As we already know, keeping our teeth clean is important. Brushing between meals, using mouthwash to rinse, and of course, flossing.
In recent years, more people have become aware of the environmental impact of everyday products, and dental floss is one of them.
This article will go through what makes traditional dental floss not vegan, the environmental impact, and the vegan options available on the market.
The environmental impact of traditional dental floss
Many people are unaware of how traditional dental floss impacts the environment. Most traditional floss is made from nylon or Teflon, which are derived from petroleum-based sources. On top of this, the packaging is often plastic, which gets sent straight to landfill.
What makes traditional dental floss not vegan?
Vegans usually seek out alternatives that do not exploit animals or use their byproducts. Traditional dental floss not being vegan is down to the materials used in its production that don’t align with vegan beliefs.
- Silk – Some traditional dental floss is made from silk, which is produced by silkworms. Since the process of getting silk from silkworms harms an insect, it goes against vegan beliefs.
- Beeswax – Beeswax comes from honeybees which again harms an insect, thus not aligning with the vegan lifestyle.
- Testing and ingredients – Sometimes floss can be tested on animals during the development phase, something vegans typically avoid.
Why vegan dental floss?
Vegan dental floss takes away the environmental concerns associated with traditional floss by using plant-based materials.
Opting for vegan floss aligns with a cruelty-free lifestyle and also supports sustainable practices, which is crucial. The majority of them are biodegradable or compostable which reduces overall environmental impact.
Common types of vegan dental floss
- Corn-based floss – One of the most popular options for vegan dental floss is corn. They’re usually biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals and are just as sturdy as traditional floss.
- Bamboo charcoal floss – Bamboo is highly associated with being eco-friendly and dental floss is no exception. Bamboo charcoal floss is known for its natural antibacterial properties and how it absorbs impurities.
- PLA (polylactic acid) floss – This is a bioplastic derived from renewable materials like corn starch and sugarcane. It’s compostable and is a great alternative to traditional dental floss.
- Silk-free floss – Traditional floss contains silk, so many companies offer a silk-free alternative made from plant-based fibers or Tencel which is a type of cellulose fiber.
How to choose the right vegan dental floss
When choosing a vegan dental floss, there are a few factors to keep in mind while making the selection that meets both vegan beliefs and environmental standards.
- Biodegradability – Looking for this minimizes impact on landfills and ecosystems.
- Packaging – Opt for products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging like cardboard.
- Material – Check the materials of the floss and ensure it’s free from animal byproducts.
- Effectiveness – While buying vegan dental floss is great, not all of them will be as high quality as traditional floss. Check reviews.
Vegan dental floss options available on the market
While many people don’t consider vegan dental floss to even be a thing, there are a large number of brands that offer vegan coating and cruelty-free dental floss! So whether you’re a hardcore vegan or just looking to be more environmentally friendly, these flosses are perfect.
RADIUS Vegan Peppermint Anywhere Floss
No products found.
Amount: 20 floss per pack
With biodegradable packaging and no nasty ingredients, the RADIUS Vegan Peppermint Anywhere Floss is perfect for flossing on the go. They are great for carrying around in your pocket or purse with the sleek and convenient floss sachets.
Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss
No products found.
Amount: 33yd floss
This woven dental floss has a textured weave of 500+ interwoven threads that expand to reach and capture plaque. It’s naturally scented with spearmint oil, infused with coconut oil and vegan wax to help it glide seamlessly between your teeth! It’s also planet-friendly, clean, and cruelty-free as it’s made from 85% recycled water bottles!
MOON Graphite Grey Clean Slide Floss
No products found.
Amount: 54.6yd floss
Made with no SLS, SLES, parabens, artificial flavors, and animal products, this floss is made from globally sourced premium ingredients that deep cleans and doesn’t tear!
ME Mother Earth Vegan Biodegradable Bamboo Charcoal Dental Floss
No products found.
Amount: 33yds x 2 floss
ME Mother Earth dental floss comes in a refillable glass container with a free refill. It’s made with natural candelilla wax and scented with peppermint essential oil! It’s 100% biodegradable and made from bamboo charcoal fiber so it breaks down approximately 60-90 days after use. ME Mother Earth also donates 10% of its profits to ocean and environmental conservations, so you can rest assured they care about the planet!
REACH POP Dental Floss
No products found.
Amount: 54.7yds floss
Not only does Reach Pop Dental Floss have sustainable packaging, but it’s coated with a PFAS-free and cruelty-free vegan wax coating. According to reviews, it slides easily and provides a pleasant and clean feeling after use. The width of the floss, made of interlaced micro threads, provides shred resistance and removes plaque effectively!
Eco-Dent GentleFloss Dental Floss
No products found.
Amount: 100yds floss
Eco-Dent GentleFloss Dental Floss is coated with plant-based vegan wax and 11 essential oils that support your oral care without harming the planet or bees. The floss dispenses straight from the paper carton, making it the perfect choice if you want to reduce plastic waste in landfills! With a whopping 100yds of floss, this should last you between 3-4 months if you floss twice a day!
As demands for vegan and environmentally friendly oral care increases, so do the options on the market! With numerous options available, there’s no reason to not opt for the cruelty-free option.
With the help of this list, you’ll now be able to easily identify and steer clear of dental floss that contains non-vegan ingredients. This will make your shopping experience more simple and allow you to make an informed decision when purchasing vegan dental floss.
