Sustainable Flossing
Zero Waste Bathroom
April 25, 2017 | Kathryn Kellogg
Last Updated on July 12, 2022
Sustainable flossing is super important, not only for your teeth but our environment too! Your teeth and gums will be healthier with regular flossing, so using a sustainable flosser is a must.
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sustainable flossing
Let’s talk about flossing. Flossing is important. Gum health is important. Taking care of your teeth and your health is super important!That’s why I went on a personal mission to find a sustainable flossing method for me!
Regular floss is typically plastic. Beyond just being plastic, it’s toxic. It’s coated with PFC’s which is a chemical that’s found in teflon.
The PFC’s are added to make the floss glide better.PFC has been linked to thyroid disease, dementia, cancer, fertility issues, and birth defects. You can read more about the study here.
When you floss, your gums might bleed. As you can imagine, the PFC’s have pretty much immediate access to your blood stream. So, let’s look at some better options.
First of all, a slew of studies have come out showing that flossing isn’t really necessary. You can read more about that here. I think flossing is important, but I don’t think it’s the MOST important.
I think it’s most important to have a consistent routine down. Here’s a glance into my oral care routine which includes tooth powder, a sustainable flosser, and mouthwash. Healthy teeth are a vital part of well-being.
tooth powder:
I personally brush twice a day with this toothpowder. I worked on that recipe with a dentist to make sure that I wasn’t going to harm my teeth. The last thing I want is to ruin my enamel.Honestly, pairing it with using my reusable floss pick has been a game changer for me.
portable water pik:
Then I use my portable water pik every other day. I LOVE my reusable flosser water pik.I have a cordless one which makes it a breeze to use in the shower. My dentist personally recommends water piking over flossing. (Keep in mind, your dentist may have a different opinion and that’s okay!!!!!!)
A water pik is an electronic reusable floss pick with water. It uses a powerful jet stream, much like you receive at the dentist. The one I have has a setting that alternates between air and water.
As a bonus, if you have any dental hardware, having a portable water pik is amazing! I have a bar on my bottom teeth from when I had my braces removed, and haven’t been able to successfully clean it until the reusable flosser water pik came along.
sustainable flossing:
Once or twice a week I still use dental floss, because I personally don’t think you can be too careful. Thankfully, there are a lot of options for plastic and PFC free floss.
Eco dent makes a vegan brand, but the floss does come in a small plastic pack which is a bummer. Radius offers a silk version, but it has the same plastic pack.
I’ve heard some people use strings from an old piece of silk to floss. That sounds like a great plastic-free method, but it seems like a little too much work for me. Flossing is already a chore — another reason why I like water piking… it’s almost, dare I say it, kind of fun!
But, this completely plastic-free floss takes the cake. The refills come in cellulose which is compostable. No more plastic packaging. Just the way I like it! Plus the floss container is actually pretty.
mouthwash:
Last, but not least, I use homemade mouthwash regularly.In fact, this study found that mouthwash delivers better results than conventional flossing. Albeit, I’m still a firm believer in using a little bit of everything for the most successful results.I like to pair the mouthwash with my reusable flosser, floss, and toothpowder for a super clean mouth.
This mouthwash is super soothing and is amazing at freshening your breath. You should just read the study about how AMAZING aloe vera is for your gums.
I think aloe vera can cure pretty much anything. It’s definitely one of nature’s miracles.
What does your zero waste/plastic free oral care routine look like?
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