Top 8 Best Dental Floss Review 2023
Dentist Tested and Reviewed
Did you know dental floss was created in 1815 by Dr. Levi Spear Parmly, a New Orleans dentist who began advising his patients to use a waxed silk thread to clean between their teeth?
The ADA recommends flossing daily to minimize bacteria and maintain oral health. It’s an easy and beneficial habit, so why do so many people neglect to floss?
It could be because it’s tedious and time-consuming, but flossing is essential to clean away plaque lodged between your teeth.
A few minutes will make a big difference in your oral health but what’s the best dental floss?
Buying Guide
- Best Overall: Burst Charcoal Expanding Floss (Code: UF4JEC)
- Best Waxed: Listerine Ultraclean Floss (formerly Reach)
- Best Tight Contacts: Oral-B Complete Satin Floss
- Best Glide: Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Floss
- Best Plaque Removal: GUM Expanding Floss
- Best All-Natural: Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss
- Best Ribbon: Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque Floss
- Best Woven: Cocofloss Coconut-Oil Infused Woven Floss
Flossing Tips
- Commit to flossing once or twice a week
- Slowly increase to every day
- Find a consistent time (morning, night, shower, watching TV)
- Hug each tooth with a “C” shape
- Sweep above and below the gumline
- Take your time removing plaque
- Healthy gums don’t bleed, so the more your floss, the less they’ll bleed
Evaluation Criteria
We highlight each product’s unique, advertised benefits, identify their pros and cons and score each from 1 to 5 based on five categories. The floss with the highest score is crowned the overall champion; however, we’ll also give suggested patient benefits for each product.
Prices listed are subject to change and discussed in each review, however they were not considered within the scoring criteria.
- Effectiveness: How effective is the floss at removing the plaque between the teeth? Was it all removed? Was it visible on the floss to verify removal?
- Durability: Durability: How effective was the floss at staying in one piece upon completion? Did it shred? Did strands get stuck in the tester’s teeth? Did it begin to fray?
- Comfort: Each floss has a different feel when wrapped around your fingers. How did the floss interact with the gum tissue? Did it cut the gums?
- Contacts: One of the most common complaints with dental floss is how difficult it can be sliding it between your teeth. Did it painfully snap into our gums? Did it slide through like butter?
- Quality: Product quality was judged based on dispenser design, trimming effectiveness and durability of container. Is it refillable? Did the container crack open when trying to cut the floss?
Related Reviews
- Best Floss Picks Review 2023
- Best Water Flosser Review 2023
- Best Whitening Toothpaste Review 2023
- Best Sensitive Gums Mouthwash Review 2023
1. Burst Charcoal Expanding Floss (Best Overall)
Receive 30-45% off all products if you use the code UF4JEC at checkout!
BURST charcoal expanding floss has only been around for a few years, but it’s making waves in the dental community. BURST products are cutting edge, high quality, and their subscription model is efficient for product delivery.
Check out the other products from BURST, including their electric toothbrush, toothpaste, whitening strips, kid’s electric toothbrush, and water flosser.
Highlights
- Eco-friendly reusable and refillable floss case
- Subscription model
- Saliva expands floss for a greater surface area
- Charcoal-coated is absorptive and antimicrobial
- Black floss allows you to see what you clean
- Removes up to 85% of plaque
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Durability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Contacts: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Quality: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 23/25
Best at removing plaque and is recommended for patients with large gaps
What we like
This floss is exceptional because it’s incredibly effective at cleaning away plaque, and black floss lets you see that it’s working. The mint/eucalyptus flavor is refreshing, and the case is sleek and easy to handle. It’s the most robust case and has simple instructions on changing the replaceable floss bobbin. The subscription model lets you set it and forget it. They’ll deliver a new floss bobbin every three months to you in the mail. You can cancel the subscription or modify the frequency at any time. Also, you can feel the filament expand between your teeth; however, it’s slightly more challenging to pass between tight contacts. However, I’d still consider this a pro because of its superior cleanability.
What we don’t
It’s slightly more expensive than others; however, you get what you pay for, considering the durable, reusable, and refillable case. Also, the strands began to unweave slightly with three teeth left; however, not enough for the filaments to get stuck between the teeth.
2. Listerine Ultraclean Floss (Best Waxed)
Listerine floss is relatively new to the floss community. Formally Reach it's been redesigned and greatly improved.
The creator of Listerine, Dr. Joseph Lawrence, named the formulation after Dr. Baron Lister, an English surgeon who performed the first operation in a sterilized chamber disinfected with pulverized antiseptic. Dr. Lawrence created his formulation to kill germs in tissues like your mouth. In case you were wondering, the product has no Listerine mouthwash ingredients.
Highlights
- Removes 2x more plaque than Oral-B Glide Floss
- Stretches to slide between teeth easily
- Patented micro-grooves to remove more plaque
- Flexes so soft filament is gentle on gums and comfortable to grip
- Shred-resistant ribbed surface
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Durability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Contacts: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Quality: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Total: 21/25
Best for patients with tight contacts or dental work that snags floss
What we like
As soon as you tear a piece off, you realize something is different in a good way. It’s incredibly light and comfortable in your hands. It stretches and feels almost like an elastic band. You can feel tiny grooves on it that help wick away plaque. It easily snapped in and out, and there was no shred or thinning. It’s incredibly durable and makes flossing enjoyable. The mint flavor was subtle and refreshing. Lastly, $2.50 for 30 yards is highly reasonable.
What we don’t
I was less than impressed by how it removed little plaque. Also, the filament is fragile compared to other competitors, so if you have large gaps between teeth, Burst, Dr. Tung’s, or Cocofloss would be a better option.
3. Oral-B Complete Satin Floss (Best Tight Contacts)
Satin Floss was produced to provide a more comfortable flossing experience.
Oral-B also has a satin tape floss that’s thicker and more comfortable around the gum tissue. Their floss lineup includes Glide, Pro-Health, Essential (cavity defense), Charcoal, 3D white, Scope, and Super Floss. With this selection, you’re guaranteed to find a product that fits your needs.
Highlights
- Satin-like texture for comfort
- Gentle around the gum tissue
- Comfortable to grip between fingers
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭒⭒⭒⭒
Durability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Contacts: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Quality: ⭑⭑⭒⭒⭒
Total: 14/25
Best for patients with extremely tight contact
What we like
This floss was by far the easiest to slide between teeth. The filament is fragile and comfortable to wrap around your fingers. There was no shred but the slight flattening of the floss toward the end. It was easy to grip the floss and maneuver it around the teeth. Lastly, the price point is reasonable compared to competitors.
What we don’t
Unfortunately, this floss removed the least amount of plaque. The floss is extremely thin, and there’s minimal surface area for the plaque to adhere. Also, it seemed to cut my gums as I took it below the gum line and wrapped it around each tooth. This could be a user error not being familiar with how easily it can snap between the contacts of the teeth. Finally, the case would snap open each time I tore off a piece.
4. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Floss (Best Glide)
Oral-B Glide is popular and well-known because of its ability to “glide” effortlessly between teeth.
As we mentioned previously, Oral-B has many other floss products that can fit your needs. Unfortunately, within the past few years, Oral-B has been identified in a study that found higher amounts of the toxic chemical PFAS associated with Glide Floss.
Highlights
- Slides 50% more easily compared to competitors
- Variations include Original, Pro-Health, Comfort Plus and 3D White
- Light coating of natural wax
- Shred resistant
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭒⭒⭒
Durability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Contacts: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Quality: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Total: 18/25
Best for patients with tight contacts and dental work that snags floss
What we like
Glide Floss is exceptional at “gliding” between teeth. It has a flat ribbon design and is slightly thicker than the Oral-B Satin Floss. The price point is reasonable compared to competitors. The floss we tested had no flavoring; however, it’s excellent that Oral-B has different variations, as mentioned above, including their 3D White. The floss was comfortable between the teeth and didn’t cut or irritate the gum tissue.
What we don’t
Although the floss is ribbon-shaped, the plaque removal was minimal. It seems to have enough surface area; however, it’s missing texture on the ribbon to grab away the plaque. The floss case is flimsy and snapped open a few times when tearing the floss. Lastly, the floss was easy to grip, however tight and uncomfortable, when wrapped around the fingers.
5. GUM Expanding Floss (Best Plaque Removal)
GUM Expanding Floss is unique because when it's pulled tightly, it becomes thin to pass between the teeth easily.
However, when tension is released, it expands to wick away plaque. This is great for patients with larger spaces between their teeth to provide a more thorough clean.
GUM has other floss products, including ButlerWeave, EEZ-Thru, and Fine Floss. However, GUM is most well known for its soft picks that are similar to a toothpick.
Highlights
- Initially flat for easy access between teeth
- Variations include Expanding, ButlerWeave, EEZ-Thru and Fine Floss
- Expands when tension is released between teeth
- Gently cleans and removes plaque between wide spaces
- No flavoring
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Durability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭒⭒⭒
Contacts: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Quality: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 19/25
Best for patients with large gaps and vast spaces to remove plaque
What we like
This floss held up nicely and didn’t shred. Towards the end, the individual fibers began to separate but not enough to get snagged or stuck between the teeth. There are a variety of product variations, and the floss case is high quality. It was comfortable to wrap around fingers and easy to pass through contacts. Plaque removal was average compared to competitors; sometimes, the plaque would be left when we tightened the floss to remove it.
What we don’t
Although it expands with little tension, it repeatedly cuts my gums because of how thin the fibers become. It’s a little more challenging to pass than Glide but still effective. Also, the price point of $0.05/ft is slightly higher than the average floss.
6. Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss (Best All-Natural)
Dr. Tung’s developed the first commercially available tongue cleaner in 1997.
They believe in creating nature-based oral care products while striving to leave the smallest environmental footprint. They’re also committed to recyclable and biodegradable materials while using natural ingredients. Finally, they’re a cruelty-free company with strong ethical values. Along with this product, they also have an Activated Charcoal Floss.
Highlights
- Natural cardamom flavor
- Free of PTFE and PFAS
- Removes up to 55% more plaque
- Expands between teeth for more surface cleaning
- Soft and comfortable floss material
- Natural plant and bees wax coating
- Eco-friendly product and packaging
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Durability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Contacts: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Quality: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 23/25
Best for patients that value natural ingredients and have sensitive gums
What we like
This floss was very comfortable around the fingers and between the teeth. There was no shred, and plaque removal was excellent. The container has a very sturdy and functional design. The natural cardamom flavor was enjoyable and different than your typical mint flavoring. I was also pleased with its ability to slide through the contacts, considering its thickness compared to other products. Lastly, their company mission is impactful, and it’s great that they use natural ingredients.
What we don’t
Plaque removal was excellent; however, I wish the floss was a different color to show the plaque removed. Also, the price point is high compared to others.
7. Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque Floss (Best Ribbon)
Tom’s of Maine was founded in 1970 by a husband and wife who discovered the benefits of natural, unprocessed foods.
They soon created their natural personal care products. Laundry detergent and soap were their first products; however, toothpaste followed soon after. Today, they have several natural products, including their Antiplaque Floss.
Highlights
- Naturally waxed flat floss
- Easy glide and gentle action
- No animal Testing
- Nylon filament prevents snapping and fraying
- No artificial colors, flavors, fragrances or preservatives
- Eco-friendly product and packaging
- Sustainable practices
- 5% of employee time to volunteering
- 10% of profits to human and environmental goodness
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Durability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Contacts: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Quality: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 22/25
Best for patients who value natural ingredients, wide spaces and dental work that snags
What we like
This floss was effective at plaque removal and was comfortable around fingers. There was no irritation with the gum tissue between the teeth. The packaging is sturdy and well-designed. Also, the price point is acceptable compared to other competitors. The tan coloring allowed you to verify plaque removal, and the plaque seemed to adhere nicely to the floss. Tom’s mission is compelling, and natural ingredients benefit your overall health.
What we don’t
The floss was challenging to pass between teeth, and it doesn’t expand when tension is released, as some competitors do. Also, I wasn’t pleased with the flavoring as it was earthy and not as refreshing as others.
8. Cocofloss Coconut-Oil Infused Dental Floss (Best Woven)
A dentist created Cocofloss to help her patients fight cavities.
After a 21-day patient study, Dr. Cu and her sister discovered that people desired to floss but needed a better product to keep them motivated. Cocofloss is manufactured at a family-run factory in Italy.
They offer many fun flavors, including orange, strawberry, mint, and pineapple. Also, they have a subscription service, so you never have to worry about being floss-less.
Highlights
- Textured weave of 500+ filaments
- Expands between teeth to remove plaque
- Dentist-designed
- It contains coconut oil, a natural antimicrobial
- Eco-friendly packaging made from recycled water bottles
- Subscription model available
- Many flavor options are available
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Durability: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Contacts: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Quality: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 22/25
Best for patients with lighter contacts who enjoy unique flavors
What we like
This product was highly effective at removing plaque between the teeth. The mint flavor was refreshing, and the floss held up nicely with minimal fraying. A notable feature on the back of the dispenser is that it has indicators that let you know how many more days of floss remain. They also have a subscription model if you don’t want to worry about going floss-less. The tropical flavors are unique and a fun motivator to encourage people to floss.
What we don’t
At times the floss was challenging to remove between the teeth. Although it can be annoying, it’s better to have a thicker, more cleansable floss versus one that leaves plaque behind. Lastly, there was slight tenderness when flossing below the gumline.
Overall Champion: Burst Charcoal Expanding Floss*
It came down to BURST Charcoal Expanding Floss and Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss, scoring an impressive 23/25.
Dr. Tung’s was slightly more comfortable; BURST had better plaque removal. Also, BURST charcoal color allows you to confirm plaque removal visibly, and they offer a subscription model, unlike Dr. Tung’s. Lastly, BURST floss is much cheaper than Dr. Tung’s, especially if you use code UF4JEC for 30-45% off.
Receive 30-45% off all products if you use the code UF4JEC at checkout!
BURST charcoal expanding floss has only been around for a few years, but it’s making waves in the dental community. BURST products are cutting edge, high quality, and their subscription model is efficient for product delivery.
Check out the other products from BURST, including their electric toothbrush, toothpaste, whitening strips, kid’s electric toothbrush, and water flosser.
Final Rankings
- Burst Charcoal Expanding Floss 23/25
- Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss 23/25
- Cocofloss Coconut-Oil Infused Woven Floss 22/25
- Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque Floss 22/25
- Listerine Ultraclean Floss 21/25
- GUM Expanding Floss 19/25
- Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Floss 18/25
- Oral-B Satin Floss 14/25
* My Dental Advocate product reviews are based on individual experience and your results with the products may vary.
Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!
