Updated in September of 2026
Environmentally friendly dentistry is always a plus. This includes in-office dental care, products used, and at-home oral hygiene tools. We applaud your efforts any time you can make better choices for the planet.
Typically, dental floss is made from waxy resin string. This is not great for the environment, and these long strings can take decades to decompose. Fortunately, modern flossing is more sustainable with the right tools.
Examples of more sustainable floss include:
- Water flossers
- Sustainable packaging
- Flossing picks (shorter strings)
There are also zero-waste flosses approved by the American Dental Association (ADA)!
Which Dental Floss Brands Are Known for Sustainable Practices?
A few brands stand out for making floss that is better for the planet. Dental Lace offers compostable silk floss in a refillable glass container, so you only need to buy the floss refill once you run out. Georganics uses a similar refillable glass jar and packages its floss in a compostable kraft box.
If you want a brand with ADA-backed proof it works, Tom's of Maine makes a naturally waxed floss that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance, so you get sustainability and clinical testing in one product. Quip also offers a refillable floss string with the ADA Seal, packaged in a dispenser you keep for years instead of throwing away.
For a compostable option from a familiar drugstore name, Plackers makes an EcoChoice line of flossers that break down in a home compost bin within about 26 weeks.
As always, check with your Centennial dentist before switching, especially if a brand does not carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
More Sustainable Practices in Dental Care
The ADA lists 80 ways to make a dental practice greener, and we implement many of them in our dental office, including but not limited to:
- Digital Imaging
- Digital Records
- Online Bill Paying
- Non-Toxic Restoration Materials
How You Can Make Your Oral Hygiene Sessions More Eco-Friendly
Whenever possible, choose sustainable or recycled packaging for floss, toothpaste, and rinses. Also, consider a water flosser instead of disposable floss.
According to Healthline, Colgate Swish Mouthwash is the most sustainable rinse available.
You might also consider a bamboo toothbrush, provided it carries the ADA's seal of approval. Bamboo is biodegradable.
Finally, remember the small things you can do every day.
- Never leave the water running throughout your oral hygiene session.
- When you finish rinsing your mouth, turn the water off immediately.
- Turn off the bathroom light when you’re done brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Is It Time for Your Next Checkup and Dental Cleaning?
Regular dental care is vital to your ongoing oral health. If it’s time for your next checkup and teeth cleaning or if you have questions for our team—environmental or otherwise—contact us today at (303) 795-0066.
Ask about our current dental specials! We accept financing through CareCredit.