I'm bad at flossing. This electric flosser helped me build a daily habit I hope my dentist will approve of

CNN

16-07-2025

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I don't floss my teeth as much as I should. I've written several oral care stories for CNN Underscored and talked to enough dentists to know that flossing should be a daily part of my oral health routine. Still, for some reason, it's the last thing I want to do at the end of a long day — and I know I'm not the only one who feels that way.
Several of my coworkers have raved — and even written reviews — about how electric flossers have helped them maintain a better daily flossing habit. So, when I came across the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser, I figured it was time to get in on the action myself. Even though there is still room for improvement, after almost two months of use, the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser has become a key part of my oral care routine that helps my mouth feel cleaner in mere seconds.
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Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser
The Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser turns the daily chore of flossing into a quick and easy task that anyone can do. The ergonomic design is lightweight, easy to store and lets me clean all my teeth in just about a minute. It's not a total replacement for traditional floss, but I reach for it much more often to help keep my smile bright and clear of debris. It's simple to use
Straight out of the box, I found the Slate Flosser to be an intuitive device to use. Similar to an electric toothbrush, both in size and shape, the Slate Flosser has one button on the base that powers the device on and off. Pressing and holding the button will cause the flosser to alternate between its three sonic vibration settings: gentle, standard and deep clean. I mostly used the standard setting to clean my teeth. If you've flossed on one setting for longer than 10 seconds, the Slate Flosser will automatically start on that setting the next time you turn it on. The only other feature on the handle is a battery light, which will change from blue to red to indicate the flosser needs to be charged.
Aside from the base handle, the only other component on the flosser is the floss head. Each Slate device comes with five reusable floss heads, which — like standard floss — fit between the teeth to help remove debris. There's only a small amount of floss on each head, but I found it was enough to clean all my teeth. Just keep in mind you'll have to rinse some gunk from the head as you move from tooth to tooth. The overall sleek design is comfortable to hold at any angle and the simple layout makes the flosser accessible for all ages to use.
It's easier and faster than standard flossing
I'm fully capable of flossing with traditional thread, I just find it more difficult than it needs to be. While some of my teeth are easy to clean, years of braces and dental work have left my teeth tight and hard to floss between. I can never get my hands to fit comfortably enough in my mouth to get the correct flossing angles (especially if I happen to be rocking some press-on nails) and find it hard to reach my upper and lower molars where food tends to settle the most. I've tried in the past to pursue a daily flossing habit but would normally get fed up with the process after a day or two.
The Slate Flosser melted much of that frustration away. The Slate's long handle and small head made it easy to reach between every single tooth, no matter how far back, and saved me from unhygienically shoving my fingers into my mouth. In order to prevent putting excess force on the gums, Slate recommends using its rolling and sliding technique to guide the floss head between the teeth. It took me a few tries to find the perfect angle, and I still have to be mindful of the technique each time I floss, but it's easy enough for anyone to pick up. My gums did bleed a little during the first week of use, but this was more the fault of my previous flossing negligence than the Slate device.
After a few days, I was able to expertly floss all my teeth in just about a minute with no bleeding, strange face contortions or discomfort. Above all, I actually enjoyed flossing my teeth with the Slate Flosser; my mouth felt cleaner and it took minimal effort to do each night. I even had to part with my flosser for a few days so our photo editor could take pictures of it for this story and I found myself genuinely missing it while it was gone.
Though there are other similarly priced electric flossers on the market, like the Flaus, Slate claims to be the only 3-in-1 model. In addition to flossing between your teeth, each floss head is also designed with patent-pending gum sweeps for a deeper clean and a tongue scraper for freshening breath. While nice to have, I didn't find these to be revolutionary features. The tongue scraper itself is pretty small and I had to rinse it off after every one or two swipes. It took longer to clean my tongue using Slate's scraper than it typically does with my standalone tongue cleaner. While you're using the tongue scraper, the floss head is also turned upright, and if you, like me, have a small mouth, the floss head will feel close to scraping the roof of your mouth and teeth. The tongue scraper still gets the job done effectively, but it's less efficient than other options.
It doesn't need to be charged often
Slate says its flosser can hold a charge for a month, and during my testing, I was impressed with its long battery life. I've been using the flosser for over two months and haven't had to charge it since I initially set it up — granted, I haven't always used the flosser every single day.
The Slate flosser comes with its own special charging cable. One end is compatible with any USB-C port, while the other is a unique magnetic attachment designed specifically for the flosser. This means that if you lose or misplace the included charger from your kit, you'll have to grab a replacement cord from Slate.
In a world where seemingly everything needs to be charged now — from phones, headphones and e-readers to oral care devices — it's nice to be able to use something daily but only worry about charging it every few weeks. The long battery life also means that I can store the flosser in my bathroom cabinet and don't have to find a spot on my small counter to place a permanent charging dock.
It has a compact design
On top of the Slate Flosser being sleek and simple to navigate, the low-profile design also fits easily into my bathroom cabinet. For me, one of the main deterrents of gadgets like water flossers and high-end electric toothbrushes is that some require dedicated counter space, either to support their charging docks and water tanks or because they're too bulky to fit in a bathroom cabinet. In my small New York City apartment bathroom, counter space is prized real estate and only the most essential items are worthy of winning a spot.
Because the Slate Flosser has a long battery life, it doesn't need a dock and can be safely stored in my cabinet when not in use. Slate's flosser is also lightweight at just 66 grams, which allows me to clean every nook comfortably with one hand. It's about the same size as my electric toothbrush, and though it doesn't fold down, it can still fit in a cosmetics case if you want to take it on the go for travel.
It's pricey
The major pain point of the Slate flosser and other electric flossers is that they're not cheap. The device alone costs around $120, plus an extra $60 each year for replacement floss heads. When a standard two-pack of regular floss costs less than $6, it's hard to justify spending so much more to complete the same job. Since the floss heads are plastic, you're also generating more waste than you would be with a biodegradable floss, though it's still less trash than if you were using plastic floss picks daily and Slate does offer a recycling program for its floss heads.
It's hard to argue the case for getting an electric flosser from a pure numbers standpoint. Still, if I walked into my bathroom right now, I could pull out the exact two-pack of manual floss I just mentioned, which has been sitting in my bathroom cabinet, virtually unused, for the past several months. The truth is, even though manual floss is cheap and effective, it's not quick and easy to use. When I'm doing my oral hygiene routine late at night and feeling tired, I'm much more likely to pick up the Slate flosser for a speedy cleaning than to make a half-hearted attempt at manually flossing.
Maybe I'm just lazy, but the Slate flosser has helped bolster a flossing habit in my routine more effectively than years of using manual floss ever did. It will cost you a chunk of change, but if you're looking to invest in your oral health and finally honestly tell your dentist that you do some sort of flossing daily, the Slate flosser might be a worthwhile tool to consider adding to your lineup.
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It's not a complete flossing fix
Even though the Slate flosser was designed by a dentist, I still wanted to consult an independent source for insight. I was curious if an electric flosser, like Slate's, could totally replace the need for any kind of manual flossing. It turns out, they can't.
Though electric flossers combine vibration and flossing to help clear debris, orthodontist and founder of Boca Orthodontic and Whitening Studio Dr. Erin Fraundorf said they're not as effective at cleaning the teeth and gums as traditional manual floss or water flossers. 'Similar to floss picks, they are convenient and better than doing nothing but do not replace the benefits of string floss,' Fraundorf said. She added that there is currently very limited independent research on the effectiveness of electric flossers at removing plaque.
According to Fraundorf, traditional string floss is still the best method for removing debris between teeth and below the gumline since it can scrape along the natural contours of the tooth surface to effectively disrupt plaque.
Water flossers are also popular among those looking for easier and quicker ways to clean, but they still are not a replacement for regular floss. 'Water flossers are excellent options, especially for individuals with braces, implants, crowns or periodontal concerns,' Fraundorf said. 'They flush out food particles and reduce gingival inflammation with a stream of water; however, they do not physically scrape the tooth surface and do not remove sticky plaque as well as manual string floss [does].'
Fraundorf added that water and electric flossers can be great, optional add-ons to your regular oral care ritual, but they are not altogether replacements for manual flossing. But if you have trouble holding regular floss with both hands due to mobility issues, the Slate flosser can be a good alternative since you only need one hand to effectively maneuver it.
I won't lie to you: I'm still not an everyday flosser. But I'm significantly more consistent now that I have the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser in my oral care arsenal. This device makes flossing fast and easy, leaving my mouth feeling cleaner and free from deeply lodged debris.
Between the initial purchase and the cost of replacement heads, the Slate flosser isn't cheap. The dentist I spoke to also recommends that in addition to using the Slate flosser, you should use manual floss for the most optimal clean, which is why I still keep a few packs of manual floss on hand.
If you're skilled at flossing regularly or already own a flossing aid like a water flosser, you don't need to run to grab Slate's device. I'd recommend the Slate flosser to those who want a debris-free smile and better oral health but who struggle to keep up with daily flossing. It's not a necessity by any means, but I've found the Slate flosser to be an excellent tool for encouraging more consistent oral habits in my routine.
The following FAQs have been answered by orthodontist Dr. Erin Fraundorf and include reporting by associate editor Jillian Tracy.
Are electric flossers safe to use?
Are electric flossers safe to use?
Fraundorf said electric flossers, like Slate's device, are safe to use as long as you use them as directed. Like manual floss, there is a proper technique to use when cleaning with an electric flosser. 'Simply vibrating the floss between teeth won't achieve optimal results,' Fraundorf said. 'Contouring to the tooth surface and gently moving under the gumline is still crucial.'
Instead of forcing the floss head straight down into your teeth, Slate recommends using its 'rolling' method for cleaning. Insert the floss head at an angle between your teeth and roll it into the gap, moving toward the inside of your mouth. Then, once fully in, slide the head back toward your lips and roll it outward from your teeth to release. You'll repeat this process to floss each tooth.
Are there any potential risks in using the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser?
Are there any potential risks in using the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser?
Using any kind of flosser — whether electric or manual — with excessive pressure, incorrect angles or poor technique can irritate or traumatize the gums, which Fraundorf said can lead to gum recession and in some cases even enamel abrasion over time. 'While these kinds of tools are safe overall, it's important to understand their limitations and receive proper instruction to avoid injury and ensure effectiveness,' she said.
Fraundorf added that the soft, flexible materials and gentle vibration settings on the Slate flosser help to clean between teeth and along the gumline without damaging tissue. She also noted that the woven flossing heads also help to decrease the risk of cutting the gum or harming enamel.
How long is the battery life for the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser?
How long is the battery life for the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser?
Slate says its flosser can hold a charge for a month. I've been testing the Slate Flosser for about two months and haven't had to recharge since I initially set up the device. Granted, I haven't been using the flosser every single day.
How many heads does the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser come with?
How many heads does the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser come with?
The Slate flosser comes with five reusable floss heads, one of which is preinstalled on the device. Each floss head is made of woven floss for extra durability, and Slate recommends replacing the head weekly for best results. To remove the head, hold the flosser handle and press the floss head down onto a hard surface until the head pops free. You can add a new head by simply popping one into the back slot of the flosser, making sure that the triangle-shaped logos on the inside of the head and on the body of the flosser are both facing up.
In addition to standard thickness floss, the brand also carries thin floss heads for those with tighter teeth and orthodontic floss heads that are designed to floss between braces. You can buy separate packs of replacement floss heads for $20, which come with a four- to five-month supply of 20 floss heads.
Does the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser include a tongue scraper?
Does the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser include a tongue scraper?
Yes, each reusable head for the Slate Flosser has a built-in tongue scraper on the back.
For this article, we consulted the following expert for their professional insight.
Dr. Erin Fraundorf, orthodontist and founder of Boca Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in St. Louis, Missouri
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy tested the Slate Rechargeable Electric Flosser in her at-home oral care routine.