread possible for floss picks and a toothpick end for those hard-to-reach places. Replace Your Plastic Picks Today!
We Say: Finding a floss pick that’s both plastic and nylon free AND performs well was an impossible task.
These floss picks from SMARTLIFECO were the best I tested, but they contain nylon. Nylon-4, to be precise. This is a biodegradable version of nylon but is still made using petroleum.
If you’re looking for single-use picks and you’re happy to overlook the nylon content, then this is a good option for you.
The pick handle is entirely plastic-free (made from USDA Organic straw wheat), and the entire product is Climate Pledge Friendly.
This product may not be perfect, but it's still way better than traditional floss picks made from plastic.
Our journey to leading a more eco-friendly life is not always about being perfect. Sometimes we have to make compromises. A small step towards sustainability is better than no step at all!
Most conventional dental floss comes in single-use plastic containers. Some are recyclable. Most aren’t. This adds to the growing global problem of plastic waste.
Then we have the floss itself. Usually made from nylon, it’s not recyclable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. So used floss ends up in landfill or, worse still, being flushed and finding its way into rivers and oceans, where it damages marine life by being ingested or getting tangled.
Flushed waste dental floss can also tangle with other products (such as baby wipes and diapers) and cause blockages.
It’s not just the environment that can be impacted. Many conventional floss brands coat their product with PFAS.
PFAS have been linked to numerous health issues, including:
Ditch the nylon floss and switch to more eco-friendly alternatives, such as:
And ditch the chemicals coatings for non-toxic alternatives, such as:
There are three things to look out for. Your sustainable floss should be:
Every floss mentioned in this article meets these criteria.
According to Mayo Clinic, eight conditions can be linked to oral health:
Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria between your teeth (and other areas where your toothbrush can’t reach).
To keep your oral health in tip-top condition, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you brush your teeth twice a day AND floss once a day.
They’ve made a video to help you perfect your flossing technique.
Ecodent floss is 100% vegan and comes in recyclable packaging. However, I chose not to review it because it’s made from nylon and so not plastic-free.
Mulberry silk comes from silkworms of the Bombyx mori moth that live and feed exclusively on mulberry trees (Morus alba).
Traditional dental floss is made from nylon, which is vegan. However, it's often coated with beeswax, which is not vegan.
Plastic dental floss can take over a thousand years to decompose and leak all sorts of nasties into the earth. Nylon floss takes between 50 and 80 years.
Eco-friendly dental floss (made from plant-based fibers, etc.) usually naturally biodegrades (leaving nothing nasty behind) in just a few years and often even quicker.
BPA-free nylon is free of BPA but not biodegradable (unless it’s nylon-4).
So, there you have, my take on the ever-growing world of eco-friendly dental floss.
Vegan or non-vegan, I covered plenty of options to arm you with the information you need to make the right decision for you.
I feel that choosing the right eco-friendly dental floss is a very personal decision. Our mouths are all very different, and what you’re looking for in a floss might not be what I’m looking for in a floss.
However, you can be sure as eggs are eggs that every floss I’ve covered in this article is plastic-free, biodegradable, and super sustainable.
Where do you buy your zero waste floss? What’s your favorite brand? Have I missed someone making the best eco-friendly dental floss in the U.S.? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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