The Best Eco-Friendly Floss for a Better Environment

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of how everyday consumer products impact our planet. Many people are making the switch to sustainable products that reduce plastic waste, lower our carbon footprint, and promote better choices for the environment. 

One small but significant change you can make is choosing the best eco-friendly floss for your oral care routine. Unlike traditional floss, which is often made from synthetic materials and packaged in plastic containers, eco-friendly dental floss is made from biodegradable materials, natural ingredients, and plastic-free packaging to help reduce plastic use and protect marine life.

Not only is choosing eco-friendly products important for the environment, but many of these products are also much cleaner and safer for our health. I share a lot about non-toxic swaps and supporting brands that align with my goal to create a cleaner environment for my family. I love it when non-toxic products are also sustainable because it makes a difference in so many ways!

If you’re researching sustainable brands, this post is an excellent place to start. We’ll cover:

• The environmental impact of traditional dental floss

• Why switching to biodegradable floss is a sustainable option

• The best eco-friendly floss choices, including vegan options, bamboo floss, and more

• How to improve your oral hygiene routine with sustainable floss

Why traditional floss is bad for the environment

Most people don’t realize that conventional dental floss contributes to plastic waste. Traditional dental floss is usually made from plastic materials like nylon or Teflon, both of which are derived from fossil fuels. These synthetic materials don’t break down, meaning they can end up in landfills and oceans, harming marine life.

Even worse, many flosses contain polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also known as “forever chemicals”—which have been linked to various health risks. When these chemicals enter the environment, they contaminate water supplies and soil. If I’m not willing to cook on surfaces that contain Teflon, I sure as heck don’t want it in my dental floss!

The plastic floss containers add another layer of waste. Most floss comes in plastic containers, which often end up in plastic bags or landfills, contributing to the growing plastic waste crisis.

If you’ve made a conscious effort to start flossing more—which you should—it’s important to choose a floss that isn’t riddled with toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, most conventional floss options are made with synthetic materials like nylon and PFAs, which are harmful to marine life. 

Thankfully, there are better alternatives that are aligned with dental hygiene and environmental sustainability, and I’m sharing them today!

What makes floss eco-friendly?

The best sustainable floss options prioritize:

Biodegradable materials – These break down naturally and don’t harm the environment.

Plastic-free floss – Avoids plastic containers and uses compostable packaging like cardboard boxes or refillable glass jars.

Natural ingredients – Free from synthetic materials, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other harmful chemicals.

Sustainable production – Made in small batches using organic materials and plant-based candelilla wax instead of synthetic coatings.

By switching to biodegradable dental floss, you can reduce plastic use and make a positive impact on the environment.

The Best Eco-Friendly Floss Options

Here are some of the best eco-friendly dental floss choices, from vegan floss to silk floss, that improve oral health while reducing one’s carbon footprint.

Bamboo Floss – A Natural, Sustainable Option

Bamboo floss is a popular plastic-free floss made from bamboo fiber, one of the most sustainable products available. This floss is often coated with natural candelilla wax or plant-based candelilla wax for smooth gliding and is free from harmful synthetic materials. Because it’s made with biodegradable materials and packaged in refillable containers, it’s an excellent option for reducing waste and exposure to toxins.

Dental Lace – The Refillable Glass Jar Floss

Dental lace is a sustainable dental floss that comes in a refillable glass jar, reducing plastic use. It’s available in silk floss and vegan floss options, making it perfect for any oral hygiene routine.

Biodegradable Dental Floss Picks

For those who prefer floss picks, biodegradable dental floss picks are an excellent alternative to conventional floss. They are typically made from polylactic acid, straw wheat, or bamboo fiber and often come in compostable packaging.

The Best Eco-Friendly Floss Brands

Now that you know why eco-friendly dental floss is a sustainable option, let’s explore some of the best brands available. These brands prioritize biodegradable materials, plastic-free packaging, and natural ingredients, making them excellent choices for a healthier oral hygiene routine and a better planet.

Zebra Organic Floss

Zebra Organic Floss is an excellent biodegradable floss made from natural materials and coated with plant-based candelilla wax for a smooth glide. It comes in plastic-free packaging and is completely compostable, making it a great choice for those seeking a zero-waste floss alternative. It’s slightly thinner than conventional floss, which is great for those with tight gaps in between teeth, but it also means it could break more easily. 

Price: $12 Purchase here

Wellnesse Floss

Wellnesse Floss, created by the popular non-toxic brand Wellnesse, is a sustainable dental floss option made with natural ingredients. This floss is vegan, biodegradable, and free from polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), making it a plastic-free floss alternative for those prioritizing clean ingredients lists in their oral care routine. It also comes in a refillable container for less waste. The only downside is that it is slightly more expensive than traditional floss options.

Price: $7.00 Shop here

Georganics Floss

Georganics Floss is one of the most popular eco-friendly dental flosses on the market. Made with silk floss or vegan floss, this brand offers options for different preferences. The floss is coated with organic peppermint oil and natural candelilla wax, providing a fresh and smooth flossing experience. It also comes in a refillable glass container to reduce plastic use. While Georganics offers both a vegan and non-vegan option, the vegan floss is slightly thicker, which may be difficult for those with small gaps between their teeth.

Price: $14.67 Purchase here

Terra & Co Bamboo Dental Floss

Terra & Co offers a bamboo floss alternative made from bamboo fiber and coated with plant-based candelilla wax. This plastic-free floss is completely compostable and comes in a refillable container, making it one of the best sustainable dental floss choices for those looking to reduce plastic waste. This is an excellent option, but the bamboo can feel slightly rougher than conventional dental floss, so if you have sensitive gums, be aware of this. It’s also more expensive than traditional floss.

Price: $1.50 Purchase here

Which Eco-Friendly Floss Is Right for You?

All of these brands offer great sustainable floss options, but the best choice depends on your personal preference. If you prefer:

• A zero-waste floss: Zebra Organic Floss

• A vegan option: Wellnesse Floss or Georganics Floss (vegan version)

• A natural silk floss alternative: Georganics Floss (silk version)

• A bamboo-based floss with a refillable jar: Terra & Co Bamboo Dental Floss

How to improve your oral care routine with sustainable floss

Switching to eco-friendly floss is just one way to upgrade your dental care routine. Here are some other sustainable products that support proper care of your teeth while protecting the environment:

Pair your eco-friendly floss with these sustainable products

Bamboo Toothbrush – A great alternative to plastic toothbrushes, made from organic materials.
Natural Lip Balm – Keeps lips moisturized without harmful chemicals.

Non-toxic Toothpaste- I share a few excellent options in this post!

Water Pick – Instead of traditional floss, a water pick helps remove food particles and improve oral hygiene.

Here are a few water picks that have excellent reviews:

Wellnesse Water Flosser Price: $55

Dr. Brite Water Flosser Price: $155 

Flossing tips that might help

I used to hate flossing. It felt like such a chore, and I wasn’t convinced it was making that much of a difference in my oral health. I finally committed to switching up my routine, flossing before I brush, and finding a product that worked for me, and now it’s not such a pain! I have very small gaps between my teeth, but once I found a brand I liked, it didn’t feel like such a chore anymore. 

Here are some Flossing tips that might help:

• Floss daily to remove food particles and reduce gum disease risk.

• Choose biodegradable floss coated with essential oils for freshness.

• Store floss in a refillable glass jar to cut down on plastic use.

Small changes, big impact

Most conventional floss is manufactured in China using nylon, a synthetic material containing PFAS, plastic, and other toxic substances that pollute the environment and pose a serious threat to marine life. As it breaks down, it creates microplastics that harm fish and other sea creatures.

Additionally, many traditional flosses contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, GMOs, synthetic dyes, phthalates, parabens, and other harmful additives. Some may also include artificial colors, artificial flavors, petrochemicals, microcrystalline wax, and fluoride, all of which raise concerns about safety and environmental impact. By making changes in your oral care routine, like switching to plastic-free floss, you’re significantly reducing waste and improving your dental hygiene. 

With so many different ways to make a change, why not start with the best eco-friendly floss for a better environment?

Have you tried eco-friendly dental floss? What’s your favorite brand? Let me know in the comments!