Georganic Dental Floss (use code AWIN15 for 15% discount) is made from a charcoal fibres and compostable corn-based PLA (like a ‘greener polyester’ then coated with vegetable wax and essential oils. The 50 metre roll gives 150 applications, sold in a reusable glass dispenser with metal cap. One of the few brands without Teflon, it has slightly less resistance, but a small price to pay. Choose from spearmint, orange or charcoal (whitening).
This brand also makes natural vegan toothpastes (choose unscented for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions). Avoid the gum if you are around pets, as it contains xylitol).
To use, gently pull 30 centimetres (the length of a ruler) of floss and roll it around your thumb to control strength and position. Slowly floss between each tooth, reaching close to the gum line.
Dental floss simply ‘brushes your teeth sides’ to remove food debris and prevents bacteria and plaque, to stop gum disease. Floss before brushing your teeth (ideally before bed). If you have crowded teeth and find flossing difficult, be sure to visit a dental hygienist every 6 months.
Wild & Stone Dental Floss is made from natural candelilla wax with natural mint flavour, packed in a glass and stainless steel container. Sold with refills.
interdental brushes made from Swiss beechwood
Georganics interdental brushes (use code AWIN15 for 15% discount) are made from sustainably-sourced Swiss beechwood, to help remove plaque and tartar build-up that a toothbrush or floss can’t reach. Sold in three sizes to fit interdental spaces. To use, just brush the brushes vertically between the gaps in your teeth (do not brush horizontally), and repeat for all gaps.
This brand also makes natural vegan toothpastes (choose unscented for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions). Avoid the gum if you are around pets, as it contains xylitol).
Each tree cut down is replanted, with excess material used to heat up the factory. The medium BPA-free nylon bristles (which you can remove with pliers at end of use and bin) can access gaps in your teeth without damaging the gums. Sold in a pack of six in cardboard packaging. Replace each brush every week or until worn, then compost the handle at end of use.
a reusable flossing tool
Friendly Floss was created after the founder cut a plastic bag from around a pigeon’s neck. knowing that 1% of the world’s population that use single use floss picks (this is 29 billion pieces of plastic litter), this was created to use with biodegradable floss, using a pencil-light grip to gently fit in your mouth with your hand holding it. You also end up using less floss than using your fingers.
Beautifully crafted with no moving parts, you can clean this in a sink or dishwasher to use again. It all sounds a bit complicated to us non-techy people but the company has kindly offered a 15-second video that makes it much easier to understand! It’s made from metal so take care not to bang it against your teeth (it’s important to use the correct floss, to avoid forcing it through contact points between our teeth).
travel-friendly eco floss picks
These eco floss picks are ideal alternatives to plastic ones. Useful for people who get food stuck between their teeth after eating, these are made from biodegradable cornstarch and sold in plastic-free packaging, with 5% of every sale going to a charity providing free dental care worldwide.
hate flossing? try a water flosser
People who can’t get on with floss may be best with a one-time purchase of a water flosser. This removes 99.9% of plaque and is better for braces and people whose teeth are very close together. It has 3 flossing modes to suit all conditions and comes with 7 nozzles and a travel bag. Recommended by dentists, just fill the reservoir with warm water, place the tip in your mouth and start ‘flossing’. It’s waterproof so can even be used in the shower, and is sold with a USB cable and rechargeable lithium battery.