My personal favorite eco-friendly floss is the Gently Minted Waxed Silk Dental Floss by Etee. I absolutely love the refill glass containers and the floss is 100% compostable.
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Why Most Dental Flosses Are Not Eco-Friendly
Although most dental floss containers are recyclable, only a small amount ends up recycled. Only 8.4% of plastic got recycled in 2017. On the other hand, nylon in dental floss takes up to 500 years to decompose in landfills. Now multiply that by how many pieces of floss you use per year… scary right!?
Our Full List of Eco-friendly Flosses
Today we share our top 12 eco-friendly flosses for sustainable flossing. Not only is it great for the planet but it will also get the job done. It won’t tear or dissolve easily and are healthy.
1. Etee Shop Waxed Silk Dental Floss
The Etee team made sure this dental floss was a no-brainer for all the eco-friendly buyers out there. Each floss spool contains 100% pure mulberry silk, candelilla wax, natural peppermint oil and is 33 yards (30 meters) long.
Let’s talk about packaging; it contains a cornstarch bag that is 100% biodegradable and the ink printed on the box is soy-based.
You can also choose between two options; only the floss refills (2 in a package) or a glass container with 2 added floss refills.
Reviews
A few happy consumers giving it a total of 4.5-star review at the moment. People are loving the glass container and the plastic-free aspect of it. One reviewer mentioned that it takes some time to get used to as it is not as smooth as plastic floss and a few said that it breaks if pulled too hard on.
2. Quip Silver Metal Refillable Floss String
Quip Silver Metal Refillable Floss String significantly reduces plastic waste by eliminating the need for a new container for each purchase. Its silver container is long-lasting and comes with a lifelong warranty.
There is no mystery of how much floss you’ll need because Quip’s floss comes pre-marked for daily use. Its string shows you where you’ve already flossed, so you don’t have to worry about using a contaminated area.
Quip refillable floss string is also American Dental Association approved.
Reviews
There are no specific reviews on this product. Still, customers and professionals love this brand’s overall quality and subscription-based services.
3. CocoFloss Sets and Trios
CocoFloss is a solution to millions of water bottles filling up landfills. This eco-friendly floss is on track to divert 500,000 bottles from landfills by 2022.
Not only is CocoFloss great for the planet, but it is also great for your mouth. It contains coconut oil that has anti-microbial properties. This floss’s 500+ textured filaments grab onto plaque to thoroughly clean your teeth. You won’t have to worry about this floss breaking because it has interwoven fibers to reduce shredding.
Reviews
Customers who use CocoFloss like its tasty flavors, great texture, and overall effectiveness. However, it isn’t a plastic-free product, but it does reduce plastic waste by recycling used water bottles.
4. Zero Waste Rebelution Eco-Friendly Floss
Zero Waste Rebelution’s Eco-Friendly Floss is an amazing alternative to conventional plastic floss because you can choose between Bamboo Floss, Corn Starch Floss, or Silk floss and refills are available. This makes it great for those who follow a vegan lifestyle.
All the available floss options (bamboo, corn, and silk) are compostable and break down within approximately 60-90 days.
This zero-waste floss also contains no preservatives, colorings, or artificial sweeteners are, making it good for your health as well.
5. Dental Lace Plastic-Free Dental Floss
Made from 100% natural mulberry silk and coated in candelilla wax, this dental floss from Dental Lace is completely biodegradable. The package contains two 33-yard rolls of floss and either a berry blue or granite color glass bottle.
It’s also BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, lead-free, recyclable, and compostable. Which makes it good for the environment AND your health!
The packaging box is made from 100% post-consumer fiber and is printed with soy-based inks. Another great aspect of LifeWithoutPlastic plastic-free dental floss; you can toss the bag into your home composter and within 6 – 12 months, it’s gone.
Reviews:
It has slightly more texture than your traditional plastic dental floss, making it great to remove stubborn plaque on your teeth, and although it is a bit pricey, it is definitely worth it because it comes with extra refill floss. Some reviewers did mention that the floss is very thin and does sometimes break.
6. Eco Girl Shop Dental Floss
This floss from Eco Girl shop is not only biodegradable, plastic-free, and recyclable but it also comes with 3 refill flosses. The floss is made from sustainably harvested silk, natural candelilla wax, and natural mint.
Silk is considered a more sustainable fiber as it is biodegradable and uses less water, chemicals, and energy than many other fibers.
It also comes with a small functional stainless steel container that you can take wherever you go. Just pop your refills in and you’re ready to go. Running out of refills? No need to buy the metal container again, just top up with 5 more here!
7. Grin Adults Biodegradable Dental Floss Picks
This product from Grin is an eco-friendly solution for those who prefer floss picks. Its handle contains cornstarch, biodegradable within 3-6 months with a commercial composting machine. Even without such a machine, this product will eventually break down.
This floss pick’s premium PTFE floss thread is tear-resistant. It has a pleasant natural mint flavor that is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The packaging and wrappers are recyclable at your local paper recycling plant, making it an entirely eco-friendly experience.
Reviews
People who bought this product love that there is an eco-friendly floss pick option on the market. Some customers were not a fan of its grip and excessive packaging.
8. Isshah Natural Tooth Floss Picks (Mint)
These organic floss picks by Isshah are BPA Free, Compostable, Eco Friendly, and Natural. It consists of corn starch and PLA material handle and nylon thread and is packed in eco-friendly paper packaging. Both the floss picks and paper packaging are recyclable.
Isshah thin floss picks are perfect for tight teeth and stimulating the gums.
Reviews
Many consumers have commented on how comfortable, strong, and effective these floss picks are, but a few mentioned theirs shredded after the first use.
And although corn starch, the main material used, is biodegradable – it is a porous material, meaning it cannot bind to itself and therefore a binding agent (PP, polypropylene) needs to be added. So it seems this product is not 100% biodegradable or home compostable.
9. The Humble Co. Natural Dental Floss Picks
These cruelty-free vegan floss picks by the Humble Co. are primarily made out of corn starch and are packed in paper packaging (50 per pack), making it sustainable and recyclable floss picks. The double threading ensures that all plaque is removed and leave you with happy & healthy teeth.
Not only will you help the environment and your health, but your humble purchase helps fund the Humble Smile Foundation which helps vulnerable communities and children improve their oral health care.
Reviews
The double threads make your teeth feel super clean, very easy to use, and get into those hard-to-reach places. It’s comfortable and doesn’t tear easily. Some dentists recommended this product as a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic floss picks.
Unfortunately, the corn starch primarily used in this floss picks isn’t 100% biodegradable. As we mentioned earlier, corn starch is a porous material, meaning it cannot bind to itself and therefore a binding agent (PP, polypropylene) needs to be added. One reviewer mentioned that if you have tight teeth it may be difficult to get in between them with these floss picks.
10. TEVRA Vegan Dental Floss
Another awesome vegan, cruelty-free, and plastic-free floss by TEVRA. Going zero-waste has never been this easy. Buy TEVRA’s zero-waste floss and glass container once and only buy refills (2 per pack) as needed, without buying another glass container!
The floss consists of corn, without any silk making it 100% vegan and cruelty-free and the container is 100% recyclable glass. Also, there is no need to sacrifice taste as these come in refreshing flavors; mint and ginger.
Reviews
Consumers are especially loving the flavor and the refills options available. Tevra is a perfect option for any vegan and environmentalist out there and it seems to do a great job of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. One reviewer even said they prefer this floss over the silk ones as it’s a bit thicker and they feel that’s better for their teeth.
However, some consumers complained about their floss tearing easily and getting stuck in between their teeth.
11. TreeBird Biodegradable Dental Floss
TreeBird developed this biodegradable dental floss to be completely zero-waste. The silk floss is 100% compostable and you can reuse the glass container as long as you would want to.
Wait, there’s more! The packaging is made from Kraft paper, compostable transparent stickers, and printed with soybean ink, meaning it can go straight to your home compost pile.
Treebird 100% silk floss, with no artificial colors or fragrances, is coated with vegan candelilla wax and has a fresh mint flavor. TreeBird has also switched to peace silk in March 2019, making this a cruelty-free product. Also, don’t forget to stock up on some refills while you are at it.
Reviews
High quality, strong and perfect for tight teeth are how some consumers described this dental floss. The mint flavor gives a cleansing and pleasant taste, and it doesn’t take long to break down or decompose.
Apparently, it can be slightly challenging to remove the floss from the container as the floss cutter is very small. A few reviewers were upset by how their product tore or snapped after only a few uses.
12. Doctors Floss Dental Floss
Be kind to our planet by buying this bulk dental floss from Doctors, which is packaged in an eco-friendly refillable container of recyclable tin. This vegan floss is made from nylon, coated with wax, and has a pleasant mint flavor. Perfect for tight teeth and sensitive gums.
You also don’t need to worry if you’re container will break if you drop it – the tin won’t shatter like the glass containers. The screw cap and easy to use floss cutter makes it a very functional product.
Reviews
Consumers are loving Doctors’ beautiful and functional tin-box packaging. The floss has a strong, minty flavor, but is quite thicker than your traditional floss strands making it difficult to pass through tight spaces. This vegan floss doesn’t tear easily because it is quite thick and made from polyester fiber material.
With that being said, unfortunately, the floss is not compostable or biodegradable, as it is made from 840 D Terylene (polyester fiber material). One consumer gave a great tip; to refill with a biodegradable floss as she really loved the tin box..
13. Bootrybe Eco-friendly Bamboo Dental Floss Refill Spools
As you can imagine, this bamboo dental floss from Bootrybe is a bit thicker than your traditional floss but for that reason, it won’t break as easily and still cleans effectively. It’s completely vegan and cruelty-free, meaning no animals were harmed in the making of this product. There is a tiny amount of polyester in the floss, making it not compostable.
Other than bamboo, the Bootrybe floss contains activated charcoal, peppermint essential oil, and is coated with plant-based candelilla wax. There’s also no need to worry about plastic packaging; this product is packed in a recycled cardboard box and compostable wax pouch.
Reviews
Because this floss is a bit more textured it does a great job in cleaning your teeth very effectively and the glass bottle is very durable. One consumer even said she’s flossing more since she purchased the product – she just loves it so much! Unfortunately, because the floss contains a tiny amount of polyester, it is not compostable.
14. Eco Fox Biodegradable Mint Dental Floss Refills 2-Pack
Eco Fox’s biodegradable floss is something you wouldn’t want to miss! Made with 100% natural AND compostable silk and the packaging is made from eco-friendly kraft paper featuring soy-bean ink that will break down in the compost bin in no time. The coating of candelilla wax ensures easy gliding through your teeth and gums without causing bleeding or pain. This is a winner for those with sensitive teeth and gums as it is natural and contains no artificial colors or fragrances.
Reviews
On the date of this review, there are no negative reviewers were given so far on Amazon, only that it is slightly pricey. The floss has a great minty flavor, keeping your teeth clean and breath fresh, and strong quality to it. The packaging is minimal and made from eco-friendly materials.
15. GOGRS Dental Floss Three Natural Silk Spools
Last but definitely not least we have the Natural Tooth Floss by GOGRS. This product contains one reusable glass container and not only two but THREE refill silk spools – each 33 yards (30m). A great option for sensitive teeth as it contains natural silk, no artificial colors or sweeteners, and no added preservatives.
Reviews
GOGRS Eco-friendly packaging made from Kraft paper and the bag is made of corn starch. This is a textured and strong floss that is effective in cleaning those stubborn spots in between your teeth. It’s a great long term investment as it lasts a long time.
Even though it is a peppermint-flavored floss, some reviewers said it has little to no flavor. Some also mentioned their floss broke easily and that it is not suitable for tight teeth.
The Problem with Traditional Floss
Like we’ve mentioned before, nylon and other plastic materials found in your traditional floss can take up to more than 500 years to decompose and will end up harming the environment, animals, and their health. Even though dental floss forms such a small part of the litter it often gets swept up in the disposal process and ends up in the ocean. Most of us want floss that won’t tear but this can cause many health issues in marine life. Like other plastics, it can end up suffocating marine animals, or make its way into their stomachs, where it often stay for years.
Eco-friendly dental floss is often not given much thought but it can have a massive impact on your health and the environment.
The Importance of Flossing
We all know ditching floss for environmental reasons is not zero-waste at all! Flossing is essential for your dental hygiene as it removes the food bits between our teeth which are impossible to reach with a toothbrush. Stubborn food bits lead to bacteria and plaque build-up, which leads to tartar, cavities, gum diseases, and finally toothless smiles.
In Conclusion
Sustainable flossing by switching to a more eco-friendly floss is better for the environment and your health. No more chemicals from nylon thread or wax used in plastic floss will filter into your body or the environment.
TreeBird’s biodegradable dental floss is my ultimate favorite, because they are eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and contain no artificial colors or fragrances.
So go ahead! Make the switch to eco-friendly floss because it’s great for the environment and your smile.
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