Dental Floss Types: What Actually Works

Dental Floss Types: What Actually Works

Marketing loves absolutes. Dentistry doesn’t. The real answer to “What floss is best?” is: the one you’ll use every day, with good technique. Still, materials matter for feel, grip, and sustainability. Here’s the straight talk breakdown.

  
Quick Decision Guide

  • Very tight contacts / snaggy fillings: go smoother (PTFE-like glide or a smooth plant-based alternative).
  • Normal or wider spaces / want more “scrub”: choose lightly textured (woven nylon, silk, or bamboo charcoal).
  • Sustainability priority: silk, corn-based PLA, bamboo charcoal, plastic-free or plant-based options. 

  
The Line-Up (Pros, Cons, Who It’s For)

Nylon (waxed/unwaxed)

  • Effectiveness: Proven at plaque removal; slight texture can “grab” debris.
  • Comfort: Solid all rounder; may shred in very tight gaps.
  • Eco: Petroleum plastic; not biodegradable.

Best for: Classic feel, wide availability, if sustainability isn’t your top filter. 
  
PTFE (“glide” style)

  • Effectiveness: Cleans well; ultra slick surface may need extra passes for stubborn plaque.
  • Comfort: Excellent for tight teeth; highly shred-resistant.
  • Eco/Health: PFAS-based; not biodegradable; growing consumer caution.

Best for: Pain-free entry in very tight contacts, if you accept the footprint. 

Silk (natural)

  • Effectiveness: Works as well as standard floss with gentle technique; soft, slightly textured.
  • Comfort: Kind to gums; can fray if forced through tight gaps.
  • Eco: Biodegradable/compostable.

Best for: Plastic-free priority and comfortable, natural feel. 
  
Corn-Based PLA (plant-based)

  • Effectiveness: Cleans well in typical spaces; lower tensile strength, be patient in tight areas.
  • Comfort: Smooth, soft glide; can snap if yanked.
  • Eco: Biodegradable under composting conditions; vegan; PFAS-free.

Best for: Vegan, low-plastic routine with a smooth feel. 
  
Bamboo Charcoal Fibre (plant-based)

  • Effectiveness: Strong, slightly textured; excellent plaque “lift”; black thread shows results (motivating).
  • Comfort: Robust without shredding; feels a touch “grippy” (in a good way) when used gently.
  • Eco: Biodegradable; plant-based; typically plastic-free packaging.

Best for: Performance + sustainability with satisfying “deep-clean” feel. 
  

What Matters More Than Material: Technique & Consistency


Even the “best” floss fails if you rush it. Use the C-shape technique, fresh sections per tooth, and floss daily. Add interdental brushes or a water flosser for wider spaces or orthodontics. Consistency wins. 
 

Sustainability Without the Greenwash

  • Skip PTFE/PFAS and standard nylon if you’re cutting plastic.
  • Choose silk, Corn-Based PLA, or bamboo charcoal to reduce long-lived waste (composting feasibility varies by locale).
  • Never flush floss; use household rubbish unless your council supports suitable organics processing. 

Crescent Nest Picks 

 

Choose the feel you’ll actually use every day, and keep your routine greener without sacrificing the clean.

Back to blog

Explore The Range