Revolutionizing Dental Care: How Slate’s Electric Flosser Is Changing Our Oral Health Habits
In a world where technology continually transforms our daily routines, oral hygiene hasn’t been left behind. Brynn MacLennan, co-founder and CEO of Slate, has introduced an innovative electric flosser that’s packaged like an iPhone—but for your teeth. The sleek device emerged from a common problem: despite dentists and hygienists consistently emphasizing the importance of flossing, most people either avoid it entirely or do it incorrectly. “You’re not alone,” MacLennan reassures those who struggle with this dental habit. As a product designer partnered with her co-founder and ex-husband Danny Snyder, a dentist with an inventor’s mindset, MacLennan set out to revolutionize the flossing experience. Their journey began in 2019, securing a patent in 2020, launching a successful Kickstarter in 2021, and finally bringing their product to market in November 2022. The company’s growth has been impressive—generating $1 million in sales in 2023 and recently securing an additional $1.75 million in seed funding, building upon their previous $800,000 investment.
The validation process for Slate’s electric flosser was thorough and encouraging. They distributed 500 units to dental hygienists and 200 to dentists, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback—95% said they would recommend it to patients, while 74% considered it superior to existing tools for gum stimulation. “When I got that data, I was like, ‘OK we can invest our energy in this,'” MacLennan explained. Now running the startup independently while raising five children, she has focused on perfecting their unique offering. The device resembles an electric toothbrush in appearance and handling, similar to a Sonicare, but with a distinctive floss head that vibrates at three different speeds. What truly sets Slate apart are the patented “Gum Sweeps”—small triangular structures that function as interdental brushes. MacLennan proudly notes, “That’s what makes our product better than anything else.” These triangles are specifically designed to reach where the gums and teeth meet, using sonic vibrations to massage gums and disrupt plaque buildup in ways traditional flossing cannot achieve.
For someone accustomed to conventional string floss or pick-style flossers, the Slate electric flosser offers a noticeably different experience. It eliminates the awkward process of wrapping string around fingers and provides a more comfortable sensation. Users can feel the Gum Sweeps working between teeth and along the gum line with a gentle vibration that doesn’t cause the pain or bleeding sometimes associated with traditional flossing methods. The design includes thoughtful features beyond just the primary flossing function—the reverse side of the floss head doubles as a tongue scraper to remove additional bacteria, appealing to younger users who have embraced this practice through social media influence. Slate recommends changing the floss heads weekly, and they’re available in various colors to add a personalized touch to the experience.
Professional dental opinions on the device provide important context for its effectiveness. Kendra Cedana, a dental hygienist with four years of experience, acknowledged the device’s appeal, noting that its “cool” factor might encourage better oral hygiene habits among those who typically avoid flossing. However, after testing the product, she observed that while “the vibration is stimulating the gum,” users still need to actively work to remove plaque. Demonstrating traditional flossing technique involving six distinct movements to clean tooth sides and below the gum line, Cedana concluded that “manual, traditional flossing is going to be more effective.” Nevertheless, she conceded that the Slate flosser is “better than nothing” since it reaches the critical contact points between teeth where cavities often begin. This professional assessment highlights the ongoing balance between innovation and established dental practices.
Looking toward future developments, MacLennan envisions expanding Slate’s capabilities beyond hardware. She’s interested in incorporating software functions that would allow the flosser to communicate with popular wearable technology like Apple Watches or Oura Rings, potentially tracking oral hygiene habits alongside other health metrics. This integration would position the Slate flosser at the intersection of dental care and the growing field of health-monitoring technology. Currently, the Slate flosser retails for $119, with replacement packs of 20 floss heads priced at $25. Available through direct-to-consumer channels, Amazon, and select dental offices, the product represents a significant investment compared to traditional flossing options like the $10 three-pack of Oral-B Glide floss available at major retailers. MacLennan has indicated that prices may increase due to changing tariff policies under the Trump administration, reflecting the real-world economic challenges of manufacturing innovative health products globally.
Despite the price point and professional skepticism about whether it can fully replace traditional flossing techniques, Slate’s trajectory suggests a promising future. The company has manufacturing operations spanning China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, with plans to expand its retail presence through an upcoming partnership with a major retailer that MacLennan couldn’t yet disclose. What makes Slate’s story compelling is how it addresses a universal challenge—maintaining good oral hygiene—through thoughtful design and technology. While dental professionals may continue to advocate for traditional flossing methods, innovations like the Slate flosser offer alternatives that might encourage better habits among those who would otherwise neglect this crucial aspect of dental care. As MacLennan’s company continues to grow and evolve, it demonstrates how even the most mundane daily routines can be transformed through innovation, potentially improving health outcomes through better compliance with dental care recommendations.
