Corn floss, yeah... that stuff basically dissolves if you even look at it funny. Tight teeth are a real test for any floss, let alone the eco-friendly ones. I’ve seen patients nearly invent new curse words trying to get some of those plant-based flosses out. Cocofloss seems to be the MVP for a lot of folks—thicker, but still slides through. If anyone ever cracks the code on a sturdy, compostable floss, I’m first in line. Until then, I just tell people: whatever keeps your gums happy and doesn’t leave you wrestling with string, go with that.
Cocofloss gets a lot of hype, but honestly, I just can’t get it between my teeth without feeling like I’m about to break something. My ortho wires make everything trickier, and the last time I tried a thicker floss, it got stuck halfway and I panicked a bit... had to use tweezers to get it out. I know thin floss isn’t great for the planet, but after that little fiasco, I’m sticking with what doesn’t leave me sweating over the sink. Maybe I’ll work up the nerve to try a new one eventually, but for now, “eco” has to wait till after braces.
I totally get where you’re coming from—thicker floss and braces just don’t mix. I tried to save a few bucks with some “eco” silk floss last year, and it shredded instantly on my brackets. After that, I went back to the cheap, super-slick stuff. Not ideal for the planet, but honestly, dental drama is expensive enough without adding more hassle. Maybe after braces come off, I’ll experiment again...
- I’ve been trying to figure this out for months. Braces plus eco-floss just doesn’t seem to work for me either.
-
Same! I bought a bamboo fiber floss (it came in a cute glass jar) and it basically disintegrated after the first bracket. Kind of felt like I was flossing with wet thread.“I tried to save a few bucks with some ‘eco’ silk floss last year, and it shredded instantly on my brackets.”
- Tried a few of those “compostable” picks too. They’re supposed to be better for the environment, but they snap so easily. Ended up using three or four per session, which felt pretty wasteful.
- My orthodontist suggested those super-thin plastic threaders. Not great for the planet, but they actually get between wires and teeth without getting stuck.
- I’ve looked into water flossers, but they’re expensive and I’m not sure if they’re much greener (all that plastic and electricity?).
- I sometimes wonder if the eco options are more practical for people without braces or permanent retainers. For now, I’m just trying to use less floss overall and brush more thoroughly.
- Once my braces are off, I might try silk or bamboo again. But right now, I just want to avoid the “dental drama” you mentioned—already spent enough time in the chair this year.
- If anyone’s found an eco floss that actually works with brackets, I’d be interested... but honestly, I’m skeptical at this point.