Material: Unspecified | Usage: For braces; use once or twice daily; insert stiffened end between teeth or around oral appliances, then thread string/floss as usual | Flavor: Mint Regular dental floss is an eco-nightmare: not only does it come in plastic containers, but the floss itself is non-biodegradable and represents risks to marine life. Regular floss can be hazardous not only to the planet but to our health too, thanks to the toxic ingredients often used in the wax. Material: We considered material by looking at features like how much wax the floss is coated in, if it offers additional hygienic ingredients like fluoride, and whether the fibers are strong or prone to breakage.

By switching to an eco-friendly, zero-waste dental floss product, you’ll be better looking after your oral health, your general health, and the planet too! Bleeding gums is a sign of inflammation, which is often due to ineffective removal of plaque,” says Dr. Reich, “[but] it can also be the result of overaggressive flossing, which is causing trauma to the gum tissue.” When you think about the number of floss containers you use every year, and then extend that to your lifetime, it’s a scary thought! 2. Floss is non-biodegradable Flavor: Everyone's preferences are different in terms of flavor. We considered whether the flavor is overpowering or subtle, whether it is minty or offers a different taste, and whether or not it leaves an unsavory aftertaste. Worse still, small and light pieces of trash such as floss are particularly prone to not making it into landfill and ending up in the ocean instead. We know that plastic waste of any kind is devastating to marine life, and this is particularly true when it comes to dental floss.However, studies have linked PFCs to health problems from liver toxicity to developmental issues and immune system changes. What to look for in an eco-friendly dental floss When you have braces, it’s more important than ever to keep your teeth and oral appliances clean so you can avoid discolored spots, which will be visible when the braces finally come off.

If all this wasn’t enough, there are also issues with the wax often used to coat dental floss. Manufacturers include a range of chemicals in the wax, including perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which help the floss to glide more easily between your teeth. Material: Nylon | Usage: Take a piece of floss, curve it around the tooth, and use an up and down motion to clean under the gum line and the debris on top | Flavor: Unflavored

Types of Dental Floss Picks

It’s an unflavored waxed nylon dental floss that works well if you have teeth with wider gaps. This dental floss has a little more wax than other dental flosses, so it’ll glide a little easier between teeth.